The excitement surrounding Dick Wolf’s latest venture, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, is palpable as it prepares to make its debut in the US. This Canadian drama, which first premiered in 2024, revives the essence of the original Law & Order: Criminal Intent by focusing on major case investigations but contextualized within the vibrant city of Toronto.
It’s already made a significant impact in Canada, emerging as the most-watched new drama of 2024 and securing a prestigious Canadian Screen Award in 2025. With The CW opting to acquire the rights to Canadian series like this one, it seems to be a strategic move that may benefit the network significantly.
Catch Law & Order: Toronto: Criminal Intent This Fall
Set to air on Wednesday nights at 9:00 PM, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent will officially premiere on the CW on September 24. The network has secured both the first and second seasons, totaling 20 episodes combined, as well as a third season already promised in Canada. Given this success, there is palpable optimism for its performance on American soil.
However, anticipation is met with potential hurdles. Positioned against powerhouse shows like Chicago Fire on NBC, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent faces a formidable challenge. The Dick Wolf brand tends to attract a loyal audience, but it raises a concern regarding viewership, as audiences may be split between two competing interests.
Battling for Ratings: The Challenge Ahead
Given that Chicago Fire consistently pulls in over 5 million viewers, placing Law & Order Toronto in direct competition could cannibalize its potential audience. Fans engrossed in the Dick Wolf universe might opt for a familiar favorite rather than give a new entry a chance.
The CW’s choice to broadcast this series against established hits may hinder its goal of attracting viewers. While streaming services offer a safety net for later viewing, there’s a significant difference between live ratings and streaming numbers. The network’s decision appears to hinge on leveraging the Law & Order franchise’s popularity to draw fresh eyes, yet historical ratings suggest this might not suffice against a veteran show.
As fans await the pilot, speculation about the show’s performance remains heated. Could Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent carve out a niche in a crowded landscape, or will it become another casualty of the competitive nature of network television? Only time will tell.
In the meantime, viewers are eager to see how this new chapter unfolds within the beloved Law & Order legacy, hoping it delivers fresh stories while maintaining the compelling narratives characteristic of the franchise.