When news broke that a Suits spinoff was heading west to Los Angeles, it stirred up mixed emotions in longtime fans. The original series had just shattered streaming records on Netflix, becoming the most-watched show in Nielsen’s history over 12 months.
Could a new chapter capture that same magic—or was it a gamble on legacy, the kind Hollywood often takes by leveraging a dedicated fanbase and pre-existing IP?
Even Troy Winbush, who plays the show’s quietly commanding investigator Kevin, understood the uphill battle.
“Listen, it was scary because there’s a lot of hardcore OG fans,” he said in our exclusive interview. “You’ve got the music, you’ve got some of the same writers, same creators… so yeah, that hill was a challenge to climb.”
But instead of mimicking the original, Suits: LA is forging its own path, with nods to the franchise’s DNA and enough distinction to stand on its own. Winbush’s character is a key example of that evolution. Kevin is the first investigator in the Suits universe—sharp-eyed, street-smart, and noticeably the only major character who doesn’t wear a suit.
“Kevin doesn’t wear a suit,” Winbush shares. “He’s the only one on the show that doesn’t. His relationship with Ted is a valuable asset… and I think the audience is receiving Kevin well. I love that.”
That relationship with Ted Black, played by Stephen Amell, has become one of the show’s most compelling dynamics. Their onscreen brotherhood is layered with history, trust, and an emotional vulnerability not often shown between two men on legal dramas.
But building that chemistry took time.
“When we did the pilot in Canada, in my opinion, [Stephen] was very reserved,” Winbush recalled. “So I gave him his space—to let him kind of creep out of it a little bit and come join the party… because we’re supposed to be kind of cool on screen.”
It worked. Over time, the two connected not just as co-stars but as collaborators and storytellers. “Now, if I could tell you some of the stories… Steven is funny as hell,” he laughed. “And it’s fun to create that dynamic on screen.”
For Winbush, who has spent years in the industry playing a wide range of characters, Kevin is unlike anything he’s taken on before. And the difference is more than just the wardrobe.
“It’s the real estate they’re allowing Kevin to explore,” he explained. “With a large cast, it’s hard to flesh out characters. But they’re finding space for Kevin, and I love that. I’ve gotten more particular about the projects I do… and I love the possibilities of where they’re taking Kevin. I think it’s sky’s the limit.”
In episode seven, fans got a deeper look into Kevin’s emotional world, learning that his wife had passed away—a revelation that opens doors to future storylines and character depth.
“I don’t think Kevin is running from anything,” Winbush said. “But he’s looking for something. And as long as I have Ted by my side, anything and everything could be possible.”
That same episode also paid tribute to the late John Amos, a towering figure in Black television. The tribute hit home for Winbush.
“I actually started to cry because we’re losing all of our greats,” he shared. “To dedicate an episode to an African-American actor who paved the way for a lot of us… it was a tremendous, tremendous blessing.”
Reflecting on his own career, Winbush spoke candidly about the changes he’s seen in the industry—and what it takes to stay grounded through it all.
“This business owes you nothing,” he said. “If you go into it with an attitude of, ‘I’m going to get out what I put in,’ it’ll reward you to some extent. But you have to create your own path.”
While social media fame may have changed the game, Winbush is focused on something more enduring: impact.
“You have the ability to make someone laugh, cry, think—that’s a skill. If you love what you do, the sky’s the limit. I’m still learning as an artist. I’ll never stop learning.”
With Suits: LA, Winbush has found a role that lets him do just that—grow, explore, and inspire. While the verdict is still out on whether Suits: LA will be renewed for a second season, here’s hoping we get to see more of Kevin in the City of Angels.
Check out the full interview.
Photo Credit: Jordin Althaus/NBC
