Third 'Law & Order' Series in Works Jam TV, 9.6.00 NBC and "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf are in advanced negotiations to create a third series in the popular franchise, Variety reports. Following the enduring success of the original "Law & Order" and the spin-off, "Special Victims Unit," NBC is reportedly interested in committing to 13 episodes of the as-yet-unnamed series. If the deal goes ahead, production could begin by late December -- with the 13 episodes completed before the end of summer and a threatened writers and actors strike. The original "Law & Order" is the longest running drama on TV and has consistently won its Wednesday time slot. "SVU" was also considered a hit last year, Variety said. If the deal goes ahead, NBC would share the new series with the cable USA Network, which owns Studios USA, the production company that makes Wolf's "Law & Order" series. Variety said the deal would likely be structured so NBC could air the series in prime time. In return for saving $100,000 on the cost of each episode, NBC would allow the cable network to show each episode outside prime time, perhaps a week after the network airing, Variety said.

NBC Wants More "Law & Order" Emily Farache, E! Online, September 6, 2000 NBC just can't get enough law and order. Literally. The Peacock is reportedly in talks with producer Dick Wolf and Studios USA for another spinoff from the network's hugely successful Law & Order. According to studio sources and the Hollywood trades, NBC is negotiating for an initial order of 13 episodes. Details are scant, but it seems the show, tentatively tited Law & Order: Criminal Intent, will break from the traditional Law & Order format (police investigation in first half followed by trial in second half) to focus on the criminal's point of view. The project is said to be in the works for the 2001-02 season, but the producers are reportedly speeding things up because of the threat of a strike by members of the Writers Guild of America and Screen Actors Guild in the spring. Wolf and Studios USA have already had one successful spinoff, Law & Order: Special Victim's Unit and the original series is entering its 11th season. In addition, Wolf's Deadline, starring Oliver Platt as an investigative reporter bent on solving unusual crimes, debuts on NBC in the fall. Whether the new spinoff will air repeats on the USA Network is unclear. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is rebroadcast on USA after airing first on NBC. Deadline, however, will not get a second shot on the cable net. Wolf, NBC and Studios USA did not comment Wednesday on the idea of a new incarnation of Law & Order. The original Law & Order launched in 1990 and is currently the longest-running drama series on network television. With its recent renewal through the year 2005, the series is on pace to become one of the longest-running dramas in television history. Law & Order won an Emmy for best drama series in 1997 and has been nominated in that category a record nine consecutive times (it has a shot again at this Sunday's ceremony). Last season, the show ranked 12th in the Nielsen ratings, averaging more than 16 million viewers a week.

Dick Wolf, Studios USA and NBC Sign Deal for "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" Third "Law & Order" Branded Series To Have Shared Broadcast Window With USA Network NBC Entertainment, 11.8.00 NBC, Studios USA and Dick Wolf have signed a deal to produce the third series in the hugely successful "Law & Order" franchise - "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." The Deal was jointly announced today by Wolf, Studios USA Programming President David Kissinger and NBC Entertainment President Garth Ancier. The new series, which received a 13-episode order, is slated for the 2001-2002 season, will break from the traditional "Law & Order" format to reveal the point of view of the criminal, as well as the police and prosecutors. Rene Balcer, a ten-year veteran of the original "Law & Order" series, will serve as executive producer, head writer and showrunner. Balcer was one of the executive producers of "Law & Order" when it won the outstanding drama series Emmy award in 1997. As with "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," the new series will have a shared broadcast window with USA Network. "It's extremely gratifying that viewers continue to be entertained by the 'Law & Order' franchise and with this new series, we hope to bring a unique psychological component to the storytelling," said Wolf. "Millions of fans turn to NBC each week for the gripping, award-winning drama Dick Wolf provides with the 'Law & Order' franchise. We can't wait to roll out this latest edition, which will take viewers even more up close and personal into the criminal justice system," said Ancier. "We are excited to embark on this further exploration of the 'Law & Order' brand. This promises to be a provocative and innovative new series that will incorporate the best of the 'Law & Order' shows while bringing something fresh and arresting to the franchise," said Kissinger. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" is the third "Law & Order"-branded series on NBC. The Emmy Award-winning "Law & Order" is in its eleventh season and is currently network television's longest-running drama series. With its renewal through 2005, it is poised to become the most prolific police drama ever and the second longest running drama series in the history of television. It consistently ranks among the top 15 prime time programs each week and holds the record for most consecutive (nine) Outstanding Drama Series Emmy nominations, winning in 1997. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" has been renewed through 2002 and was the highest rated new series from the 1999-2000 season and the only drama or comedy to receive a multi-year pick-up.