Last month, we reported that USA Networks was considering cancelling its long-running Law & Order: Criminal Intent series. After a number of different scenarios were supposedly bandied about, the cable channel has made up its mind — or has it?
The spin-off series follows investigations of high-profile cases. The show moved from NBC to USA Networks in 2007. Up until last year, it starred Vincent D’Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe. This past season starred Jeff Goldblum, Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio, and Saffron Burrows.
Due to the TV show’s uncertain future, Goldblum decided to exit. The rest of the cast’s contracts expired over the summer.
USA has now decided to both renew and cancel Criminal Intent. It’ll come back for a 10th and final season of eight episodes. This will bring the series total to 195 installments.
On the positive side, D’Onofrio is returning as Detective Goren, a character he’s played in 133 episodes. Other castmembers are still in negotiations to return.
Executive producer Dick Wolf said, “Only time will tell if this is a fond farewell or a renaissance for Detective Robert Goren but everyone is ecstatic about going back to work on a show that’s a passion for all of us.”
Interestingly, Jeff Wachtel, president of original programming for USA, doesn’t sound totally committed to ending the show. He said “We have been the fortunate caretakers of this legendary series, and we plan to give it the world-class farewell it so richly deserves. Dick and his team promise to create a major event for television with incredible surprises. The plan is for this to be the series finale, but with a Dick Wolf franchise, one really never knows until it’s over.”
The 10th and final (?) season of Law & Order Criminal Intent is expected to air in 2011.
What do you think? Are you happy there will be some closure for the series? Do you think Criminal Intent should continue and return for season 11?
Image courtesy USA.
I too have watched the Law & Order Criminal Intent series for years, even purchase a few years on DVD—PLEASE keep the series going with Goren and Eames, I’ll watch forever. I just love the various wee hour presentations on the USA channel and WGN on the weekends. I TRULY LOVE THIS SHOW—THIS IS WONDERFUL NEWS!!! THANK YOU MR. WOLFF.
I am very pleased that L&O:CI will continue. I enjoyed Jeff Goldblum, Safron Burrows and Elizabeth Mastrantonio. I also enjoyed Vincent D’Onofrio as well as Katherine Erbe. Any one of the fine actors do a great job, however, Goren and Eames were magical. It is as though they breathed as one. The stories and character are terrific to watch. I appreciate all of the L&Os. It is great drama.
I think it’s great. I can’t wait for it to air. I’m looking forward to seeing Goren and I hope Eames again.
How about Steven Hill, Vincent D’Onofrio, and S. Epatha Merkerson in an episode?
Please reconsider the demise of such an original iconic series.
All characters have made each episode a gem.
what a great Christmas gift, THEY are back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Why not go for 11, 12, 13. 14?????
Get busy Wolf.
When D’onofrio and Erbe were written out in the fall (or whatever went down) I vowed never to watch this show again and I have been an avid “Law and Order” fan for years. Goren is actually my alltime fav, even over Lenny Briscoe and that’s saying a lot. Upon hearing that they were bringing back Erbe and D’onofrio I couldn’t have been happier. Now if they will just admit the error of their ways and just can Goldblum, we will all be happy again.
This has always been one of our favourite shows would really hate to see it go, looking forward to it’s return in the New Year 2011.
If Law and Order: Criminal Intent is cancelled for real, I will be VERY unhappy! It has some of the best writing on television, and the combo of D’Onofrio & Erbe were the most interesting partnership in this genre. I was hoping if they actually cancelled the original L & O: CI, they might do a spin-off w/D’Onofrio (at least) working w/the FBI as it was hinted at in the last episodes. The characters were so complex and interesting, just giving us enough insight to make one curious about them. I always wanted to know more about Erbe’s character —… Read more »
I am happy to hear of Detective Goren’s return. I was very disappointed that he left. I continue to watch the show in reruns and “marathons.” I’m hoping that the return will be so successful that it will run another 5 years or more!
This is the best news ever. Cannot wait till Goren and Eames return. Nobody can do it better than those two. Please keep the show on for longer than 8 episodes hopefully for years to come please consider this. Thank you and God bless you all.
The VO/Goren character (the genius detective) is like no other — greatness — and I looked forward to any time he was on L&OCI. Jeff Goldblum was interesting too, but D’Onofrio & Erb were GREAT. Can’t wait to see it return with Goren back!!!!
I love law & order criminal intent, especially Vincent d’ onofrio. He is like grissom of Cai & video of criminal minds. I hope things work out at least for a limited new season, if not a longer run than that. Thank you.
Love the show, and love D’Onofrio and Erbe. I want that team for at least 10 more seasons, but will settle for 5 more seasons. PLEASE keep the show on the air, and keep the two stars intact.
This is absolutely exciting news, and I look forward to seeing Vincent D’Onofrio in every episode. Never, ever, ever cancel this show as long as Vincent is starring in it. Hope Erbe returns as well. I’m so excited!
Everyone is so right. Things never should have been changed. Yes, I am keeping my fingers crossed. Bring back Vincent and Katherine.