Dick Wolf Goes Literary with Law and Order

For those who can't get enough of original recipe "Law & Order," soon Dick Wolf will be providing new stories ... in the form of books:

Law & Order creator/exec producer Dick Wolf has made a deal to write two novels for the Harper Collins imprint William Morrow, in a deal the publisher is announcing today. Though Wolf's latest Law & Order is being transplanted to Los Angeles, he's using his old stomping NYC grounds for the first book. Though as a New Yorker, I'm not thrilled the plot revolves around a terror scare in Gotham. The novel's an untitled suspense thriller about a major terrorist attack planned for New York City during the July 4 weekend. The Joint Terrorism Task Force and an NYPD detective is the only hope to thwart the attack in a thriller in the tradition of The Day of the Jackal and Three Days of the Condor. The deal was made by Morrow exec editor David Highfill, who got the book exclusively from 3 Arts' Richard Abate and UTA, where Peter Benedek has long repped him.

More here.

Hopefully, they'll be better than the terrible 1990s L&O "books" that took place outside the canon and were apparently written by someone who maybe watched two episodes of the show.....

The Living Dead: Will "Law & Order" Rise Again at AMC?

Don't count on it, but who knows?

AMC has already shown its propensity for zombies with its upcoming thriller series The Walking Dead. And now comes word that the network has shown some interest in another stumbling corpse: Law & Order. Sources tell Vulture that the home to groundbreaking hours Mad Men and Breaking Bad has approached NBC Universal about the possibility of producing new episodes of Dick Wolf’s long-running and recently canceled drama. The high price associated with making Wolf's show means that any AMC deal is a long shot, but the fact that conversations have taken place at all is a sign that, even after two decades, the original L&O still might not be ready for burial.

When we last left the saga of L&O in late May, NBC had decided to cancel the so-called mother ship of the franchise, citing low ratings and (relatively) high production costs: According to sources familiar with the matter, the show costs around $3 million an episode. NBC was willing to keep it going, but only if Wolf agreed to reduce his per-episode producer fee from $350,000 per episode to around $150,000 per episode. Wolf, who'd already made other financial concessions to NBC, balked, and L&O was declared over. Refusing to concede defeat, Wolf issued a statement declaring that his show was "in a medically induced coma" and that he was "hoping for a cure." That led to buzz that TNT might step in to save the day, as they have first right of refusal to make new episodes for cable; that talk was quashed when the network issued a statement flatly saying it was "not interested in a Season 21."

(more at link here)

Or ... does it?

Maybe the reports of the demise of "Law & Order" were premature; TV Guide is saying this:

The New York Times reports that Law & Order creator Dick Wolf's production company informed select people involved with the series of its demise, including executive producer Fred Berner and former co-executive producer Ed Zuckerman.

However, the Times and Entertainment Weekly both report discussions were continuing late Thursday between Wolf and NBC.

Reps for NBC and for the show declined to comment. NBC is scheduled to officially announce its 2010-2011 schedule on Monday.

It will be a nail biting weekend!

Law & Order Ends

Or so it appears, based on this report from Deadline Hollywood:

EXCLUSIVE: This one is a shocker. Veteran crime drama Law & Order will not get its shot at history after all. I hear that after long deliberations, NBC has decided to cancel the long-running procedural, which will end its run at 20 seasons, tied with Gunsmoke. This is very surprising as NBC brass had indicated lately that they would bring L&O for a record-breaking 21^st season. But with strong development, especially on the drama side, and soft ratings for L&O, NBC apparently opted not to keep the aging series, which spawned several successful spinoffs. The latest, Law & Order: Los Angeles, will launch next season. L&O's renewal by NBC was also contingent on securing a sizable commitment from the series' cable home TNT whose off-network deal for the show was up at the end of this season.

I suppose on the plus side it's Los Angeles' turn now....

Law & Order: BFD

Law And Order: BFD from This American Life on Vimeo.

Emmy Promotion Time!

Feel like showing your support for the Law & Order shows? Now you can do it -- literally -- by heading over here and voting for the buttons you'd like to have sent to you. Just hand over your address (there's always a catch) but you can pick as many of the shows' buttons as you like, and there's more than just L&O up there.

I smell collectors items....

Jesse L. Martin Out at L&O!

Jesse is history at L&O, after nine years. According to the Hollywood Reporter article out today, Anthony Anderson is likely to take his place.

From the article:

Martin will film one more episode of the Wolf Films/Universal Media Studios series, in which his character, Detective Ed Green, will be written off, sources said.

