Hollywood’s fixation with reboots, spin-offs and sequels has become an ever-present part of modern entertainment. With the recent launch of “Suits: LA,” the industry has once again chosen to capitalize off a familiar brand, hoping to recapture the popularity of “Suits,” which saw a resurgence due to its Netflix run. But is this new adaptation truly entertaining, or is it just another example of Hollywood’s creative stagnation?
The Los Angeles version of “Suits” tries to revamp the traditional legal drama by setting the storyline outside of New York City. Yet, the plot remains similar: a stealthy lawyer navigating the treacherous caveats of the legal world, with plenty of high-stakes cases, power plays and witty monologues. However, despite its new cast and grand production, the show feels like a reheated version of the original show rather than a unique reinvention.
By no means is “Suits: LA” a bad show — its production and direction are well done, and the performances are solid. But that’s where the issue lies. The show plays things so safe that it becomes indistinguishable from the original. The characters have different names, but the archetypes and essence of the plot remain the same. The sharp dialogue, office politics and high-stakes courtroom battles are still a paramount part of the show, yet there is no “wow factor” that makes “Suits: LA” stand out. Instead of crafting an innovative plot line, the show seems to be banking on nostalgia to attract an audience that will embrace the familiar.
The two episodes that have aired so far are a testament to this point. The premiere introduces Ted Black, a former New York prosecutor who relocates to LA to start an entertainment law firm. But despite his relocation, Black quickly finds himself entangled in criminal defense, forcing him to confront a past he hoped to leave behind. The show also nods to its origins, teasing a potential connection to “Suits” protagonist Harvey Specter. These moments, though entertaining, underscore the show’s reliance on nostalgia rather than innovation.
However, a key distinction from its predecessor is that “Suits: LA” doesn’t introduce a clear Mike Ross equivalent — there’s no fraudulent yet likable young genius working to improve himself in the high-stakes world. Instead, Black himself is the show’s leading figure, taking on a role that blends aspects of Specter’s confidence paired with a heavier emotional burden. Unlike Specter, whose charm and control defined “Suits,” Black is marked by past trauma and personal struggles, particularly surrounding his family. While this distinction could have set “Suits: LA” apart, the show so far hasn’t fully leveraged these differences to establish a fresh identity.
The launch of this show showcases the broader trend in Hollywood, where the push for brand recognition has superseded original content. Through reboots, networks and streaming platforms seem to be prioritizing marketable franchises over risk-taking storytelling. To be fair, the strategy makes sense since audiences recognize the name, reducing the risk for studios. But, at what cost? Hollywood was an abode for fresh, daring storytelling, but the rise of the reboot suggests a reluctance to take creative leaps. Ultimately, it raises the question: does Hollywood have any new ideas left?
- Watch on NBC. Streaming on Peacock
—
Featured Image via NBC
