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Post by missjanet on May 14, 2010 14:08:24 GMT -5
NBC cancels long-running crime show "Law & Order"
By Belinda Goldsmith Belinda Goldsmith – 5 mins ago
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) – Crime drama "Law & Order" has fought its last court battle, with TV network NBC announcing on Friday that it is canceling the original show after 20 seasons, although its spinoffs will continue.
"Law & Order" currently ties with 1960s western "Gunsmoke" as the longest-running U.S. prime time drama, with both boasting a 20-season run.
Fox comedy "The Simpsons" is the longest-running TV series in prime time, now in its 21st season.
With its revolving regular cast and its guest celebrities, "Law & Order" drew its inspiration from real crimes and events, giving it a "ripped from the headlines" appeal.
But audiences for the New York-based series have slipped this year to an average 7.3 million viewers per episode from more than 18 million in 2002. The last episode, with guest star Olympic skier Lindsey Vonn, will air on May 24.
Jeff Gaspin, chairman of NBC Universal Television Entertainment, said the franchise created by Dick Wolf had added to the success of NBC and Universal Media Studios over the past two decades.
"The legacy of his original "Law & Order" series will continue to make an impact like no other series before," Gaspin said in a statement.
'MANY MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES'
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who has appeared as himself in the show, said "Law & Order" had been a New York City institution, paving the way for more than 150 TV shows based there today and showcasing the city's versatility as a film setting.
"It also helped launch the careers of thousands of talented actors and featured many memorable performances -- although my cameos are not among them," Bloomberg said in a statement.
As well as winning the 1997 Emmy for best drama series, "Law & Order" has generated spinoff series, video games, and international versions of the show that tracks a crime investigation, the arrest of a suspect and a prosecution.
NBC, which will present its new slate of programing for 2010-11 to advertisers in New York next week, said it was picking up the new drama "LOLA," ("Law & Order: Los Angeles") and has also renewed "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" for the next season.
Fans of the original show, known to TV critics and producers at "The Mother Ship," are hoping that another network will pick up the show.
NBC's decision to drop "Law & Order" has prompted speculation that U.S. cable network TNT, which has carried reruns of the show, could carry original episodes. TNT could not be immediately reached for comment.
NBC is owned by General Electric Co but it is expected to be folded into a $30 billion joint venture with No.1 U.S. cable operator Comcast Corp. in a deal awaiting U.S. federal government approval.
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Post by DonnaJo on May 14, 2010 18:24:43 GMT -5
I'm so upset over this news. I just pray that TNT decides to pick up the series.  Here's another article. I'm sure there will be more: It's Official/NBCNY.com It's Official: "Law & Order" to Air Last Episode May 24
Updated 1:47 PM EDT, Fri, May 14, 2010
Dun. Dun. So the bell tolls for the original "Law & Order." The last crime solved on the iconic New York City drama will be this month, NBC officials confirmed, following speculation that the show would end its decades-long run. But even though the last episode will be May 24, diehard fans may feel the blow lessened a bit as NBC said it will launch new a "Law & Order" franchise in Los Angeles and will continue "Law & Order: SVU" for another season. A 21st season would have set a record for the longest-running TV drama series. The cancellation leaves "Law & Order" tied with "Gunsmoke" for the longevity title. Earlier, as various entertainment news sources reported the network would not renew Dick Wolf's creation after Deadline.com cited recent "soft ratings." Set and taped in New York, the show built a huge following with storylines taken from real headlines. Over the years, such acting luminaries as Jerry Orbach, Paul Sorvino, Chris Noth, Michael Moriarty, Jill Hennessy, Benjamin Bratt, Angie Harmon and Jesse Martin have had regular roles on the show. Current stars Sam Waterston, who plays the top prosecutor, and S. Epatha Merkerson, who plays a detective, have enjoyed a long run on the show. Longtime Tennessee senator and presidential candidate Fred Thompson,who played the district attorney on the show for several years, stepped down from the role to mount a failed White House bid in 2007. |
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Post by outerbankschick on May 14, 2010 19:36:57 GMT -5
I can't say I'm surprised. TNT was already dragging its feet about picking up the repeats from the new season, so I don't know that it would want to take it over and give it another first-run season either. And with SEM leaving, those were some big shoes to fill...plus the declining ratings in the past few years. On a brighter note - 20 years ain't nothing to sneeze at!  |
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fozzy
Silver Shield Investigator
Posts: 55
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Post by fozzy on May 15, 2010 2:28:14 GMT -5
Im not suprised but im sad its over
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Post by Patcat on May 15, 2010 9:54:42 GMT -5
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Post by maherjunkie on May 15, 2010 9:55:47 GMT -5
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Post by Patcat on May 15, 2010 10:00:05 GMT -5
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Post by Techguy on May 15, 2010 19:57:10 GMT -5
Oh to be a fly on the wall of Dick Wolf's office and/or living room
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Post by outerbankschick on May 15, 2010 23:27:38 GMT -5
I'm with you, TG!
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Post by Patcat on May 17, 2010 8:25:05 GMT -5
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Post by DonnaJo on May 17, 2010 14:58:26 GMT -5
Interesting, the comparison between the current cast and the original one. Never thought of it that way. Only they didn't have a female ADA back them. Or a female Chief/Lieutenant. There were no women in the cast until Wolf got some heat about it.  The only thing that would make me feel better if someone from this current cast (ideally Jeremy Sisto) was cast on Law & Order/LA. I doubt it will happen, but it would appease some of us fans. |
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Post by Patcat on May 17, 2010 15:04:09 GMT -5
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Post by outerbankschick on May 17, 2010 16:16:13 GMT -5
Mawkish, eh? WHAT-ever! I would have loved to go deeper into the lives of the cast of the original series. Too bad we never did. I read an article that says LOLA may very well do just that, too. So they can take their mawkish and...you know! |
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Post by annabelleleigh on May 17, 2010 17:24:23 GMT -5
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Post by Patcat on May 18, 2010 8:44:16 GMT -5
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Patrick Roy, 2006 inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame
