NBC Exec on Suits LA Cancellation: 'Tough Choices Were Necessary'

Suits has long been a beloved fan-favorite series, maintaining its popularity since its debut on USA Network in 2011. Over the years, the show built a loyal following, and experienced a major revival in recent times after becoming available in full on Netflix, sparking countless binge-watching marathons. Despite this renewed interest, the spin-off series Suits LA has been canceled, as revealed by NBC’s recently released fall schedule. The decision, as explained by Jeff Bader, NBC’s president of program planning strategy, came down to performance and future potential.

“It’s so hard to talk about shows and which ones you bring back, and Suits LA had a very short run, but it really just has not resonated the way we thought it would,” Bader told Variety following the schedule announcement.

He continued, “There can be many reasons why—it’s easy for people to speculate—but unfortunately, it’s just not showing the kind of growth potential we’re looking for moving forward.”

Suits LA was canceled after one season. Photo by: Nicole Weingart/NBC via Getty Images.

Bader emphasized that the network made its decisions based on a thorough evaluation of both linear and digital performance metrics. “We had to look at how each show was performing, week to week and episode to episode, across all platforms. We assessed stability on linear, digital trends, and which shows were growing or declining. These were tough calls, but necessary ones.”

He also confirmed that NBCUniversal routinely explores the possibility of moving canceled series to Peacock. However, in the case of Suits LA, the option was considered but ultimately not pursued.

On the flip side, Bader highlighted the criteria that helped determine which shows would remain on the schedule—especially important given the added programming demands of the NBA taking over Tuesday nights.

“We analyzed performance trends closely—what’s holding steady, what’s improving,” he said. “Then, creatively, the teams evaluated which shows had the strongest potential to attract new viewers. The ones that rose to the top were those with the most compelling ratings trajectory and audience growth potential.”

The original Suits aired for nine successful seasons from 2011 to 2019. The spin-off, which premiered in February, starred Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, and Bryan Greenberg. It also welcomed back original cast members Rick Hoffman, David Costabile, and Gabriel Macht for special appearances. Created and executive produced by Suits creator Aaron Korsh, Suits LA aired its final episode on May 11, 2025.