Stephen Amell Takes Blame for Suits LA Cancellation

The actor admits he failed to save the short-lived spinoff series from failure.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 1:43pm

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An abstract close-up image featuring shattered glass and crumpled velvet fabric, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting to convey a sense of the collapse and failure of a high-profile entertainment project.The downfall of a TV spinoff series exposes the fragility of even the most glamorous Hollywood productions.Los Angeles Today

In a recent interview, actor Stephen Amell took full responsibility for the cancellation of the Suits spinoff series Suits LA, which aired briefly on NBC in 2025. Amell, who starred as the lead character Ted Black, said he should have been the 'magnetic' force to overcome the show's issues but fell short, leading to its abrupt end. The show followed Ted, a former federal prosecutor, as he teamed up with his old friend Stuart Lane to build an L.A. law firm, but it struggled to find an audience.

Why it matters

Amell's self-criticism raises a larger debate about accountability in Hollywood, as the cancellation of Suits LA highlights the challenges even big-name stars can face in saving a struggling series. The show's failure also sheds light on the complexities of launching a successful spinoff, even within an established franchise.

The details

Suits LA was set in the same universe as the original Suits series and followed Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor from New York, who teamed up with his old friend Stuart Lane (played by Josh McDermitt) to build an L.A. law firm specializing in criminal and entertainment law. The twist was that Stuart betrayed Ted in the series premiere, cutting him out of a merger and taking clients—and Ted's ex-girlfriend—with him. The show also featured Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins and Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodson, adding depth to the ensemble. Despite these elements, the show struggled to find its footing, with Suits creator Aaron Korsh reportedly expressing doubts during production about whether 'this is going to work'.

  • Suits LA aired briefly on NBC in 2025 before being abruptly canceled.
  • The interview with Stephen Amell where he took responsibility for the show's failure was recorded in April 2026.

The players

Stephen Amell

The lead actor of Suits LA, who played the role of Ted Black.

Aaron Korsh

The creator of the original Suits series, who expressed doubts about Suits LA during production.

Josh McDermitt

The actor who played Stuart Lane, Ted Black's former friend and business partner who betrayed him in the Suits LA series premiere.

Lex Scott Davis

The actress who played Erica Rollins, a supporting character in Suits LA.

Bryan Greenberg

The actor who played Rick Dodson, a supporting character in Suits LA.

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What they’re saying

“Ultimately, I think the blame rests with me.”

— Stephen Amell, Lead Actor, Suits LA

“I don't know if this is going to work.”

— Aaron Korsh, Creator, Suits

The takeaway

Stephen Amell's willingness to take full responsibility for the failure of Suits LA highlights the challenges even big-name stars can face in saving a struggling series. The cancellation of the spinoff also sheds light on the complexities of launching a successful spinoff, even within an established franchise, and raises broader questions about accountability in the entertainment industry.