NBC Tackles 'Law' Review

April 19, 2007
Zap2it.com

Network, Wolf still in talks over 'L&O,' 'CI'

"Law & Order" is getting close to passing the 400-episode mark, a rare feat for a prime-time drama. But there's a chance the show won't get to reach that milestone.

NBC and "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf have been in discussions over the fate of the venerable series and its younger sibling "Criminal Intent" for the past month, but no deal has been struck. It now appears that the network will hold off on a decision until shortly before it announces its 2007-08 schedule in mid-May.

The central issue, according to the showbiz trade papers, is money. Both the "L&O" mothership and "Criminal Intent" have suffered ratings declines this year — with the original, that's due in no small part to a move from Wednesday to Friday nights. As veteran shows, though, both command fairly hefty license fees.

Wolf has reportedly offered to trim the "Law & Order" budget substantially in order to make the show more financially viable for NBC. He tells the trades that he's optimistic the two sides will find a way to bring both shows back next season.

In a statement, NBC says that "We're in discussions with Dick to explore ways to bring back one or both shows, but no final decision has been made."

"Law & Order: SVU," the third show in Wolf's franchise, has already secured a pickup for next season. It's by far the highest-rated of the three, averaging 12.2 million viewers per week. The other two each draw a little better than 9 million viewers.

Should the original "Law & Order," which wraps its 17th season next month, return in 2007-08, it will pass the 400-episode mark early in the season.

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Imagine that. Personally, I can't. Law & Order has been on the air since I was six years old. I don't think I can even conceive of it not being on NBC's schedule. But we'll just have to wait until May to see.