NBC has given fans a preview of the late John Amos in what will be his final acting appearance, as part of the upcoming pilot for Suits: L.A.. Ahead of the show’s debut later this season, an episodic image featuring Amos, who passed away at the age of 84, has been released. Best known for his legendary roles across television and film, Amos guest-starred in the spinoff pilot, marking his last on-screen performance.
In Suits: L.A., Amos portrays a fictionalized version of himself, appearing as a client at the law firm of Ted Black, played by Arrow star Stephen Amell. In the episode, Amos’ character shares a deep, long-standing friendship with Ted, a former federal prosecutor who has transitioned into representing L.A.’s elite. While there had been discussions of his character recurring in future episodes, his appearance will now be limited to the pilot.
The series is a spinoff of the hit legal drama Suits, set in the same universe but with a fresh cast and a new Los Angeles setting. Suits: L.A., announced on July 19, will introduce viewers to a new set of characters navigating the complex and high-stakes world of L.A.’s legal scene. NBC has already offered a first glimpse of the series, with Stephen Amell leading the charge as Ted Black. In promotional material, Black is seen at his desk, embodying the role of a once-idealistic federal prosecutor from New York, now remade as a lawyer for the powerful and influential.
The series will focus on Black’s law firm, which is facing a significant crisis, compelling him to adopt a role he had previously rejected. The storyline will delve into the relationships and tensions between Black and his team as they confront both personal and professional dilemmas.
Alongside Amell, the ensemble cast includes Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins, an ambitious rising star in Black’s firm; Troy Winbush as Kevin; Alice Lee as Leah; Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodsen; and The Walking Dead alum Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, co-founder of the Black Lane law firm.
Produced by Suits creator Aaron Korsh, Suits: L.A. comes at a time of renewed interest in the original series, which experienced a resurgence in popularity after its addition to Netflix in June 2023. The show set a new record for the most-viewed acquired series on the platform. The original Suits, which aired from 2011 to 2019, starred Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Rick Hoffman, and Sarah Rafferty. It followed Mike Ross (Adams), a brilliant but unlicensed lawyer who talked his way into a top-tier Manhattan law firm.
This latest spinoff joins a growing Suits universe, which previously gave rise to Pearson, a 2019 series centered on Gina Torres’ character, Jessica Pearson. While no official announcements have been made regarding cameos from the original Suits cast, Patrick J. Adams has expressed interest in returning to the franchise.
NBC has not yet decided whether the pilot episode will be dedicated to Amos, whose death on August 21 was only recently disclosed. His son, Kelly Christopher Amos, announced his passing, with the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirming the cause as congestive heart failure.
John Amos’ career spanned more than five decades, making him a beloved figure in both television and film. He was best known for his role as James Evans, the stern yet loving father on Norman Lear’s Good Times. Amos also played Gordy Howard on The Mary Tyler Moore Show and earned an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Kunta Kinte in the acclaimed miniseries Roots.
In addition to his television work, Amos was known for his role as Cleo McDowell in the hit film Coming to America (1988) and its 2021 sequel. His final film appearance was in 2023’s The Last Rifleman, directed by Terry Loane.
Fans of the legendary actor will get to see his final performance when Suits L.A. premieres on NBC later this season.