Gabriel Macht is officially stepping back into the role of Harvey Specter for Suits: L.A.'s release is set for February 23 on NBC.

In an interview with People, Macht explained his decision to return to the Suits universe boils down to one simple motivation: the fans. The actor returns to reprise Suits' most beloved litigator despite having little interest in returning to the industry, as his newest whiskey line, Bear Fight, has just dropped. The actor revealed that his only reason for coming back was to give something back to the devoted Suits fanbase, stating:

I'm just doing it for the fans. I'm not doing it for me. I've done it 134 times. I'm not doing it for me. I had very little interest in coming back to work as an actor right now because I spent so much time [doing it] and this was my time to really raise my kids and to do this creative stuff like Bear Fight.

... [if there was] a way to do this where it made sense for my family, it made sense for the timing and if there was a way that I could sort of the baton to Stephen [Amell] and the cast in L.A. If I [could have] anything to do with helping the show and getting it off [the ground], it’s almost like [giving] a blessing.

What Macht’s Return Means For Suits: L.A.

Bridging The Gap Between The East Coast & West

With Suits experiencing an unexpected resurgence on Netflix in 2023, it’s no surprise that NBC saw an opportunity to capitalize on the renewed interest. While Suits: L.A. is designed as a standalone series by original Suits creator Aaron Korsh, Macht’s return provides an essential bridge, or "blessing," between the original and the spinoff. Harvey's dynamic with Ted is sure to be a major draw as the two high-powered lawyers and their equally-powered egos clash.

Macht also hinted that Harvey may not be the only familiar face popping up in Suits: L.A. He teased that other original Suits cast could return, though details remain under wraps and "might be surprises" for the West Coast spinoff. Whether through guest appearances, recurring roles, or small cameos, these potential returns could further cement Suits: L.A. as both a fresh chapter and a meaningful continuation of the original series.

Our Take On Harvey’s Suits Return

Harvey’s Return Is A Big Deal For Suits: L.A.

Harvey Specter’s return to the Suits universe is the perfect way to validate Suits: L.A. as a worthy successor of the beloved legal drama. Macht’s candid remarks show the actor's not returning to the series for a check—he’s doing it for the fans, and that kind of dedication is what makes Harvey such a lovable character in the first place. Whether his appearances set up a larger role in the future or simply serve as a ing of the baton, Harvey’s return ensures that Suits: L.A. will launch with the full weight of the franchise behind it.

Macht coming back as Harvey Specter can crystallize fears that Ted Black and his cohorts pale in comparison to those who came before them.

That said, Korsh and his writers also need to be careful with how they utilize Harvey in the new spinoff. It's no secret that the ideal Suits resurgence show would have just been a continuation of the flagship, with many of the established characters coming back. Suits: L.A. is taking a big risk launching an entirely new ensemble, knowing that it would be compared to its predecessor. Macht coming back as Harvey Specter can crystallize fears that Ted Black and his cohorts pale in comparison to those who came before them.

How Harvey Specter's Return Can Answer Pressing Questions Left By Suits

Harvey Can Share Updates About His Seattle Life

Korsh bringing back Harvey Specter is a way to establish the ties between Suits and its spinoff early on. While the plot specifics about what "New York's Best Closer" can do to help his old friend from the East Coast remain under wraps, his return can also offer new and vital information about the life that he has been living in the last several years. For context, the Suits ending saw him and Donna Paulsen Mike Ross and Rachel Zane in Seattle for their small law clinic.

It would be nice to see them reunited, but at least Harvey can share updates about how everyone is doing. That includes information about their personal and professional lives. However, more than how their practice is doing, which is likely great, there's more interest in learning how things are for Suits' best couples after they left New York and settled into a smaller metropolitan. Perhaps Mike and Rachel now have a kid, or Donna is pregnant. These smaller reveals will make up for those characters' absence.

What Macht's Comments Reveal About His Future As Harvey Specter

Macht's Chances Of Coming Back As Harvey Specter Beyond Suits: L.A. Are Very Slim

Unfortunately, Macht's comments don't bode well with his possible future as Harvey Specter. The actor makes it clear that he is returning purely for the fans, and has no intention of coming back beyond this stint. Once he has ed on the baton to Amell and the rest of the new ensemble for Suits: L.A., the chances of seeing him again as the cocky closer from New York are very slim to none.

Unless something drastically changes in the budding franchise, then his guest appearance in the spinoff could be the final time Harvey Specter will be on the small screen.

This is extra disappointing because it doesn't seem like Suits: L.A. is also bringing back Patrick J. Adams as Mike Ross. This means that any kind of reunion between the fan-favorite will not happen anytime soon. Unless something drastically changes in the budding franchise, then his guest appearance in the spinoff could be the final time Harvey Specter will be on the small screen.

Source: People