How Suits LA Is Different (and Similar) to Suits
New city, new lawyers, same swagger.
The Suits universe is expanding with NBC’s Suits LA, bringing a fresh take on the legal drama fans know and love. While the spinoff introduces a new setting, new characters, and a new legal focus, it also retains key elements that made the original series a hit.
Here’s how Suits LA stacks up against Suits – from major differences to the similarities that tie them together.
What sets Suits LA apart from Suits?
1. New Location
Unlike the Suits, which was rooted in the corporate power struggles of New York City, Suits LA shifts the action to sunny Los Angeles. This change not only alters the show’s aesthetic but also introduces a different cultural and professional landscape for legal battles.
2. New Characters
While Suits revolved around Harvey Spencer, Mike Ross, Jessica Pearson, and others, Suits LA welcomes an entirely new set of lawyers. The firm is led by Ted Black (Stephen Amell), who has connections to Harvey from his Manhattan days. The fresh ensemble, which includes Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins, and Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodson, brings new dynamics and rivalries to the forefront.
3. Focus on Entertainment Law
Where Suits focused on corporate law and high-powered business deals, Suits LA shifts gears to entertainment law. Expect cases involving Hollywood contracts, celebrity scandals, and studio disputes, adding a new layer of drama to the series.
4. A Different Lead
The dynamic between Harvey Spencer and Mike Ross was arguably the heart of Suits, but Suits LA revolves around Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor who now runs his own firm. His distinct background and leadership style will set him apart from Harvey, creating a fresh dynamic for audiences.
5. Distinct Power Struggles
The Suits firm had its fair share of internal drama, but Suits LA establishes a new company with its own unique culture, alliances, and rivalries. How Ted Black manages his team will be a key aspect of the show’s storytelling.
6. A Sunnier Aesthetic
New York’s sharp suits and high-stakes energy gave Suits its signature look. In contrast, Suits LA embraces the bright, sun-soaked vibe of Los Angeles, which could influence everything from office design to the characters’ approach to law.
7. New Legal Conflicts and Clientele
With entertainment law at its core, Suits LA features different types of legal challenges than its predecessor. One of the early cases involves a Hollywood actor who’s being accused of murder. The firm is also balancing a potential new client in a popular actress seeking legal representation.
What makes Suits LA similar to Suits?
1. Same Creative Team
One of the biggest connections between Suits and Suits LA is behind the scenes. The spinoff is spearheaded by Suits creator Aaron Korsh, ensuring that the sharp writing, clever dialogue, and high-powered legal posturing that defined the original series remain intact.
2. It Exists in the Suits Universe
Suits LA isn’t just a legal drama with a similar tone, it's part of the Suits universe. Fans can expect at least two familiar faces to appear: Harvey Spencer, played by Gabriel Macht, and Louis Litt, portrayed by Rick Hoffman, are set to make cameos on Suits LA, teasing deeper connections between the two shows.
Final Verdict
Suits LA balances fresh elements with the core aspects that made Suits so popular. It offers a unique take on the legal drama genre, while still maintaining the wit and energy Suits fans expect. Whether you’re a longtime Suits fan or a newcomer, Suits LA is ready to deliver the drama.
Catch Suits LA on Sundays at 9p ET/PT on NBC and stream it next day on Peacock.
