NBC has brought back a major series inLaw and Order, with an unprecedented 21st season following an abrupt cancellation back in 2010. ProducerDick Wolfand writer-showrunnerRick Eidwill both return for the new installment, which currently has no release date. The new season will of course focus on “the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders.”
The move is a dream come true for Wolf, who didn’t get to deliver a proper send-off for the series.Law & Order’s cancellation came when contract negotiations fell through.Law & Orderis the longest-running drama series thanks to sister seriesLaw & Order: SVU, though Wolf always wanted to continue the primary series. Eid will faithfully oversee this new outing, a seasoned veteran having worked onSVU,Law & Order: Trial by Jury, and other iconic Wolf-generated series inFBIandChicago P.D.
Wolf isn’t the only one who is ecstatic, though, with NBCUniversal Television and Streaming ChairmanSusan Rovnerexpressing her excitement:
“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. This is great news for NBC as well as TV fans everywhere."
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Rumors of a resurgence ofLaw & Orderhad broken back in spring, though the rumblings turned out to be an ultimately canned spin-off. WhileLaw & Order: For the Defensedidn’t get to see the light of day,L&Ofans will hopefully be able to enjoy the 21st season sooner rather than later. No official announcements have emerged surrounding a cast, though it is expected to feature fan-favorite characters.Sam Waterston, known for playing District Attorney Jack McCoy, is supposedly the network’s most desired returnee.
The iconic proceduralLaw & Orderhas received numerous accolades throughout its run, earning the Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Drama Series in 1997. Waterston won an Emmy in 1995, with co-starJerry Orbachearning a posthumous Emmy in 2005 for his work as Senior Detective Lennie Briscoe. The series has also featured several other notable cast members throughout its run, including (but far from limited to)George Dzundza,Chris Noth,Jill Hennessy,Angie Harmon,Benjamin Bratt,Michael Imperioli, andAnthony Anderson.
It’s unknown currently whether or notLaw & Orderwill be ready for a mid-season premiere, but the new season is clearly a top priority for NBC.
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