Law & Order: Organized Crime has faced significant behind-the-scenes changes, especially when it comes to its showrunners. The series, which debuted in 2021, has already gone through multiple leadership shifts, and now, as the show gears up for its fifth season, it faces another shake-up. John Shiban, who was tapped to lead the fourth season after the WGA strike, has stepped down as showrunner, making him the fifth person to leave the position since the series’ inception. With Season 5 set to move to Peacock, fans are left wondering: What does this mean for the future of Organized Crime?
In this article, we’ll dive into the show’s history, the impact of this latest change, what we can expect from Season 5, and more. If you’re a fan of Law & Order or Organized Crime, you won’t want to miss what’s coming next!
A Brief History of Showrunner Changes in Law & Order: Organized Crime
Law & Order: Organized Crime may have only premiered in 2021, but its production history has been anything but smooth. The series, created by Dick Wolf, is part of the massive Law & Order franchise and centers around Detective Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni) as he returns to the NYPD after the tragic murder of his wife. Unlike its sister series, SVU, Organized Crime took on a darker, more serialized approach, making it stand out in the Law & Order universe.
However, Organized Crime has had its fair share of challenges behind the scenes. Here’s a quick rundown of its tumultuous history when it comes to the people in charge:
1. Matt Olmstead Steps Down Before Production Began
Matt Olmstead, one of the original showrunners for the series, stepped down before production even began on Season 1. Olmstead, who had experience working on Chicago Fire and Prison Break, co-created the show alongside Dick Wolf but left the series early on. This led to Ilene Chaiken stepping in as co-creator and showrunner for the first season, but her run was short-lived—lasting only one season. Despite this, Chaiken continued to serve as an executive producer in Season 2.
2. Barry O’Brien and Sean Jablonski Take the Helm
After Chaiken’s departure, Barry O’Brien and Sean Jablonski took over as showrunners for subsequent seasons. O’Brien and Jablonski each had their own unique vision for the show, continuing its darker tone and complex storylines, but it was clear that the series was still in search of its steady creative footing.
3. Enter John Shiban
The most recent showrunner, John Shiban, brought his extensive experience as a producer on iconic series like Breaking Bad, Ozark, and The X-Files to Organized Crime. Shiban had the challenging task of leading the show through its fourth season after the WGA strike, and now, he has decided to step down.
Why Did John Shiban Leave, and What Does This Mean for Season 5?
While the reasons behind John Shiban’s departure from Organized Crime aren’t entirely clear, it’s evident that this change could have significant implications for the show. Shiban’s exit marks the fifth showrunner to leave the series since its development, a worrying trend for a show that already has a fraught production history.
Shiban’s Impact on Season 4
Before leaving, Shiban had the honor of guiding Organized Crime through a major transition, as the show moved from NBC to Peacock for its fourth season. Under his leadership, the series successfully navigated this shift, and many fans appreciated the series’ growing complexity and darker storylines. Shiban was responsible for bringing the series through its final season on NBC, and his time on the show was undoubtedly influential, even though it was brief.
However, the fact that he’s the fifth showrunner to depart raises questions about the overall stability of the series’ creative direction. It’s possible that the frequent changes behind the scenes could affect the tone and consistency of the storytelling.
The Search for a New Showrunner
Currently, no replacement has been named for Shiban, but the show will rely on the help of original showrunner Matt Olmstead, who will return as an executive producer. Olmstead’s involvement will likely help keep the series grounded in its original vision, and many fans are hopeful that his presence can steer the ship through these uncertain times.
In addition to Olmstead’s return, the production team is moving ahead with filming Season 5. Although Shiban’s departure caused a brief production delay, things are back on track, and the cast and crew are pushing forward with the remaining scripts for the season. According to reports, the show is halfway through its 10-episode order, and most of the scripts are already complete.
What to Expect from Organized Crime Season 5
Season 5 of Law & Order: Organized Crime is shaping up to be an exciting one, despite the recent behind-the-scenes drama. The show’s move to Peacock marks a significant shift for the series, but it also opens up new opportunities for deeper and more serialized storytelling. Fans can expect some big changes, but also some familiar dynamics that have made the show a fan favorite.
1. A Move to Streaming
While Organized Crime hasn’t been canceled and the move to Peacock isn’t necessarily a sign of declining viewership, it does highlight the growing trend of streaming platforms becoming the new home for big TV franchises. The Law & Order franchise is huge, and despite Organized Crime being a relatively new spin-off, its strongest returns have been on streaming. Moving to Peacock gives the show a dedicated platform and a more stable viewership, with many fans already watching on the service.
2. Christopher Meloni’s Return as Elliot Stabler
Of course, the centerpiece of Organized Crime remains Christopher Meloni’s portrayal of Detective Elliot Stabler. Fans of SVU are already familiar with Stabler’s character, and his transition to the Organized Crime series has been met with mixed emotions, especially after the death of his wife. But one thing is certain: Meloni’s return to the NYPD, where he is tasked with taking down some of New York’s most dangerous criminals, is a major selling point for the series.
3. Crossovers with SVU and Other Shows
Season 5 will also feature an exciting crossover with Stabler’s old team at SVU. Fans have long hoped for a payoff to the will-they-won’t-they romantic tension between Stabler and SVU’s Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). While we don’t know yet if this will be fully explored, there’s a strong possibility that the show will revisit this dynamic in Season 5.
Additionally, with the departure of Shiban and the involvement of Olmstead, the storytelling could take an even darker turn as the series dives deeper into organized crime’s underworld. Expect longer, more complex story arcs as the show explores the connections between crime, law enforcement, and personal struggles.
Conclusion
The departure of John Shiban as showrunner is certainly a setback for Law & Order: Organized Crime, but it’s not the end of the road for the series. With Matt Olmstead’s return as an executive producer, the show is in good hands as it moves forward with its fifth season on Peacock. The shift to streaming, alongside a possible crossover with SVU, promises to keep fans engaged and excited for what’s to come.
While there are challenges ahead, Organized Crime remains a staple of the Law & Order franchise, and the upcoming season is sure to bring even more thrilling moments. Stay tuned for more updates, as Organized Crime works toward its 2025 release date.
