Summary
The first look atSuits: L.A.has been revealed, and it suggests that Stephen Amell’s Ted Black will bring back one of the best things about hisArrowrole. Although Amell has done a lot of projects sinceArrow, includingHeelsandCode 8,Suits: L.A.marks his return to a TV franchise after the end of the Arrowverse.Amell played Oliver Queen during eight seasons ofArrowand made dozens of appearances in other series from The CW such asThe Flash,Legends of Tomorrow, andSupergirl.
TheupcomingSuits: L.A.spinoffhas finally been given a full series order at NBC, although it still does not have a premiere date.Suits: L.A.will not beSuits’ first spinoff show, but, unlikePearson, it will feature an all-new set of characters. The series will take place in an entertainment law firm from Los Angeles, withAmell’s character being one of the founding partners alongside Josh McDermitt’s Stuart Lane.A few character descriptions for the pilot have been revealed, including the fact that Ted Black used to be a prosecutor in New York before moving to LA.
Suits: L.A.’s Ted Black Is A Nostalgic Reminder Of Mayor Oliver Queen
Oliver Queen Wore A Different Kind Of Suit In Arrow After Season 4
While not much can be inferred fromSuits: L.A.’s first official image, it does bring back memories from one of the best arcs in The CW’sArrow– Mayor Oliver Queen. There may not be many similarities between a high-profile lawyer and a masked vigilante, yetArrowseason 4 gave Oliver Queen a very unique storyline that explored a different side of the character.Following a series of crises and deaths of politicians and other authorities, no one was brave enough to run for mayor in Star City until Oliver decided to do so.
Arrowended on June 20, 2025, but Amell would briefly reprise his role as Oliver Queen three years later inThe Flashseason 9’s “It’s My Party and I’ll Die If I Want To.”
As a candidate and later as mayor, Amell got to play a different side of Oliver Queen that the show had never explored. The politician version of Green Arrow had to solve problems by working out deals with other politicians and authorities, many of which involved compromising. This period tested Oliver’s resilience in a way that no battle against supervillains had done.Having enjoyed Amell’s take on Mayor Oliver Queen, it will be interesting to see what he brings to the character of Ted Blackin a universe where everything revolves around deals and compromising.
What To Expect From Stephen Amell’s Ted Black In Suits: L.A.
Ted Black Is A Force Of Nature & Co-Founder Of Black Lane Law
Ted Black is described as a force of nature who has to guide his firm during a moment of crisis.The official synopsis forSuits: L.A.’s pilot also mentions Black having secrets from the pastthat might come back to haunt him. It is unclear what led Ted Black to leave his career as a prosecutor in New York behind and start a private law firm in Los Angeles, which could tie into his secrets. As the founding partner of Black Lane Law, Amell’s character will have his “name on the door” right from the start.
Ted Black will most likely be focused on managing the firm on a macro level instead of taking on individual cases like Harvey and Mike would do.
This is already a major difference between Ted Black andSuits’ main characters, Harvey and Mike.Harvey Specter only got his name on the door in season 3, whereas Mike Ross never made partner at Pearson and spent most of the show under Harvey’s wing. Assuming Amell’s character is the managing partner or at least co-manager alongside Stuart Lane, Ted Black will most likely be focused on managing the firm on a macro level instead of taking on individual cases like Harvey and Mike would do.
Will Amell’s Ted Black Be Suits: L.A.’s Harvey Specter?
“Replacing” Harvey Specter Is Not Easy
Harvey Specter was the face ofSuitsfor years, especially after the existence of Mike, Jessica, and Rachel. Therefore, it is only natural to compare Gabriel Macht’s character to Amell’s Ted Black. A major connection between them is that Harvey also worked for the DA’s office in New York, although it is unclear whether they were during the same period. Still, apart from their shared history as prosecutors, there are no other clear similarities between Ted and “season 1 Harvey.” Although Harvey eventually becomes the managing partner, he starts the show having just made senior partner.
Suits Series Finale Ending Explained & How It Sets Up The L.A. Spinoff
Suits’ series finale showed how much Mike Ross changed Harvey Specter’s life and brought the show full circle in an emotional final episode.
Harvey was Pearson Hardman’s“top dog,”the lawyer with the highest billings who Jessica would assign to the most important cases. Harvey Specter was very careless and was not ready to lead the firm during the earlier seasons, whereas Ted Black has been one of the leaders of Black Lane Law since its creation. While it will be fun to draw comparisons betweenSuitsandSuits: L.A., the spinoff will hopefully avoid emulating storylines and character arcs from the original show. After leading the Arrowverse for almost a decade, Amell could now be the new face of theSuitsuniverse.
Suits LA
Cast
Suits LA follows Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor who now represents influential clients in Los Angeles. As his law firm faces a critical juncture, Ted must navigate the challenges of a role he once disdained, balancing moral dilemmas with the demands of high-stakes legal battles.
