As Law & Order Kicks Off Its 25th Season, Dick Wolf Shows No Signs of Slowing Down
Even in an era of constant change, three things remain reliably constant: death, taxes, and Law & Order.
A Franchise That Has Defied Time
The Law & Order universe, created by producer Dick Wolf, continues to thrive more than three decades after its debut in September 1990. The franchise shows no signs of slowing down as NBC premieres the 25th season of the original series alongside Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’s 27th season. Meanwhile, the fifth season of Law & Order: Organized Crime launched earlier this year on Peacock, further cementing the sprawling empire Wolf has built.
Fans recently celebrated the franchise during an Emmys tribute featuring Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Christopher Meloni, Tony Goldwyn, and S. Epatha Merkerson. Social media buzzed with excitement over photos of Hargitay (Captain Olivia Benson) and Meloni (Detective Elliot Stabler), as fans continue to speculate about the possibility of a romantic storyline between the two longtime characters.
In addition to its network presence, NBCUniversal and Wolf Entertainment recently launched a Law & Order FAST channel, available on platforms like Prime Video and Roku. Regular marathons also air on USA Network and Sundance TV, ensuring the series remains accessible to fans old and new.
Wolf Reflects on the Journey
“My reaction to all of this is ‘Thank you, God,’” Wolf said in a phone interview. “It’s an amazing gift. Once Law & Order happened, it changed everything. Nothing I did before compares to it.”
Wolf, now 78, credits the franchise’s longevity to the talented teams he’s assembled over the years. “You don’t do this alone,” he said. “Peter Jankowski and I have been together 30 years. Many of our producers and writers have been on the shows for over 20 years. The dedication and talent of these people make everything possible.”
The Secret to Longevity
When asked how long the franchise could last, Wolf emphasized writing. “It all depends on the writing,” he said. “If you don’t have strong scripts, the actors can’t make anything happen. Law & Order works because there’s substance—meat on the bones.”
He described the series’ core philosophy using a quote from Jerry Orbach (Detective Lennie Briscoe): “Every week, Law & Order is a Catholic High Mass.” The show explores moral dilemmas and justice while consistently addressing right and wrong, no matter the social or political context.
Responding to Modern Challenges
In recent years, shows about law enforcement have faced scrutiny, especially after events like the killing of George Floyd. Wolf remains confident that the franchise endures because it focuses on storytelling rather than lecturing. “The perfect episode hasn’t been made yet,” he said. “It would feature all six regulars seeing the same issue differently, and you’d realize each one is right in their own way.”
The Possibility of a New L.A. Spin-Off
In 2010, Wolf attempted a Los Angeles-based Law & Order series, nicknamed LOLA, starring Corey Stoll and Skeet Ulrich. The show didn’t last, but Wolf hasn’t ruled out another attempt. “Stay tuned,” he teased, hinting at future possibilities for expanding the franchise beyond New York.
Evolution of Television and Broadcast Realities
Wolf acknowledges the changing landscape of television. “Broadcast is in hospice,” he said. “Some shows are healthy and still have a substantial lifespan. Eventually, everything will be streaming. But we will continue on broadcast as long as it’s viable.”
Fans’ Ongoing Love for Benson and Stabler
One topic fans can’t stop debating is the potential romance between Benson and Stabler. Wolf laughed at the persistent speculation. “They’ve been clamoring for 25 years! I never say never, but history teaches lessons. Some shows become unwatchable when you force certain storylines.”
The Crown Jewel of Wolf Entertainment
Today, Law & Order stands as the crown jewel of Wolf Entertainment, which also includes NBC’s Chicago franchise (Fire, P.D., Med) and CBS’ FBI series. For Wolf, the combination of skilled writing, dedicated actors, and loyal audiences ensures that the series remains one of television’s most enduring legacies.