Following the highly successful launch of Law & Order: UK, ITV has commissioned another 13 episodes to go into production later this year.

Law & Order: UK is based on Dick Wolf’s groundbreaking US format which remains one of NBC’s top-rated, dramatic series.  Commissioned for the UK by Peter Fincham, ITV’s Director of Television, Channels and Online and Laura Mackie, ITV’s Director of Drama, the first series was launched in February with seven episodes to 6.5m viewers and a 26% share of the audience.  Series One then averaged 6.3m viewers and a 25% share across all episodes.

The critically acclaimed cast, including Bradley Walsh, Jamie Bamber and Freema Agyeman will be returning to continue their fight for justice.

Series One attracted a fantastic line up of guest stars including Dervla Kirwan, Holly Aird, Iain Glen, Lesley Manville, Patrick Malahide, Colin Salmon, Juliet Aubrey, Sean Pertwee, Frances Barber, Cyril Nri, Derek Riddell and Keith Barron.

The new series will also be co-produced by Kudos Films and Television, Wolf Films and NBC Universal. The executive producers are Jane Featherstone (Spooks, Ashes to Ashes), Andrew Woodhead (The Fixer, Spooks) and Stephen Garrett (Burn Up) for Kudos and Dick Wolf, creator and executive producer of Law & Order for Wolf Films.  The producer will be Richard Stokes who also produced Series One of Law & Order: UK. 

The brainchild of creator Dick Wolf, Law & Order is the most successful brand on primetime U.S. television. The series is a two time Emmy Award winner, including the 1997 Award for ‘Outstanding Drama Series’.  It is also the record holding drama series for the most consecutive nominations (11).  Law & Order has also turned into one of television entertainment’s most pre-eminent brands, with successful spin-offs, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.  Law & Order is the longest running crime series in the history of U.S. television where network NBC has just announced a 20th season.
Laura Mackie (Director of Drama, ITV) says: “This new commission brings our total order to 26 episodes which demonstrates our commitment to series that have concepts and storylines that can run long term. Audiences clearly loved the first series which featured the cream of British acting talent with gripping “torn from the headlines” storylines and this will again be at the heart of the new series. Kudos and Wolf Films made Law & Order: UK dynamic and fast paced and I’m delighted to be collaborating with them again on the new run.”

Dick Wolf (Creator and executive producer of Law & Order) says: "This is a great day for the 'Law and Order brand. On the heels of the original 'Law and Order' tying 'Gunsmoke's' all time drama series record of 20 years, and 'Law and Order: SVU's' renewal for season 11, its wonderful to have pick ups on both sides of the Atlantic. I am very proud of the work the actors, producers, writers and crew have done on 'Law and Order: UK' and it would be my sincerest pleasure for it to be one of the cornerstones of ITV's programming slate for years to come."

Angela Bromstad (President, NBC and Universal Media Studios, who also oversees international TV production for NBC Universal) says: “NBC Universal is delighted with the commission of a second series of Law & Order: UK which has clearly been a great success with British audiences.  We are proud to work in partnership with ITV, Kudos and Dick Wolf in the continuing production of such high quality television drama with broad and enduring appeal.”

Stephen Garrett (Executive Chairman, Kudos) says: “We’re immensely proud of the show’s success and the fact that something so quintessentially American feels so essentially British.  ITV’s support has been absolute and in these difficult times another order of 13 episodes is a ringing endorsement of their continuing commitment to quality primetime drama.”

The remaining six episodes from the first series will be screened at a later date, yet to be announced.

From RapidTalent's Industry Buzz reporter Jason Nicholls on 04/07/2009. More stories on our Google News stream