As the 2024-2025 TV season kicks off, the absence of Law & Order: Organized Crime from NBC’s primetime lineup has raised questions about how the remaining Law & Order shows will perform. With Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler returning for Season 5 of Organized Crime, fans eagerly await new episodes on Peacock in 2025. But what about the ratings and audience numbers for Law & Order: SVU and the original Law & Order? Let’s break it down!
The Shift in Thursday Night Programming
For several seasons, NBC dominated Thursday nights with a full lineup of Law & Order programming. However, with Organized Crime not airing this fall and being replaced by Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s Found, fans are left wondering how the other two shows will hold up.
Ratings Breakdown: How Are They Doing?
According to recent ratings and audience metrics from TVLine, NBC’s Law & Order universe remains a powerhouse in scripted television.
- SVU: Ranking fourth among NBC’s offerings, SVU averages about 5.6 million viewers within a week of airing, along with a solid 0.65 rating in the coveted 18-49 demographic.
- Law & Order: The original series is not far behind, sitting in seventh place with an average of 4.83 million viewers and a 0.45 rating.
While SVU continues to be a fan favorite, it has seen an 18% drop in audience size compared to Season 25. Similarly, Law & Order has experienced a 26% decrease in viewership since its spring season.
The Missing Element: Could a Crossover Have Helped?
What Could Have Been: A Crossover Event
Many fans were left wishing for a crossover event between SVU and Organized Crime. Such a reunion between Hargitay and Meloni could have provided a significant boost in ratings for that particular week. While we can’t say for sure how much impact it would have had, the excitement surrounding the reunion could have drawn in viewers.
Current Performance of Found
In the meantime, Found, which has taken over the Thursday night slot previously occupied by Organized Crime, has not fared particularly well either. The show is down 13% in audience size from its previous Tuesday slot, averaging 3.9 million viewers, which is over 20% lower than the numbers typically drawn by Organized Crime.
This shift raises questions: Is Found suffering from the transition, or is it simply facing its own challenges in capturing an audience?
Understanding the Ratings Landscape
Are Ratings Really Suffering?
It’s essential to consider that the ratings for both SVU and Law & Order may not be solely affected by the absence of Organized Crime. Numerous factors can impact viewership, including competition from other networks and shifts in audience preferences.
Interestingly, even shows from NBC’s One Chicago franchise, such as Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., which have consistently ranked as the network’s top shows, have seen dips in their audience totals this season.
Contextualizing the Numbers
While it might seem concerning that SVU and Law & Order are experiencing declines, it’s vital to contextualize these numbers. Changes in viewing habits—such as more people opting for streaming services—can also influence traditional ratings. The landscape of television is evolving, and so are viewer preferences.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Law & Order Franchise?
Anticipating the Return of Organized Crime
As fans eagerly await the return of Law & Order: Organized Crime on Peacock, there’s speculation about how it might affect the overall ratings landscape for the Law & Order franchise. Will the anticipation of Stabler’s return reinvigorate interest across the board?
Streaming and the Future of Law & Order
With the rise of streaming platforms, many viewers are shifting away from traditional TV. This trend means that even if SVU and Law & Order don’t perform as strongly in live ratings, they may still find success in streaming metrics once Organized Crime becomes available on Peacock.
Conclusion: Navigating Changes in the Law & Order Universe
While the absence of Law & Order: Organized Crime has undoubtedly changed the dynamics for SVU and Law & Order, the franchise remains strong. The audience numbers reflect a mix of challenges and opportunities, especially as the viewing landscape evolves. With the return of Stabler on the horizon, fans have plenty to look forward to, whether it’s in live ratings or streaming viewership.
FAQs
Q: When will Law & Order: Organized Crime return?
A: Season 5 of Law & Order: Organized Crime will debut on Peacock in 2025, though specific dates have yet to be announced.
Q: How has SVU been affected by the absence of Organized Crime?
A: SVU has seen an 18% drop in audience size compared to last season, but it still ranks as one of NBC’s top-rated dramas.
Q: Is Found performing better or worse than Organized Crime?
A: Found is currently down 13% in audience size from its previous slot, and its viewership is over 20% lower than that of Organized Crime.
