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NBC: Lots of Law, No Order

Crime drama's creator furious with NBC over handling of show

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 12, 2008 5:51 PM CDT
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(Newser) – NBC's relationship with Law and Order producer/creator Dick Wolf has always been uneasy, but now it’s turned into all-out war, the Wall Street Journal reports. Wolf is furious with the network, which he says sells the show to its cable stations on the cheap, then reruns it too often and doesn’t promote it enough. For its part, NBC accuses Wolf of simple greed.

Behind the disputes looms the fact that Law is losing steam. NBC has considered canceling the original show, which led to a court battle over Wolf’s “kill fee.” After an out-of-court settlement, the sides are at a tense stalemate. “One of Dick's virtues is that he can be strongly opinionated. He is a rhinoceros,” said one friend. “What makes it difficult to work for NBC is that they're like a pack of wolves.”

Alana de la Garza and Sam Waterston, in a scene from an episode of the Law & Order police television drama.
Alana de la Garza and Sam Waterston, in a scene from an episode of the "Law & Order" police television drama.   (AP Photo)
Mariska Hargitay, left, as Det. Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni as Det. Elliot Stabler in a scene from the Good Faith episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Mariska Hargitay, left, as Det. Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni as Det. Elliot Stabler in a scene from the "Good Faith" episode of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."   (AP Photo/NBC, Eric Liebowitz)
This undated photo supplied by NBC shows Chris Noth playing Det. Mike Logan during the season finale of Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
This undated photo supplied by NBC shows Chris Noth playing Det. Mike Logan during the season finale of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."   (AP Photo)
Dr. Joseph Cadden, right, and Dr. Jocelyn Suzette Writers and staff listen at the offices of Dick Wolf, producer of the Law And Order series, at Universal Studios in Universal City, Calif., March 14, 2007.
Dr. Joseph Cadden, right, and Dr. Jocelyn Suzette Writers and staff listen at the offices of Dick Wolf, producer of the "Law And Order" series, at Universal Studios in Universal City, Calif., March 14,...   (AP Photo)
Creator/executive producer Dick Wolf of Law & Order is seen during the NBC Press Tour in this July 2007 file photo, in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Creator/executive producer Dick Wolf of "Law & Order" is seen during the NBC Press Tour in this July 2007 file photo, in Beverly Hills, Calif.   (AP Photo)
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