Suits L.A.'s Unique Narrative Sets It Apart in a Refreshing Way

The upcoming Suits spinoff, Suits L.A., offers a fresh new story that sets it apart from the original series. Suits, which received two People’s Choice Awards nominations, follows the journey of Mike Ross, a college dropout with a photographic memory who lands a job as a lawyer alongside the renowned Harvey Spectre. The series concluded after nine successful seasons, leaving fans wanting more. However, Suits made a triumphant return on Netflix in June 2023, dominating the charts for 12 weeks and setting new streaming records.

Following the overwhelming response to Suits on Netflix, rumors quickly spread about a potential spinoff. In October 2023, it was confirmed that Aaron Korsh is collaborating with NBCUniversal to develop a spinoff based on the beloved legal drama, this time set in a law firm in Los Angeles, California. While details about the storyline and characters of Suits L.A. are still limited, it is evident that the upcoming show will offer a fresh and unique plot that differs significantly from the original series.

Suits L.A. Will Be About An Entertainment Law Firm

Mike standing in court in Suits - Suits L.A. Will Be About An Entertainment Law Firm

One of the main differences between Suits L.A. and the original Suits is the type of law practiced by the law firms. In the original series, Pearson Spectre Litt focuses mainly on corporate law, with some litigation work. Corporate lawyers like Jessica Pearson and Louis Litt deal with laws related to companies, mergers, and acquisitions, while litigators like Harvey Spectre represent clients in court.

On the other hand, Black Lane Law in Suits L.A. specializes in entertainment law. Entertainment lawyers handle tasks such as negotiating contracts for entertainers, protecting copyrights and trademarks, and ensuring compliance with filming regulations. It remains to be seen which specific aspects of entertainment law Ted Black, Stuart Lane, and Erica Rollins will focus on, but they may cover various areas within this field, similar to how the original series approached corporate law.

Given that Suits often blended reality with fiction, it's possible that Suits L.A. will also incorporate entertainment-related litigation into the storyline, mirroring the original show's approach to legal practice.

By making Suits L.A. very different from the original series, the creative team is setting the show up for success.

There is a distinct separation between corporate law and entertainment law, leading to varied storylines and dialogue in Suits and Suits L.A. It is possible that the new series will explore criminal law, a specialty of Ted Black not previously covered in Suits. The only potential similarity could arise if Suits L.A. also incorporates litigation. In that scenario, court practices would remain similar, adapting to California state laws instead of New York's laws.

Suits L.A. Doesn’t Have A Gimmick Like Mike’s Photographic Memory (That We Know Of)

Mike in Prison in Suits Season 6 - Suits L.A. Doesn’t Have A Gimmick Like Mike’s Photographic Memory (That We Know Of)

At the current moment, only three characters have been revealed for Suits L.A. The lead character Ted Black, portrayed by Stephen Amell, is known for his charm and background as a former New York prosecutor. Stuart Lane, played by Josh McDermitt, is depicted as strong-willed, focused, and somewhat self-centered. Erica Rollins, portrayed by Lex Scott Davis, is portrayed as savvy and ambitious. Unlike Suits, none of these characters seem to have a standout gimmick like Mike's photographic memory.

In Suits, Mike's photographic memory is a key plot point, but it often comes across as a contrived way to solve problems. Using his photographic memory to get out of tough situations feels like a shortcut rather than a well-developed character trait. It's refreshing to hear that Suits L.A. may take a different approach to crafting its central conflict and storyline.

Stephen Amell is best known for playing Oliver Queen in DC's Arrow and Jack Spade in Heels .

Why Suits’ Spinoff Series Should Be As Different As Possible From The Original

Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen Wearing a Suit in Arrow Season 1 - Why Suits’ Spinoff Series Should Be As Different As Possible From The Original

The Suits spinoff, Suits L.A., should differentiate itself from the original series. If it were to replicate everything from the original, it would beg the question of why they didn't just continue with Suits season 10. Additionally, the newer series would probably face challenges with constant comparisons to characters and plotlines from the original show.

The creative team behind Suits L.A. has made sure to create a series that stands out from its predecessor. Each character will have their own unique personality and storyline, making Black Lane Law feel distinct and separate from Pearson Spectre Litt. This fresh approach allows Suits L.A. to attract the original show's dedicated fans while offering a new and exciting storyline.

Editor's P/S:

The upcoming Suits spinoff, Suits L.A., seems to be taking a bold approach by differentiating itself significantly from the original series. The shift in focus from corporate law to entertainment law opens up new possibilities for storylines and character dynamics. Additionally, the absence of a central gimmick like Mike's photographic memory suggests a more grounded and character-driven narrative. While the original Suits had its charm, it's refreshing to see the creators embracing a fresh perspective for the spinoff.

However, the success of Suits L.A. will ultimately depend on the execution of its unique elements. The entertainment law setting could present challenges in maintaining the same level of legal intrigue and complexity as the original series. Furthermore, the characters need to be compelling and relatable for the audience to invest in their journey. If the show can strike a balance between innovation and audience expectations, it has the potential to stand on its own as a worthy addition to the Suits franchise.