When _Suits LA_ premiered, fans of the original _Suits_ series were eager to see how this spin-off would honor—or diverge from—the legacy of its predecessor. However, the show quickly became a lightning rod for criticism, with both critics and audiences voicing their dissatisfaction. What’s particularly striking is that the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes has plummeted even lower than the already dismal reviews from professional critics. This rare alignment of disdain raises important questions: What exactly went wrong with _Suits LA_ , and why has it failed to resonate with viewers who loved the original series? Let’s dive into the factors contributing to this critical and audience failure.
### A Legacy Too Big to Bear?
One of the biggest challenges facing _Suits LA_ was the towering shadow cast by the original _Suits_ . The flagship series ran for nine seasons, earning a loyal fanbase thanks to its sharp legal drama, witty dialogue, and compelling character dynamics—particularly the iconic mentor-mentee relationship between Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. Fans tuned in not just for the courtroom battles but also for the emotional depth and chemistry among the characters.
_Suits LA_ , however, seems to have struggled under the weight of these expectations. Instead of building on the strengths of the original, the spin-off introduces a new cast, setting, and storyline that feel disconnected from what made _Suits_ special. Early episodes reveal a lack of cohesion, with poorly developed characters and plotlines that fail to capture the intrigue or charm of the original. For many fans, this departure feels like a betrayal rather than an evolution, leaving them disillusioned and disengaged.
Critics were quick to point out these flaws, labeling the writing as shallow and the performances as uninspired. But when audiences echoed—and even amplified—these criticisms, it became clear that _Suits LA_ had missed the mark on multiple levels.
### The Disconnect Between Storytelling and Viewer Engagement
At its core, _Suits LA_ suffers from fundamental storytelling issues that alienate viewers. Unlike the original series, which balanced high-stakes legal cases with personal drama, the spin-off leans heavily into melodrama without delivering satisfying resolutions. Key story arcs feel rushed or unresolved, while secondary plots are introduced only to fizzle out without consequence. This lack of narrative focus leaves audiences feeling frustrated and uninvested.
Character development is another glaring weakness. The original _Suits_ succeeded because its characters were multidimensional and relatable, each grappling with their own ambitions, flaws, and vulnerabilities. In contrast, _Suits LA_ presents a cast of one-dimensional figures whose motivations often seem contrived or inconsistent. For example, the protagonist—a young lawyer trying to make her mark in Los Angeles—is portrayed as overly ambitious yet strangely passive, making it difficult for viewers to root for her success.
Moreover, the absence of strong interpersonal relationships further undermines the show’s appeal. The camaraderie and tension between characters like Harvey and Donna or Mike and Rachel were central to the original series’ charm. Without these dynamic interactions, _Suits LA_ feels hollow and lacking in emotional resonance.
### A Double Blow
While negative reviews from critics are never ideal, they don’t always guarantee poor audience reception. Some shows manage to win over viewers despite lukewarm critical responses, thanks to niche appeal or cult followings. Unfortunately for _Suits LA_ , the audience score on Rotten Tomatoes tells a damning story: viewers dislike the show even more than critics do.
This disparity suggests that _Suits LA_ failed to connect with its target demographic on any meaningful level. Fans of the original series likely tuned in expecting a continuation of the themes and tone they loved, only to be met with something entirely different. Meanwhile, newcomers may have been turned off by the show’s lack of polish and coherence. As a result, _Suits LA_ finds itself caught in a no-man’s-land, appealing to neither die-hard fans nor casual viewers.
Social media platforms have amplified this backlash, with hashtags like #SuitsLAFlop trending as fans vent their frustrations. Memes mocking the show’s plot holes and wooden acting have gone viral, further tarnishing its reputation. It’s a classic case of word-of-mouth working against a project, creating a feedback loop of negativity that’s hard to escape.
### Lessons from the Failure of _Suits LA_
The collapse of _Suits LA_ offers several valuable lessons about spin-offs, audience expectations, and the importance of staying true to a franchise’s roots:
#### **Respect the Source Material**
Spin-offs should complement—not compete with—the original series. By straying too far from the elements that made _Suits_ beloved, _Suits LA_ alienated its core audience.
#### **Prioritize Strong Writing and Character Development**
Compelling characters and well-crafted stories are the backbone of any successful TV series. Without them, even the most promising premise can fall flat.
#### **Understand Your Audience**
Knowing what resonates with your viewers is crucial. _Suits LA_ failed to tap into the emotional connection fans had with the original series, resulting in widespread disappointment.
#### **Avoid Overreliance on Nostalgia**
While leveraging nostalgia can draw initial interest, it’s not enough to sustain long-term engagement. A spin-off needs to stand on its own merits rather than relying solely on brand recognition.
### Could _Suits LA_ Have Been Saved?
It’s worth considering whether _Suits LA_ could have avoided its current predicament with better creative decisions. One potential solution would have been to retain key elements from the original series, such as recurring guest appearances by fan-favorite characters or callbacks to iconic moments. These nods to the past could have helped bridge the gap between old and new, fostering a sense of continuity.
Another approach might have involved focusing on a single location or law firm, much like the Pearson Hardman/ Specter Litt setup in _Suits_ . This structure provided a stable foundation for storytelling, allowing writers to explore complex legal cases while developing rich character dynamics. By contrast, _Suits LA_ jumps between multiple settings and subplots, diluting its impact.
Finally, investing in stronger casting and direction could have elevated the show’s quality. While talent alone can’t save a weak script, charismatic performances can go a long way in winning over skeptical audiences.
### Why Spin-Offs Are Risky Business
The failure of _Suits LA_ highlights the inherent risks of creating spin-offs, especially for beloved franchises. When done well, spin-offs can expand a universe and introduce fresh perspectives while honoring the source material. Think of successful examples like _Better Call Saul_ , which built upon the world of _Breaking Bad_ while carving out its own identity. However, when executed poorly, spin-offs can damage the reputation of the original series and alienate its fanbase.
In the case of _Suits LA_ , the decision to launch a spin-off may have been premature. The original series concluded just a few years ago, leaving little time for audiences to yearn for more. Additionally, the spin-off lacks a clear purpose beyond capitalizing on the _Suits_ name, which comes across as opportunistic rather than inspired.
### A Cautionary Tale for Future Spin-Offs
The disastrous reception of _Suits LA_ serves as a cautionary tale for creators considering spin-offs or reboots. While nostalgia can be a powerful tool, it must be wielded carefully to avoid alienating the very audience you’re trying to attract. At its best, television has the power to transport us, challenge us, and connect us through shared experiences. But when a show fails to deliver on these fronts—as _Suits LA_ so evidently does—it risks becoming nothing more than a footnote in the annals of pop culture.
So, what went wrong with _Suits LA_ ? The answer lies in a combination of poor creative choices, misaligned expectations, and an inability to recapture the magic of the original series. Whether future installments can redeem the franchise remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: audiences will continue to hold spin-offs to a high standard, demanding authenticity, innovation, and respect for the stories they love. Until then, _Suits LA_ stands as a reminder that sometimes, less really is more.