The actor had signed on to do the first 13 episodes this season with an option for more.

Jesse, you will be missed! Has it really been nine years?

NBC/Universal Lawsuit Against Dick Wolf

NBC Universal has filed suit against Dick Wolf over a contract dispute, according to today's Hollywood Reporter:

On Friday, NBC-Universal Network Programming and Universal Network Television filed suit in Los Angeles Superior Court against the "L&O" creator and executive producer asking the court to interpret a contract between the two over the amount of executive producer fees Wolf is entitled to receive for the all three series, which include "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

At issue is an agreement signed in September 2004 by the two sides that included provisions for Wolf's executive producer fees, imputed license fees and other fees and compensation for the "Law & Order" series.

NBC Universal claims the agreement is a "pay-or-play" contract calling for Wolf to be paid executive producer fees in 48-episode blocks upon each order from NBC, regardless of how many episodes are actually ordered.

According to the complaint, Wolf has contended the 48-episode guarantee provides a "kill fee" in which he can be paid for two seasons of episodes of any "Law & Order" series, including ones that are not produced when NBC decides to not order more seasons. NBC Universal claim that Wolf's position would provide him "with an unintended windfall of millions of dollars."

NBC Universal's lawsuit has not changed Wolf's position on the issue.

"NBC Universal is trying to rewrite an existing contract," he said through a representative. "Apparently, our partner is willing to commission rewrites during the strike."

On the one hand, it may not be that big of a deal ... but on the other, is this some way for the network to get out of more "L&O" seasons? That's the big concern from this standpoint....

News: New "Unofficial Companion" Book Coming in 2009

Exclusive to apocrypha: BenBella Books will be publishing a new "Law & Order" "Unofficial Companion" book, this one devoted to the "Special Victims Unit" show. At the moment, the expected publish date is in 2009, so you'll have plenty of time to save up your pennies.

But the bonus news is that it'll be co-written by Susan Green (author of the original "Law & Order: Unofficial Companion" book (at left), which was last published in 1997 -- and ... well, one of your apocrypha co-editors lo these many years, who you know best as Kitt.

That means apocrypha readers will get updates on the book first, have exclusive access to early pages, and even have the chance to contribute to the book's final content!

Over the next few weeks, we'll be putting up a Web page devoted specifically to the book, and likely either tailor this blog to the book more specifically, or start up a second blog. So be sure to watch this space or sign up to the apocrypha list (if you're not already a member). At that time, we're going to give you an email address where you can send all of the questions you've always wanted to ask about the show, its characters, its writers and so forth -- and if possible, we'll get the answers to include in the book. The fans are what make "SVU" so great -- and we definitely need you guys!

All for now -- more, naturally, coming soon ... but we're going to be very busy -- we have almost 200 episodes to re-watch!

Bloody Good: L&O Gets British Makeover

From today's Hollywood Reporter:

Original 'L&O' series handles London calls
By Kimberly Nordyke and Nellie Andreeva
Jan 3, 2008

"Law & Order" is getting a British accent.

NBC Universal and Wolf Films are in negotiations to license U.K. format rights to the long-running procedural drama series to British production company Kudos Film & Television, sources said. ITV is set to air the tentatively titled "Law & Order: London," which Kudos, the company behind BBC's "Hustle," will co-produce.

"L&O: London" will mark the first locally produced version of Dick Wolf's original "L&O" series and the first English-language version of any series in the "L&O" franchise outside of the U.S.

Angela Bromstad, president of international television production at NBC Universal, was involved in the deal, her first major move since taking over the new London-based division in September.

While format rights to the original "L&O" had never been sold internationally, Russia already has launched local versions of "Law & Order: SVU" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," and France also has its own version of "L&O: CI."

"L&O" had been considered more difficult to translate because of differences in the legal systems in Europe and the U.S.

Wolf previously has indicated a desire to expand the "L&O" brand even further beyond North America and Europe.

"L&O," which had its 18th-season premiere on NBC on Wednesday night, is TV's longest-running crime series and its second-longest-running drama series behind "Gunsmoke."

New Fanfic: Part 2 of "Undercover Love"

As promised, here's Part 2 of "Undercover Love" -- happy New Year from apocrypha!

Undercover Love, Part 2
By Tara M. Patterson

In which Don Cragen goes undercover in more ways than one.

Ho! Ho! Holiday Stories!

Just in time for the holidays, apocrypha is serving two steaming new stories (and in the case of at least one, that steam is pretty literal)!

First off, start with the hors d'oeuvres:

Into the Garden
By Fear-ciuil

In which Anita Van Buren reminisces over her father's war record -- in Korea.

Then move on to the main course, the first part of a two-part story (the second, we're hoping to have up before the New Year):

Undercover Love
By Tara M. Patterson

In which Don Cragen goes undercover in more ways than one.

That's right! It's an all Lieutenant/Captain special to keep you warm this season. Enjoy, and keep your eyes posted here -- and on the apocrypha mailing list -- for the alert on Part 2 of "Undercover Love."

Happy holidays, everyone!

Jerry Lives On, Continued

Jerry continues his posthumous takeover of New York City, and we couldn't be happier. Here's a press release for the event on Monday. And we still miss you, Jerry!

THE CITY OF NEW YORK TO NAME A STREET AFTER LEGEND OF STAGE AND SCREEN JERRY ORBACH

DEDICATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 17 at 2:30 p.m.
FOLLOWED BY A RECEPTION AT THE JERRY ORBACH THEATRE (210 W 50th St.)

WHAT:
The City of New York will name a portion of 53rd Street at 8th Avenue after legendary star of stage and screen, JERRY ORBACH. A street sign reading "JERRY ORBACH WAY" will be unveiled during a dedication ceremony on Monday, September 17 at 2:30 p.m. on the southwest corner of the block. The beloved actor's widow, Elaine Caniclla-Orbach, Richard Belzer and fellow cast members from "Law & Order" and cast members from the Off-Broadway cast of The Fantasticks will attend. A brief reception will follow at the Jerry Orbach Theater (210 West 50th Street).

Fresh Fanfic!

Hello there, folks!

Well, the original mission of apocrypha was to publish Law & Order-related fanfic, and we're picking up the mantle yet again to present you with two brand-new stories:

First Comes Love
By McCoylover

In this longer short, go back in time with Jack McCoy and the assistant assigned to him once Sally Bell left the office -- Elizabeth Donnelly -- and discover that a leopard can't change his spots....

Montreal
By Sugar Kane

Ben Stone left the DA's office and took off for points north. So where can he be found today?

For those unfamiliar with our ratings system, go here to explain the icons. And enjoy!

Jerry Gets Theater Named After Him

This should be lovely: Go if you can! (It's really for press, but you never know....)

THE SNAPPLE THEATER CENTER TO NAME ONE OF TWO THEATRE SPACES AFTER THE BELOVED, LATE ACTOR JERRY ORBACH

DEDICATION CEREMONY TO BE HELD ON THURSDAY, JUNE 21, 2007

SAM WATERSON TO SPEAK
KAREN ZIEMBA TO PERFORM

FRIENDS AND COLLEAGUES MARISKA HARGITAY, BEBE NEUWIRTH, KELLY BISHOP, CELESTE HOLM, TOM JONES and ANITA GILLETTE TO ATTEND

WHO:
SAM WATERSON, KAREN ZIEMBA, MARISKA HARGITAY, BEBE NEUWIRTH, KELLY BISHOP, CELESTE HOLM, TOM JONES, ANITA GILLETTE, ANTHONY FEDOROV

WHAT:
The Snapple Theater Center (1627 Broadway) will name one of two
theatre spaces after the beloved, late actor Jerry Orbach. The current home
of the critically acclaimed Off-Broadway revival of The Fantasticks will be
named The Jerry Orbach Theater at a dedication ceremony to be held on
Thursday, June 21, 2007. An adjacent rehearsal studio will be named in
honor of Mr. Orbach's widow, and Broadway veteran, Elaine Cancilla-Orbach.

WHERE:
Snapple Theatre Center (210 W. 50th Street at Broadway)

WHEN:
Thursday, June 21, 2007

Arrivals / Photo Ops:
5:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Ceremony:
6:30 p.m. - 7:00 p.m

Jerry Orbach, best known for his starring role as wisecracking Detective
Lennie Briscoe in the long-running television series "Law & Order," was also
an accomplished Tony Award-winning Broadway and Off-Broadway actor. His
theatre career began in 1960 as El Gallo in the original Off-Broadway
production of The Fantasticks. He later went on to star on Broadway in such
beloved musicals as 42nd Street, Chicago (Tony Award nomination), Guys and
Dolls (Tony Award nomination) and Promises, Promises which earned him the
1969 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical. On the silver screen, Mr.
Orbach appeared most notably in the films Prince of the City, Dirty Dancing,
Crimes and Misdemeanors and provided the voice of Lumiere in Disney's
animated feature, Beauty and the Best. Mr. Orbach lost his battle to
prostate cancer on December 28, 2004 at the age of 69.

