Final Fitting: ‘Suits LA’ Canceled, Leaving a Gap in Television’s Fashion Landscape
In a surprising twist that has the fashion and entertainment worlds buzzing, NBC has officially lowered the gavel on “Suits LA,” the stylish spinoff of USA Network’s beloved courtroom dramedy that had fashion enthusiasts eagerly watching for power-dressing inspiration. The series will conclude with its May 18 finale, capping a brief but chic 13-episode run that failed to capture the lightning-in-a-bottle phenomenon of its predecessor.
The original “Suits,” which introduced the world to Meghan Markle (now the Duchess of Sussex) and her impeccable pencil skirt collection, experienced an extraordinary revival when it landed on Netflix in 2023. The streaming platform transformed the 2011-2019 series into last summer’s must-watch sensation, with viewers collectively streaming an astonishing 58 billion minutes of sharp tailoring and legal maneuvering. The show’s aesthetic influence could be felt across runways and office corridors alike, as Harvey Specter’s immaculate three-piece suits and Jessica Pearson’s structured silhouettes inspired a renewed appreciation for corporate power dressing.
“Suits LA” attempted to translate this sartorial success to the West Coast, bringing back fan favorites Gabriel Macht as the impeccably dressed Harvey Specter and David Costabile as Daniel Hardman, with Rick Hoffman’s Louis Litt set to appear in upcoming episodes. However, the spinoff primarily focused on a new ensemble cast led by Stephen Amell as entertainment lawyer Ted Black, whose California wardrobe notably featured lighter fabrics and more relaxed silhouettes than the East Coast original.
While fashion observers noted the spinoff’s attempt to capture Hollywood’s distinctive blend of power and casual luxury through costume design—think softer shoulders, earthier palettes, and the occasional absence of ties—the show failed to generate the same fervent following as its predecessor. In a telling business decision, Netflix, which had transformed the original “Suits” into a cultural phenomenon, declined the opportunity to purchase the spinoff.
The cancellation comes amid a broader programming shift at NBC, which also axed “Lopez vs. Lopez,” “Night Court,” “The Irrational,” and “Found” ahead of Monday’s upfront presentation at Radio City Music Hall. Industry insiders suggest the network is clearing space for NBA coverage returning to its schedule this fall.
Fashion enthusiasts who have followed Season 1 have watched Ted Black reinvent himself professionally while navigating crises at his firm representing Los Angeles’ elite clientele. The character’s wardrobe evolution—from rigid East Coast federal prosecutor to adaptable West Coast power player—paralleled his personal journey, with costume designers subtly reflecting this transformation through increasingly confident color choices and more personalized accessories.
While we won’t see how these characters’ style stories might have evolved in a sophomore season, the show’s brief run has already influenced this season’s collections, with several designers citing the modern California power-dressing aesthetic as inspiration for their resort wear. The “Suits” universe continues to demonstrate that in both fashion and television, timing and presentation are everything—sometimes even the most beautifully tailored concepts simply don’t find their perfect fit with audiences.
