Fans of the venerable Law & Order series got a nice gift to start off the new year. Through the venerable crime drama is down in the ratings once again, NBC’s President of Primetime Entertainment, Angela Bromstad, has vowed to renew it for another year.
Law & Order was created by Dick Wolf and first debuted in September 1990. The series revolves around NYPD crime investigations and the trials that follow. Though the premise has remained the same, the cast has changed many times over the years. The current performers include Jeremy Sisto, Anthony Anderson, S. Epatha Merkerson, Linus Roache, Alana de la Garza, and Sam Waterston.
The show has been on the air for 20 seasons now. Interestingly, it didn’t break into the top 30 in the ratings until season four. Even more amazing is that Law & Order actually hit its peak in season 12 when it ranked number seven for the year. The show has been in decline since then however, ranking 73rd in year 17 and then 62nd last season.
The crime drama is a survivor though and so is its creator. Wolf reportedly made concessions to NBC last spring in order to keep Law & Order around for another season. He wanted to match the 20 year record that’s previously been held for Gunsmoke as the longest-running drama in US primetime.
This season, the show opened to a dismal 1.2 rating but the numbers have improved slightly over time. Though its ratings haven’t been very good, even for a Friday night series, it looks like Law & Order will surpass Gunsmoke’s record. In an interview with BusinessWeek, Bromstad indicated that she intended to renew Wolf’s show for a historic 21st season.
She said, “I’m a Law & Order junkie… I wouldn’t want to be responsible for not having Law & Order break the record.”
Bromstad acknowledged that the schedule has to be essentially rebuilt and is ordering 18 pilots for next season. Still, they can’t cancel everything and from that standpoint, they have no reason not to keep Law & Order around for another 13 episodes. It’s produced on a tight budget and, since it’s made in-house by NBC-Universal, they can make money on the backend from syndication and DVD sales.
What do you think? Are you surprised that Law & Order is sticking around for season 21? Should it stay or is are you ready for the series to go?
Image courtesy NBC.
I love Law&order!!!!!!! plezzzzzz, keep it going i have been watching it from the start. I love all the other law& order but, the orginal is where all the other show got their start.
DO NOT CANCEL Law & Order. Forget about the ratings. This show is great!!!!!!!!!!
I am 22 years old and Law and Order has always been on in my house. I remember falling asleep and hearing the music all the time as a kid and watch it devotedly still. I could easily watch this show for the rest of my life. I love it.
me too 🙂
Bravo! Law & Order is definately the best show on TV today! TV just wouldn’t be the same without it!
I was heart sick when I heard about it not being renewed for another season.
SO, Please keep it on. Have watch for many years. My whole family watches it.
i am extremely happy it will be around for the 21st season. they have earned the rewards of being aroung for 21 years. it’s a great show.
Please keep it going. I cant get enough……..
Love Law and order. Have been a fan of it since season 1. I hail all the way from Australia ! So please keep it going !! The writers for the series have to be commended as I don’t think I’ve seen the same story line repeated in its 20 year running period. Really pleased that it’s been renewed for the 21st season !
please renew for season 21. this is one of the best tv shows ever!!!!!
I luv Law & Order!
Pls keep L&O on for 2110-11..Wouldn’t be the same withut that show!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Please keep Law & Order running forever esp with new episodes…you have a great cast ,crew and great stories..I’ve always enjoyed it and still enjoy it… my dvr is automatically set for recording of on all episodes reruns as well but more so, new ones….Thanks
I love this show! It’s a hit! Keep it going!!!!
Keep it going!!! I love this show. Let’s go up to 30 seasons!!
Yes! I LOVE Law and Order and I’m so happy it’s getting a 21st season. I never care about which night it’s aired since I always record the show and watch it at my convenience. Have loved the show since its inception, but adding Linus Roache has made a great series even greater. Thank you NBC for sticking with it even if it’s no longer a hit show with the masses.