Simon Kassianides on ‘Pearson’ and Why He Can’t Wait for Fans to Learn More About Nick D’Amato [Exclusive Interview]

The long-awaited Suits spinoff series, Pearson, is finally here, and though it shares some similarities with Suits, it’s already distinguished itself as something very different.

Of the characters we’ve been introduced to on Pearson, perhaps the most mysterious is Nick D’Amato, played by Simon Kassianides, whose previous television credits include Agents of SHIELD, Criminal Minds, and How to Get Away With Murder, among others.

Kassianides took the time to answer a few questions about his work on the show, what to expect for the remainder of the first season, and what Suits character he’d like Nick to meet next.

Tell-Tale TV: What was it that made you excited to be a part of Pearson initially?

Simon Kassianides: The caliber of talent both in front and behind the camera. I knew from the very first audition that should I land the role I’d be in a very safe pair of hands.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s the best thing about working on the series?

Kassianides: The majority of my scenes are with Gina Torres. Need I say more?!

Tell-Tale TV: Is it difficult to work on a spinoff like this, especially when the original series is a long-running and well-known as Suits?

Kassianides: I think it’s nothing but exciting! We’re spring-boarding into new territory with the best fans in the world gunning for us. It’s a luxury given the insurmountable quantity of new TV shows released each year to have that legacy supporting us.

Tell-Tale TV: Had you watched Suits before working on Pearson?

Kassianides: I had, yes! My character has met and put Harvey in his place. I think he should meet Louis Litt. Maybe they’d talk…cats?!

Tell-Tale TV: What’s Nick’s journey going to look like for the remainder of the season?

Kassianides: It’s not what you’d expect. Daniel Arkin and the writers made sure Nick’s choices are not easy or stereotypical. It’s been a peach of a role. I can’t wait for the fans to get to know Nick.

Tell-Tale TV: What kinds of things went into preparing for your role?

Kassianides: I spent time on my own in Chicago. I wanted to meet and talk with cops there and get a feel for the town and read as much around the role as I could before getting to work.

First and foremost we’re making great entertainment, but I always work towards infusing a role with as much truth as possible and that’s the work.

Tell-Tale TV: Pearson is already delving into some big issues and proving that it’s going to be focused on staying relevant. What do you hope viewers gain from watching the show?

Kassianides: Again, mostly I hope they gain an hour of great entertainment. This show’s about the 95% and Suits was about the top 5%. That’s more relatable and it’s delivered with a darker tone.

I hope we gain a new fan base alongside Suits‘ well-established one and get to introduce them to Suits’ recognizable humor in this new world of ours.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything you can tease about what viewers can expect from the remainder of the season?

Kassianides: It’s clear that Jessica Pearson is in new territory here. In Episode 1 the mayor tells her there are “real-life consequences” with decisions being made in city hall. It’s also clear that there’s a huge secret everyone’s trying to keep Jessica away from.

But if you know Jessica Pearson, you know you can’t keep her away from anything. The results are spectacular.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything you think viewers would be surprised to learn about Pearson?

Kassianides: We mostly film in California! Blows my mind when watching the show… it’s really captured Chicago and has the city’s feel. But we’re mostly in CA. Magic of filming.

Tell-Tale TV: And finally, what’s something fans might be surprised to learn about you?

Kassianides: I’m a South Londoner with quite a thick accent from there — think Idris Elba. A few directors late into the first season, who’d only met me by watching the show’s early edited episodes, thought I was making fun of them when they eventually met me in person — that I was pretending to be English. Both a compliment and a moment of confusion.

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Be sure to catch Simon Kassianides as Nick D’Amato on Pearson, airing Wednesdays at 10/9c on USA.

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