‘Suits’ Creator on Bringing Back Harvey Specter for ‘Suits LA,’ With More Original Stars Likely to Return

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Once again, the character portrayed by Gabriel Macht, Harvey Specter, graces our screens, but this time it’s for a stint on the spin-off series of Suits titled Suits LA.

The upcoming TV series introduces Stephen Amell as Ted Black, a character who previously worked as a prosecutor in New York City. He now runs a law firm based in Los Angeles that focuses on criminal and entertainment law. To preserve continuity with the original production, show creator Aaron Korsh considered which characters from his previous cast could reappear, and found it fitting since Ted used to be a prosecutor like Harvey, another character from the original series.

Korsh reconnected with Macht during the filming of a Super Bowl ad for T-Mobile in 2024, which was inspired by their show Suits. Taking a bold step, Korsh decided to work on a spinoff without first discussing it with Gabriel. When they were shooting the pilot, he added a picture of Macht without consulting him. If Macht didn’t want to be part of it, they could always remove the image, but it would be more challenging to add it back later. They went ahead and included him in the pilot. When they received a series greenlight, Korsh contacted Gabriel and asked if he was willing to join the cast, and he kindly agreed.

According to Macht, fans of the initial series might find it easier to embrace a fresh cast if they’re willing. He explains that there are enough familiar elements and unique differences that could draw them in, stating, “What Aaron has achieved by inviting me back could potentially pave the way for other original cast members to make appearances and leave subtle references.

Korsh reiterated a similar approach, pointing out he aimed for “a genuine way of attracting viewers, not just a procession of familiar faces.” Put simply, “I’d be thrilled if they all appeared, but I don’t want them one after the other as it could negatively impact both the original and new series. Instead, we’ll take it step by step and see how things unfold.

With Amell assuming the lead role within the franchise, he’s equally enthusiastic about embodying Harvey, expressing, “I’m thrilled by the connection. Plus, if you’re a devotee of the original series, it’s almost like a reunion — after all these years, we finally get to catch up on this character. You wonder what he’s been doing, what’s new in his life? All those questions are answered.

From the moment I watched Amell’s audition fifteen seconds in, I felt certain he was the ideal choice to headline our Hollywood tale. I’m eagerly anticipating potential future ventures within the Suits universe, keeping an open mind as new opportunities arise.

As a devoted fan, I’ve always hoped for a Suits movie, but I had other creative ventures in the pipeline before that possibility materialized, as Aaron Korsh shared. The future is full of possibilities, and I am open to more exciting developments, but let me clarify, it’s not a walk in the park. Suits wasn’t initially conceived as a spinoff; it takes me a considerable amount of time to find inspiration for a new project. I wouldn’t want to create something just because we can, so the future remains uncertain.

Suits LA premieres Sunday on NBC and next day on Peacock.

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2025-02-21 20:54