Entitled “Law & Order: For The Defense,” the spin-off supposedly would take the franchise into a new realm of criminal drama.
So where is “Law & Order: For The Defense”?
The answer is just as mysterious as the plot of a police drama! Get the latest news below.
‘Law And Order Spoilers – For The Defense’ Mystery Deepens!
NBC initially scheduled “Law & Order: For the Defense” for a debut in autumn 2021, according to Deadline.
The network was so enthusiastic about the show that rather than do a trial premiere, NBC gave “Law & Order: For The Defense” what’s known as a “straight to series” green light.
Based on the original plan, Thursday nights would give fans a full evening of Law & Order. In addition to “Law & Order: For The Defense,” Thursdays would feature Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
The new Law And Order spin-off came from a partnership with TV veterans Dick Wolf and Carol Mendelsohn. This dynamic duo planned the show to go inside a criminal defense firm.
Following a casting call, “Law & Order: For the Defense” producers even made offers to selected actors for the last two months.
But something went wrong. Now “Law & Order: For The Defense” reportedly is in the deep freeze. The show might be on hold, completely scrapped, or used to put a different spin on the concept.
And instead of “Law & Order: For The Defense” on Thursday nights, “The Blacklist” will get moved from Friday night to the Thursday, 8 pm time slot initially slated for the criminal defense project.
‘Law And Order Spoilers – What Does The Future Hold For The Law And Order Franchise?
For those who got excited about the spin-off, don’t despair.
The team responsible for the Law And Order franchise (NBC, Dick Wolf and Universal Television) have begun work on a different series. The new show will also fall within the Law And Order family.
However, look for something COMPLETELY different than the original spin-off, “Law & Order: For The Defense.” Instead, the team reportedly have decided to change the concept away from legal drama.
One possibility dates back to a similar situation. A few years ago, NBC offered another “straight to series” green light to a Law & Order spin-off, “Law & Order: Hate Crimes.” However, that spin-off also got put in the deep freeze.
Has the time come to thaw the “hate crimes” show? Or will Dick Wolf and his team come up with a totally new concept?
Meanwhile, the ongoing versions of Law And Order are still golden at NBC. After 22 years, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” with Emmy winner Mariska Hargitay holds the record for the live-action TV series that has run the longest.
And the SVU spin-off, “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” with the talented Chris Meloni, topped the ratings for its debut.
But the success of the Law And Order franchise and ongoing shows didn’t stop fans from expressing their disappointment about the cancellation.
“I am very disappointed that they aren’t moving forward with Law and Order the Defense. Was so excited to see a night of Law and Order,” wrote one L&O follower in response to the news.
“I happen to love l&o and would love to see all new aspects of the law series! It would be great to see the original l&o as well,” chimed in another.
And the decision to swap in the Blacklist for the canned spin-off didn’t win any cheers.
“To replace it with the Blacklist is a mistake and no one will watch. Its a ball of confusion and should of gotten the ax a long time ago,” added another Law And Order believer.