Dick Wolf NBC TCA - H 2016
Getty ImagesIs Dick Wolf returning to court?
In the wake of Chicago Med’s solid launch in November, talk about a potential fourth series in the small-screen franchise, Chicago Law, heated up Wednesday at the Television Critics Association’s winter press tour.
During a panel promoting flagship series Chicago Fire and spinoffs Chicago Med and Chicago P.D., the executive producer of all three shows confirmed “there have been discussions” about a fourth entry.
“It would be obviously short-sighted, especially after last week, not to be kicking the tires on what that would be,” Wolf told reporters, pointing to last week’s three-show crossover. “It would probably be in the legal system.”
Speaking with Variety earlier in the day, NBC Entertainment president Jennifer Salke confirmed that network executives have met with Wolf, who produces the franchise under his Wolf Films banner, about expanding the series once again. He addressed Chicago Law rumors specifically.
“Would I like to do it? Of course. … This is a dream come true. To have these three shows operating this synergistically is beyond my expectations,” he said. “My instinct is always to double-down, but there are many masters to serve and a lot of people have to agree.”
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Wolf is already all too familiar with legal dramas, having created Law & Order in 1990 as well as spinoffs SVU and Criminal Intent. Despite the success of those three iterations, the Law & Order franchise famously experienced growing pains when it tried to expand to a fourth series. Law & Order: Trial by Jury premiered to tepid numbers in 2005 and was subsequently canceled after one season.
Wolf currently has four scripted series on NBC’s schedule with the Chicago shows as well as Law & Order: SVU, which is in its 17th season.
The rumors about a possible fourth Chicago project come just a week after the first major crossover event between the three series, which proved a ratings success. Coincidentally, or maybe not, the crossover climaxed with a trial— the first time the writers of Chicago P.D. had tackled the legal world.
“Your initial reaction is, ‘Whoa, we haven’t done that. How do you do it?’ ” Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. showrunner Matt Olmstead told The Hollywood Reporter in December. “Then you realize that it was a blessing because it takes you out of your comfort zone and you’re doing new things, flexing new muscles. Working on the trial aspect of it was different and refreshing.”
However, when asked about a possible fourth series, Olmstead said the producers had their “hands full” with the first three. “There haven’t been any conversations about that,” he said. “There’s been no effort towards a fourth show. Not to say that there wouldn’t or couldn’t be.”
Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. received early renewals for seasons five and season four, respectively, in November. Chicago Med received an additional five-episode order in December.