Located on the corner of 50th Street and Broadway in the heart of Times
Square, the Snapple Theater Center is Snapple's first branded entertainment
center. Since its official opening in May of 2006, The Snapple Theater
Center has been home to two landmark Off-Broadway shows: The Fantasticks,
the world's longest-running musical, and Perfect Crime, the longest-running
play in New York City.

Mothership: Out with Milena, in with Jeremy

Jeremy Sisto joins the gang!

From The Hollywood Reporter:

Sisto flashing 'Law' badge

By Nellie Andreeva

June 1, 2007

Jeremy Sisto is returning to NBC next season with a starring role on "Law & Order."

Sisto, who played the lead on NBC's "Kidnapped" last season, will play a detective on "L&O," which is returning in the fall for its 18th season.

"I've watched Jeremy's career evolve and grow, and I am absolutely thrilled that he has decided to join 'Law & Order,' " "L&O" creator/executive producer Dick Wolf said.

Sisto is not a stranger to the veteran crime drama. He guest-starred on the show's 17th-season finale last month, playing a defense attorney. He now will play a brand-new character, which is expected to replace Detective Nina Cassady (Milena Govich).

Sisto's deal to join "L&O" comes on the heels of Fred Thompson's announcement Wednesday that he is leaving the series, on which he played District Attorney Arthur Branch for the past five seasons (HR 5/31).

Sisto, probably best known for his role on Alan Ball's critically acclaimed HBO drama "Six Feet Under," co-stars in Adrienne Shelly's indie romantic comedy "Waitress."

He is repped by ICM and manager Robert Stein.

Fred Thompson Departs L&O

From The Hollywood Reporter — Fred is leaving the mothership. Personally, I think it's more than past time that they put McCoy's character in charge, and get someone else as the EADA. Should be interesting the next few weeks.....

Also: The apocrypha interview with Thompson, from 2004 is here.

Thompson leaving NBC's 'Law'

By Nellie Andreeva

May 31, 2007

Fred Thompson is giving up his post as D.A. on NBC's "Law & Order."

Thompson, a former Republican senator from Tennessee who has flirted with the idea of running for president but has yet to announce his candidacy, played District Attorney Arthur Branch on the long-running crime drama for the past five seasons.

"I've spoken to Fred today, and although he told me he has not made a firm decision about his political future, he felt that given the creative and scheduling constraints of the upcoming season, he asked to be released from his responsibilities to the show," "Law & Order" creator/executive producer Dick Wolf said Wednesday. "I will sincerely miss working with him on a regular basis, and I obviously wish him the best of luck with whatever the future holds."

The statement came hours after news reports indicated that Thompson will form a presidential committee this week.

It has been rumored for months that Executive A.D.A. Jack McCoy, played by "L&O" veteran Sam Waterston, might be bumped up to Branch's position in the show's upcoming 18th season.

A breakdown being floated has "L&O" potentially adding a D.A. and two detectives next season. There are two police detectives on the series, played by veteran Jesse Martin and Milena Govich. Sources indicated that Govich would not be coming back, while Martin might return for another season.

Through a spokeswoman, Wolf declined to discuss any further casting changes on the show.

More on the good news

From the original press release about the renewals:

ALL THREE “LAW & ORDER”- BRANDED SERIES WILL CONTINUE ON THE NETWORKS OF NBC UNIVERSAL

NBC CHANGES THE TELEVISION LANDSCAPE ONCE AGAIN,
AS 'CRIMINAL INTENT' MOVES TO TOP-RATED USA NETWORK THIS FALL, WITH A SECOND WINDOW ON NBC

'LAW & ORDER' WILL RETURN FOR UNRIVALED 18TH SEASON ON NBC

AS PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED, 'LAW & ORDER: SVU' RETURNS TO NBC IN THE FALL

NEW YORK – May 13, 2007 – NBC Universal is bringing back all three "Law & Order'-branded series for the 2007- 2008 television season.

"Law & Order" will return to the NBC network for an unprecedented 18th season.  It joins the previously announced "Law & Order: SVU" on the network's prime time schedule. "Law & Order" is the longest running crime drama in television history, and second only to the longest running drama series "Gunsmoke," which ran for 20 years, from 1955 to 1975.

In a groundbreaking move, the acclaimed drama "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" will move from NBC to USA, the top-rated basic cable network, which is owned by NBC Universal. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" will return for its seventh season with its premiere runs on USA, followed by an encore play on NBC. USA is the #1 basic cable network, among households, total viewers, and all key demos.  For the last six seasons, "Criminal Intent" has run first on NBC and then had its second window on USA. Beginning next year, that scenario flips.

"With this innovative programming move, we have significantly strengthened the already powerful USA network, given NBC maximum flexibility, and in the process have changed the paradigm of prime time television," said Jeff Zucker, NBC Universal's President and Chief Executive Officer. "By changing the traditional way programs are rolled out, we have reinforced NBC Universal's forward thinking approach to new programming strategies and our willingness to embrace bold thinking. In the end, it is all about our viewers. And this will allow our viewers continuing access to the finest programming across the premier networks of NBC Universal." Zucker added, "We are thrilled to continue our successful business relationship with Dick Wolf and his team."

Creator/Executive Producer Dick Wolf said, "I am thrilled and delighted that Wolf Films and NBC Universal will continue the longest running and most successful partnership in television. This is a win-win for everybody. With all three Law & Orders on the air, formats of 'SVU' and 'CI' on in Russia and France, and discussions ongoing in other territories, this new deal encourages and enhances our mutual desire for our companies to become a major force in global television. This is the tip of the sphere of a new media paradigm."

He added, "I am very grateful that 'Law & Order' is coming back for its 18th season on NBC. Creatively, the show is still firing on all cylinders and I have no doubt that the show's quality can and will continue for years to come. We are scheduled to celebrate our 400th episode next season, which is a milestone that is absolutely staggering. And we are now one year closer to my ultimate dream - to become the longest running drama in the history of television, beating Gunsmoke." Wolf continued, "SVU redefined the network/cable broadcast model when it premiered in 1999, by creating a repurposed window on basic cable for a network show.  Now Criminal Intent adds a new dimension to that model, with a groundbreaking licensing of a repurpose window in reverse, to the network. CI enjoyed a creative resurgence last season and I expect the new USA/NBC dual broadcast window will bring new life to the show in its seventh year."

"'Law and Order' has remained one of NBC's defining series and dependable performers for its entire, formidable 17 year run." said Kevin Reilly, President, NBC Entertainment, "We're so pleased that Dick Wolf and his talented team of producers will continue this legacy of quality storytelling on NBC."

"'Law and Order: Criminal Intent' is perfect for USA -- smart, character-driven programming that's already a proven hit with our viewers," said Bonnie Hammer, president of USA Network and SCI FI Channel.  "It's also a blockbuster procedural, a terrific complement to the award-winning  'Monk' and last year's top-rated new show, 'Psych'.  Combined with the powerhouse WWE and the rest of the network's dynamic slate, it ensures that USA will continue to dominate the cable landscape and remain #1."

The "Law & Order" brand accounts for the #1, 2 and 3 off-network primetime series on basic cable through the first four months of 2007 in adults 25-54, with "Criminal Intent" on USA (1.020 million adults 25-54), "SVU" on USA (945,000 adults 25-54) and "Law & Order" on TNT (864,000 adults 25-54).

More than 100 million viewers watch the "Law & Order" dramas on cable or broadcast each month, making it television's most-watched drama franchise.

"Law & Order" runs in syndication on TNT.  "Law & Order: SVU" is also seen in national syndication on USA, Bravo and on weekends on local broadcast stations.  Starting this fall, "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" will air on local broadcast stations on a Monday through Friday basis, as well as continuing to air on USA and Bravo.

The "Law & Order" franchise is also seen in hundreds of territories around the world and has continued its expansion overseas with new format deals for "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" (France and Russia) and "Law & Order: SVU" (Russia).

"Law & Order" is the most successful brand in primetime television.  The realistic program looks at crime and justice from a dual perspective. Some cases may be simple, but most are multi-faceted. The investigations are challenging, prosecutions are complicated, and decisions about legal procedures and plea-bargaining are vexing.

Fridays at 10 p.m. (ET), the original "Law & Order" has averaged a 2.7 rating, 8 share in adults 18-49 and 9.0 million viewers overall.  "Law & Order" has improved the time period versus NBC's year-ago 18-49 average by 12 percent and is Friday's most upscale series on any network (in concentration of adults 18-49 living in homes with $100,000-plus incomes).

"Law & Order: SVU" chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes.

