As the 2024 television schedule draws to a close, our gaze turns eagerly towards the 2025 lineup, which heralds the arrival of a fresh installment in the "Suits" saga. Last year, it was joyously announced that the visionary creator, Aaron Korsh, was crafting a new series set within the same compelling universe of the beloved USA Network legal drama, which experienced a stunning revival on Netflix. Earlier this year, NBC officially greenlit the highly anticipated "Suits: L.A." spinoff, starring the talented Stephen Amell. The former "Arrow" star embarked on filming with a baby-smooth face, leaving many of us nostalgic for his iconic beard.
Amell took to his Instagram this week to herald the commencement of Day 1 on "Suits: L.A.," but it was challenging to focus on his appearance amidst the excitement. With a filming hiatus in recent months, he'd allowed his facial hair to flourish, a common occurrence during such breaks. Though I harbored hopes that he might retain his rugged look for the new "Suits" venture, his video revealed otherwise, showcasing a freshly shaved visage. To clarify, this isn't the first time the "Heels" actor has parted with his beard or mustache this year; he previously shaved for the pilot of "Suits: L.A." And while he managed to regrow some facial fuzz afterward, another shave was inevitable. Now that it's a done deal, I can't help but feel a twinge of beard-withdrawal.
I suppose that as a fan yearning for Stephen Amell's whiskers, I should simply rejoice in the fact that filming for his new show is finally in full swing. Moreover, he's been treating fans to delightful behind-the-scenes glimpses on social media. A sneak peek at "Suits: L.A." emerged over the summer, featuring Amell as Ted Black, a former New York federal prosecutor who has transformed his identity, now representing LA's most influential clients. His firm stands at a precipice, and to weather the storm, Ted must embrace a role he once despised. It sounds as if Black's journey could be as exhilarating as Harvey Specter's from the original series.
Stephen Amell's plate is far from empty, with "Suits: L.A." merely one of his ongoing projects. In October, it was revealed that he had joined the cast of the upcoming crime drama "Underbelly," set in the picturesque 1000 Islands region. The six-episode series will debut on Canada's Crave streaming service, with Amell also serving as an executive producer. It appears he's keeping himself busy, and amidst all this, I harbor a hope that Amell's beard will once again flourish in the future.
As for "Suits: L.A.," a premiere date remains under wraps, but with filming now underway, one can optimistically anticipate its arrival in the early part of the new year. Let's keep our fingers crossed that it's worth every moment of anticipation.
