Eleven years after NBC canceled the original Law & Order, Dick Wolf‘s Emmy-winning drama is officially coming back for Season 21. The new season will be helmed by Wolf, and will continue following “the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders.” A premiere date as well as casting for the show have not yet been announced
“There are very few things in life that are literally a dream come true,” Wolf said in a statement. “This is mine.”
Susan Rovner, chairman of entertainment content for NBCUniversal Television and Streaming, added, “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.”
“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,” added Pearlena Igbokwe, Chairman of Universal Studio Group.
Law & Order initially ran for 20 seasons from 1990 to 2010, earning 50 Emmy nominations and winning the award for Outstanding Drama Series in 1997. The original cast included the late Jerry Orbach, Chris Noth, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jeremy Sisto, Jesse L. Martin, and Sam Waterston.
Although the franchise’s flagship series was originally canceled abruptly, it’s known for sparking several spinoffs, including Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the new series Law & Order: Organized Crime, and the fan-favorite Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, which set a new record for longest-running drama series and is currently in its 23rd season.
Law & Order Season 21 will be executive produced by Wolf, Rick Eid, Arthur Forney, and Peter Jankowski. Eid will also serve as writer and showrunner.
Where to watch Law & Order