Stephen Amell on Leading Suits LA: From Newcomer to Power Player

In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE, Stephen Amell reveals that he "didn't really know anything" about "Suits" before auditioning for the new NBC spinoff series, "Suits LA." Despite this lack of familiarity, the 43-year-old actor successfully landed the lead role of Ted Black.

Amell explains that he had only seen a famous scene where Harvey (Gabriel Macht) hires Mike (Patrick J. Adams) in the pilot. He stumbled upon this moment through social media, but it didn’t provide him with in-depth knowledge of the show. Once on set, during downtime while filming the pilot episode, he sat down to watch several episodes. "Pilots are weird. We have a lot of downtime, a lot of long setups," he shares. This opportunity allowed him to become more familiar with "Suits," which he found to be great.

Ted Black, as described in an NBC synopsis, is a former federal prosecutor from New York. He has transformed his career to represent powerful clients in Los Angeles. At the start of the series, his law firm, Black Lane, faces a crisis. To succeed, Ted must confront a role he has always despised.

Written and executive produced by Aaron Korsh, "Suits LA" stars Lex Scott Davis, Bryan Greenberg, and Josh McDermitt. When asked about the pressure stemming from the original "Suits" series, which aired from 2011 to 2019, Amell states he has looked to Korsh for guidance. "Aaron's not really bothered by anything," he notes, indicating this perspective has influenced him.

Over the years, Amell has learned to take his time with new experiences. He applies this mindset to "Suits LA," expressing his gratitude for the opportunity. While acknowledging the expectations surrounding the project, he mentions these pressures do not come from anyone significant to him personally.

Amell shared that viewers will be introduced directly into the legal action during the pilot episode. He notes that while "Suits LA" shares some "parallels" with its predecessor, it establishes its own unique identity. "You're really dropped into this world, and dynamic professional shifts are happening," he elaborates. He believes this fresh take will encourage viewers to rewatch the pilot.

The show premieres on February 23 at 9 PM ET/PT on NBC and will stream on Peacock the following day.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Kate Hudson admitted she regretted saying no to a lead role in "The Devil Wears Prada."