There were a pair of announcements Tuesday in the world of Dick Wolf and his "Law & Order" franchise — Universal Cable Productions greenlit a pilot from Wolf Films and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" was renewed for a 10th and final season that will feature the return of series star Vincent D'Onofrio.
No details were released about the nature of the pilot or whether it will be another "Law & Order" spinoff.
Season 10 of "CI" will include eight new episodes, beginning next year on the USA Network.
D'Onofrio starred in "CI" as eccentric New York City police detective Robert Goren from 2001-2009. He left prior to season nine, but guested in a two-part episode during tin 2010.
“We have been the fortunate caretakers of this legendary series, and we plan to give it the world-class farewell it so richly deserves," Jeff Wachtel, the president original programming at USA and co-head of original content at Universal Cable Productions, said in a statement.
Wolf, the creator of the "Law & Order" franchise, joked about the longevity of his career by alluding to NFL quarterback Brett Favre, who has spent the past several years going back and forth on his decision about whether to retire.
"Only time will tell if this is a fond farewell or a renaissance for Detective Robert Goren but everyone both here and in New York is ecstatic about going back to work on a show that’s a passion for all of us. Signed, Brett Favre," Wolf said in a statement.
The original "Law & Order" franchise was canceled by NBC on May 14 after 20 seasons, one shy of the record for longest-running scripted series that's currently held by "Gunsmoke." Including "Criminal Intent" there are currently three "Law & Order" spin-offs airing in the U.S.
