NBC Chief Cites Tough Calls in Suits LA Axe

Suits remains a beloved fan-favorite series, maintaining its popularity nearly 15 years after its 2011 debut on USA Network. The legal drama experienced a major revival in recent years thanks to its availability on Netflix, sparking countless binge sessions. However, even that renewed interest wasn't enough to save the spin-off Suits: LA, which NBC recently canceled ahead of its fall schedule release. What led to this decision? NBC's president of program planning strategy Jeff Bader shared the reasoning behind their tough call.

The Decision to Cancel

"It's challenging to discuss which shows to renew, and while Suits: LA had a short run, it simply didn't connect with audiences as we'd hoped," Bader told Variety following the fall schedule announcement. "There are many theories about why it didn't work, but unfortunately, it lacked the potential for future growth."

He elaborated, "These decisions require careful evaluation. We examined performance metrics across linear TV and digital platforms, assessing which shows showed promise for growth. Stability and trends in viewership determined our toughest calls."

No Peacock Rescue

Bader also confirmed that while NBCUniversal considers moving canceled shows to Peacock, Suits: LA didn't meet the criteria for a streaming transfer.

What Saved Other Shows?

With the NBA taking over Tuesday nights, NBC prioritized keeping shows that demonstrated strong performance. Bader explained their criteria: "We analyzed weekly and episodic ratings across linear and digital platforms to identify the strongest performers. Creatively, we also assessed which series had the best potential to attract new audiences."

The Legacy Continues

The original Suits ran from 2011 to 2019 for nine successful seasons. The revival, which premiered February 2025, starred Stephen Amell, Lex Scott Davis, Josh McDermitt, and Bryan Greenberg, with original cast members like Rick Hoffman and Gabriel Macht making appearances. Created by Aaron Korsh, the spin-off concluded its brief run on May 11, 2025.