Stephen Amell Takes Full Blame for 'Suits LA's' Abrupt Demise! Did the star's performance fall short, or was the show simply not built to last? Let's dive into what Amell himself is saying about the cancellation of the NBC spinoff, which unfortunately wrapped up after just one season in May 2025.
In a candid conversation on the "Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum" podcast, Stephen Amell, who portrayed attorney Ted Black, a former associate of the iconic Harvey Specter, didn't pull any punches. He unequivocally labeled "Suits LA" a 'failure,' stating, "Anything that ends not on your terms is a failure." He elaborated, admitting that the show "wasn't good enough" to warrant further seasons and declared, "Ultimately, I think that the blame rests with me."
Amell explained his reasoning with a compelling perspective: "Whatever problem you have with the show — because I think that there were issues — it's my job to solve those, to smooth them over and to gloss them up with some type of performance or something that, tangible or otherwise, covers up those mistakes." He believes that as the lead, his role was to be "magnetic" and "charismatic" enough to overcome any shortcomings. "And I didn't do that," he confessed.
He further articulated that since he would have been showered with praise had the show succeeded, it's only "fair" that he accepts responsibility for its cancellation. This self-reflection even extended to insights from the original "Suits" creator, Aaron Korsh. Amell recalled Korsh expressing doubts about the spinoff's potential during the pilot's editing phase, with Korsh reportedly saying, "I don't know if this is going to work."
So, what was "Suits LA" all about?
Set in the same universe as the beloved USA Network original, "Suits LA" introduced us to Ted Black (Amell), a seasoned New York federal prosecutor who partnered with his old friend Stuart Lane (Josh McDermitt) to establish a new law firm in Los Angeles, focusing on criminal and entertainment law. However, the premiere episode threw a curveball when Stuart blindsided Ted, cutting him out of a crucial merger and poaching key employees and clients, including Ted's ex-girlfriend, Samantha. The series also featured Lex Scott Davis as the ambitious lawyer Erica Rollins and Bryan Greenberg as Ted's protégé, Rick Dodson.
Adding to the nostalgia, several familiar faces from the original "Suits" made guest appearances. Gabriel Macht returned as Harvey Specter for a significant arc, exploring his friendship with Ted and revealing details about his and Donna's son. Rick Hoffman (Louis Litt) and David Costabile (Daniel Hardman) also reprised their roles.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Amell's willingness to shoulder all the blame is certainly admirable, but is it entirely accurate? Could external factors, creative decisions beyond his control, or even the inherent challenges of launching a spinoff have played a more significant role? What's your take: Is Amell solely to blame for the abrupt end to "Suits LA," or do you think other elements contributed to its cancellation? Share your thoughts in the comments below – we'd love to hear your perspective!
