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 was really surprised and happy when it was announced that Goren and Eames were returning with the show. Criminal Intent is one of THE BEST series that was ever created! I have watched it (faithfully) since the very first episode. I also continue to watch the re-runs! I hope that we are in for (yet another) surprise; one which will reverse the decision to “bring down the curtain” on the best Law & Order spin-off ever made. Please do not cancel this show!
Please do not cancel Law & Order now that Goren and Eames are back.
I hope Law and ORder CI is NOT cancelled!! I did not watch it while Jeff Goldblum and Saffron Burrows were on it but not that GOREN and EAMES are back, its just like old,good times!! They are the ones who make that show a hit….both are excellent actors and the chemistry between them is remarkable. I hope the show continues to air as I have been a fan since its inception!!!
Please do not cancel my show!!! I watch all the Law & Order shows, Criminal Intent is my all time favorite. My sister doesn’t want it cancelled either. We both watch the show and she doesn’t want to listen to me complaining for the next 20 years!!! Goren and Eames are the best crime fighting duo on TV.
I love Law and Order Criminal Intent, and the team of Goren and Eames. They are a great team. He may be a “wack job”, but is one of the most interesting characters on television. Working with Eames balances out the team. I hope that they decide not to cancel the series. It would be a great tragedy.
I totally ADORE the Law and Order series.. It’s the one show I look forward to seeing throughout my day. SVU and CI both are at the top of my list.. honestly, those are the two programs I watch on USA.. Without them, I have no other reason really to keep watching USA except for re-runs. Sad to say it but thats how i feel.. I just hope the people making this decision will think over their decision…
This is my all time favorite show – I watch it every day – every episode over and over – I look forward to seeing the Wack Job as he is the most interesting and entertaining character on any show… I’m shocked that they removed him – pleased that they brought him back – and unhappy that they are calling this the ‘last season’. I also love all the other characters on the show – the writing is superb and I never have any complaints on it… I wish there was some way I could complain officially to someone who… Read more »
I was so happy the show was back on with Goren and Eames and now I am sad. Love the show. I have watched it from the beinning. Show should go on.
I have enjoyed watching this show for years and am very disappointed that the producer has decided to cancel the show. I love Jeff Goldblum but he just doesn’t have the same chrisma that Vincent does for this particular show type. If you intended to cancel the show then you should not have renewed for eight shows because it leaves a bad taste in people’s mouths who love the show. You probably intend to kill off one or both of the major stars and that deffinitely will not sit well with fams.
I could not agree with you more. It pains me to know that the network is more than likely going to fill the air time with more reality tv or a new show that stars a former secondary character actor from L&O. I have not owned a television in over ten years because for me there is not much else on worth watching other than the news and L&O. My neighbors and I have agreed to watch the 7 seasons of Homocide: Life on the Street.
For over 20 years I have consistently watched the most brilliant, riveting and intelligent television in all of the Law & Order segments. L&O has never disappointed me, “ripped from the headlines” and the cancellation by any network is an incredulous mistake. Each series’ characters exemplify consistent passion for whom they portray and the stories crafted and developed by Dick Wolf and his producers are on point and for over 20 years. Networks are foolish for their consistent perpetuation of reality tv, dramas with overt and untimely sex and romance and experimental show concepts like a psychotherapist to pro football… Read more »
i truly love this show and vincent is wonderful. Please reconsider cancelling the show because it is well received. I admit that I did not care for last season because of casting replacements. No one can play the role of our “crazy” detective. I tune in for the re-runs and current episodes…..fan for life
I can’t beleive you are cancelling an Awesome show! We watch it all the time re-runs and all! Goren and Eames Rock I say keep the show rolling!
So glad Goren and Eams(?) again. Just became a LOCI fan within the past year and am an addict. I agree Goren makes the show. LOCI has depth, critical thinking, and reality show aspects which makes for great entertainment. Saw the filming of LOCI in Central Park on Thursday, 26 May 2011. Was shocked and dismayed when one of the crew stated it was the FINAL episode “ever.” (I do not like the new captain, he’s creepy, played a lot of creepy people in the past. If show continues get a new captain) Hope the show continues for an 11th… Read more »
I can’t believe this!!!! I have watched every single show that Dick Wolf has done. I was so exicted to see Criminal Intent come back on USA, now to find out they are canceled all over again!!! UGH!!!! Thats like giving chocolate to a Chocoholic and taking it away again.. The withdrawls are hell!!!!
Before you know it all the Dick Wolf shows will be off the air. He has awesome show’s and the best characters to match.
Please don’t cancel this show!!
I have enjoyed watching Law & Order:Criminal Intent for years. I really prefer to watch it with Vincent D’Orofrio playing as Detective Goren and feel that he is not only wonderful in the part, but he makes the show. He is original and in your face . He is one of the best actors I have seen in ages. It would be such a shame for the show to end.
D. Smith Tacoma, WA