Tuesdays at 10 p.m. (ET), "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is #1 in the time period in every key ratings category and an original "SVU" hasn't lost the slot in adults 18-49 to regular competition in more than two years.  For the season, "SVU" has delivered a 4.2 rating, 11 share in adults 18-49 and 12.0 million viewers overall.  This season, "SVU" built on its 18-49 lead-in by 50 percent.

"Law & Order: Criminal Intent," takes viewers into the minds of its criminals while following the psychological approaches the Major Case Squad uses to solve the crimes.

Tuesdays at 9 p.m. (ET), "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" has averaged a 2.8 rating, 7 share in adults 18-49 and 8.9 million viewers overall for the 2006-07 television season.  "Criminal Intent" has built on its 18-49 lead-in by 27 percent in adults 18-49.

All three 'Law & Order' programs are produced by Wolf Films and NBC Universal Television Studios.

The wait is over: Good news!

Well, that was a close one: the Mothership and CI will return, although originals of CI will now be on USA Network.

NBC renews 'Law' for 18th season

By Nellie Andreeva

May 14, 2007

After months of intense negotiations, NBC and Dick Wolf closed a deal over the weekend to bring veteran crime drama "Law & Order" back to the network for an 18th season.

Another "Law & Order" series whose future was up in the air, sequel "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," will move to NBC Universal's USA Network this fall, with a second window on NBC.

Additionally, Wolf has extended his overall deal with NBC through 2012.

With its last minute renewal before NBC's upfront presentation Monday, the mothership "L&O" series is closing in on "Gunsmoke," which holds the record for longest running drama series, 20 years.

Meanwhile, "L&O: CI" will return for a seventh season with premiere runs on USA, followed by an encore play on NBC. USA has had syndication rights to "CI," airing reruns of the crime drama.

"With this innovative programming move, we have significantly strengthened the already powerful USA network, given NBC maximum flexibility, and in the process have changed the paradigm of prime time television," said Jeff Zucker, NBC Universal's president and CEO. "In the end, it is all about our viewers. And this will allow our viewers continuing access to the finest programming across the premier networks of NBC Universal."

The move of "CI" to USA follows rumors about a possible migration of the original "L&O" series to TNT, which owns the syndication rights to it.

Dick Wolf, creator/executive producer of the "L&O" franchise, called the deal for "L&O" and "L&O:CI" "a win-win for everybody." The third "L&O" series, "L&O: SVU," was renewed in January.

"With all three 'Law & Orders' on the air, formats of 'SVU' and 'CI' on in Russia and France, and discussions ongoing in other territories, this new deal encourages and enhances our mutual desire for our companies to become a major force in global television," Wolf said. "I am very grateful that 'Law & Order' is coming back for its 18th season on NBC. We are scheduled to celebrate our 400th episode next season, which is a milestone that is absolutely staggering. And we are now one year closer to my ultimate dream -- to become the longest running drama in the history of television, beating Gunsmoke."

The "Law & Order" series rank as the top three off-network primetime series on basic cable through the first four months of 2007 in adults 25-54, led by "Criminal Intent" on USA (1.020 million adults 25-54).

So far this season, the original "L&O" has averaged a 2.7 rating/8 share in adults 18-49 and 9.0 million viewers overall in the Friday 10 p.m. time slot.

All "L&O" series are produced by Wolf Films and NBC Universal TV Studio.

Putting the rumor mill into high gear

For those who might have missed some recent comments by VDOVault, an excellent commenter on these boards, here's some more links about what's going on behind the scenes at Law & Order/Criminal Intent:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,268020,00.html#2
http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,267803,00.html#2

In summary (or, word/aka Fox's Roger Friedman) has it:

1) Should L&O survive being axed, the lead cops will be replaced with less-expensive ones.
2) Chris Noth is likely to be axed from "Criminal Intent."
3) His partner, Julianne Nicholson is pregnant and already out.
4) One producer (Jamie Crowell Blank) at L&O is out.
5) S. Epatha Merkerson is unhappy with a lack of camera time and has made noise about it.

***********

Bear in mind, as we've said before, that this is a Fox gossip columnist (he's very in, but he's not always accurate -- Merkerson hasn't been with the show "from the start," as he says) and he's talking about an NBC show.

Sources close to apocrypha spoke with Merkerson recently and she indicated that people are concerned behind the scenes about what happens next, but didn't voice anything about trying to grab more land for herself. Other sources indicated that Noth's salary is the issue; perception at NBC is that he might be able to carry a show on his own.

And that's what we know, at this point.