Stephen Amell Takes Responsibility for Suits LA Cancellation

Key Points

• Stephen Amell says “the blame rests with me” for NBC’s decision to cancel Suits LA after one season.
• The actor admitted he struggled to connect with his character, Ted Black, in a way that could sustain the series.
• Franchise creator Aaron Korsh reportedly had doubts about the show’s direction from the start.
• NBC canceled the spin-off just three months after its February 23, 2025 premiere.
• Amell emphasized that while multiple factors contributed, he accepts responsibility as the series lead.

Amell Reflects on the Show’s Short Run

During an appearance on Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum, Stephen Amell candidly addressed the cancellation of Suits LA. The Arrow star said he accepts full responsibility for the show’s failure to resonate with audiences.

“The blame rests with me,” Amell said. “It’s my job to smooth over issues with performance, charisma, or something that makes the show work. And I didn’t do that.”

Struggles With Character Development

Amell explained that he never found the right approach to his character, Ted Black. “I didn’t find anything ultimately with Ted Black that translated, that smoothed those things over, that gave us a chance to keep going,” he admitted.

He added that as the lead actor, he would have received disproportionate credit had the series succeeded, so it was only fair to take the blame for its shortcomings.

Creative Differences Behind the Scenes

Amell also revealed that franchise creator Aaron Korsh had doubts early on. “I sat down with Aaron Korsh, who created Suits and Suits LA, and he was editing the pilot. He was like, ‘I don’t know if this is going to work.’ A lot of what he wanted to do seemed to run up against what the network wanted,” Amell recalled.

The actor stressed that the cancellation was not anyone’s fault, but rather the result of creative and network misalignment.

Context: A Short-Lived Spin-Off

Suits LA premiered on NBC on February 23, 2025, but was canceled just three months later after one season. The series attempted to expand the Suits universe but failed to capture the same audience enthusiasm as the original.

What Happens Next?

Amell expressed disappointment that the team didn’t get another season to adjust and improve. While Suits LA has ended, the actor’s willingness to take responsibility highlights the challenges of sustaining spin-offs in established franchises. For now, the Suits brand remains defined by its original run, with Suits LA serving as a cautionary tale about creative execution and audience expectations.