Suits LA Successfully Sidesteps Issues That Led to the First Spinoff’s Demise 5 Years Ago

Suits LA marks an exciting expansion of the Suits franchise, already distinguishing itself from the earlier spinoff, Pearson. This new series aims to rectify the pitfalls that led to the brief run of Pearson, which lasted only 10 episodes despite the popularity of its lead character, Jessica Pearson, portrayed by Gina Torres. The development of Suits LA comes amidst the growing interest in the Suits universe following its surge in viewership on streaming platforms.

Pearson was initiated around the same time as the seventh season of Suits and premiered shortly before the series concluded with its ninth season. Unfortunately, it couldn’t replicate the original’s success. While Gina Torres’ portrayal earned acclaim, the tonal shift toward political drama didn’t resonate with existing fans who were accustomed to the legal drama format that defined Suits. In contrast, Suits LA appears to be learning from these past missteps, effectively positioning itself for a more promising future.

Suits LA Embraces the Original Show’s Essence

Pearson Lacked the Legal Dynamics

Stephen Amell as Ted Black in Suits LA and Gina Torres as Jessica Pearson in Suits. — Custom Image by Ana Nieves

In a discussion with Entertainment Weekly, Aaron Korsh, the creative mind behind both Suits and Pearson, acknowledged the key missteps of the prior spinoff. He revealed that Pearson attempted to carve out a distinct identity by favoring political themes over the legal narratives familiar to Suits fans, which was an intentional move that ultimately backfired. Korsh pointed out that the darker, less humorous tone of Pearson was not well received, making it challenging for fans to connect with the show.

Unlike Pearson, Suits LA is designed to resonate more closely with the original series. It reestablishes the engaging atmosphere of legal battles and personal dramas centered around a team of powerhouse attorneys. This shift back to familiar narrative territory positions Suits LA as more aligned with what fans loved about the original show.

Suits LA Needs to Innovate

Building Its Own Narrative

Although the return to form in Suits LA is promising, especially after more than five years since the original’s finale, it must carve out its unique identity to captivate audiences. The previous fan favorites, like Harvey Specter and Mike Ross, are likely to return, but simply rehashing their chemistry won’t suffice. Suits thrived on the exceptional characteristics of its main players and the natural growth of their relationships over nine seasons, a dynamic that is not easily duplicated.

Moreover, while integrating the sharp humor and quick-witted dialogue that characterized the original is essential for authenticity, Suits LA’s success will hinge on developing its new characters and stories. The series must enrich the franchise while ensuring it evolves to offer viewers something fresh and engaging.

Source: EW

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