A decade after it went off the air, NBC is bringing back the original “Law & Order” for a 21st season.
“There are very few things in life that are literally dreams come true,” said creator and executive producer Dick Wolf. “This is mine.”
The series will pick up where it left off, when it was abruptly canceled in 2010. It is not yet known which cast members would return. “Law & Order” featured an ensemble cast over the years, though its most recent version starred Sam Waterston, Anthony Anderson, Jeremy Sisto, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache and Alana De La Garza.
“The return of the flagship ‘Law & Order’ series for a pivotal 21st season is a proud moment for Dick and a proud moment for us, his studio partners,” said Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman, Universal Studio Group.
“‘Law & Order’ is quite simply one of the most iconic shows in television history, and the idea of continuing its legacy and partnering with Dick on an all-new season is nothing short of exhilarating” said Susan Rovner, Chairman, Entertainment Content, NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, “This is great news for NBC as well as TV fans everywhere.”
“Law & Order” will be executive produced by Wolf, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski. Rick Eid will serve as the showrunner. The series will be produced by Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment.
“Law & Order” premiered in 1990 and launched Wolf’s first (of many) procedural franchise, which would be spun off with “Law & Order: SVU” (which has surpassed the original version’s run, now in its 22nd season). “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Law & Order: Trial By Jury,” “Law & Order: LA,” “Law & Order: True Crime” and the most recent addition “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” Only “Organized Crime” and “SVU” are still airing.
A new spinoff, “For the Defense,” was scrapped after receiving a straight-to-series order last year.