As fans eagerly await the return of Law & Order: Organized Crime (OC), many are left wondering how the other shows in the Law & Order franchise have fared without the familiar face of Elliot Stabler, portrayed by Christopher Meloni. With OC missing from NBC’s fall lineup, it’s time to check in on how Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order have been doing without their Thursday night powerhouse.
The Shift in NBC’s Thursday Night Lineup
For several seasons, NBC enjoyed a full night of Law & Order action, with SVU and OC leading into each other for a thrilling two-hour block. However, the 2024-2025 TV season has shifted gears, with Mark-Paul Gosselaar’s new series, Found, stepping into the Thursday night slot vacated by Organized Crime. Fans are left to wonder: how will this change impact the ratings and viewership for the remaining shows in the franchise?
Ratings Breakdown: SVU and Law & Order in the Fall
Despite the absence of Organized Crime, the numbers for SVU and Law & Order have shown that the franchise still holds significant ground in the ratings game. According to TVLine, SVU continues to dominate, ranking as the network’s second-highest-rated drama, with an average audience of 5.6 million viewers and a rating of 0.65 in the crucial 18-49 demographic. This means the show remains a fan favorite, even if it has seen an 18% dip in audience size compared to Season 25.
On the other hand, Law & Order is experiencing its own challenges. Currently sitting at seventh place among NBC’s scripted series, it averages 4.83 million viewers with a rating of 0.45. This marks a 26% decrease from its previous season, indicating that viewers might be feeling the absence of the Thursday night lineup they once enjoyed.
Impact of the Crossover Dream
Many fans have speculated whether a crossover event between SVU and Organized Crime could have boosted ratings for both shows. After all, the chemistry between Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler is iconic. A reunion on-screen would likely have drawn back viewers who are missing that dynamic. While we can’t say for certain how much of a lift it would have provided, the idea remains a tantalizing “what if” for dedicated fans.
The New Kid on the Block: Found
With the absence of Organized Crime, NBC introduced Found to fill the void on Thursday nights. However, the new series is facing its own set of challenges, with a reported 13% drop in audience size compared to its previous time slot on Tuesday nights. Averaging about 3.9 million viewers, Found is not only down from its earlier numbers but also trailing behind Organized Crime’s previous viewership levels.
It seems that finding a strong foothold in the Law & Order lineup is no easy feat. The transition has left viewers wondering if Found will be able to capture the same loyal audience that OC cultivated over its seasons.
Comparing the Numbers: A Bigger Picture
While the ratings for SVU and Law & Order show some declines, they are not alone in this trend. NBC’s Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., has also seen drops in viewership, suggesting that audience fluctuations could be influenced by a variety of factors beyond just the absence of OC.
The landscape of network television is constantly changing, and many elements—from competing shows to viewer habits—play a role in shaping the ratings.
Conclusion: The Road Ahead for Law & Order
As we move further into the 2024-2025 TV season, the future for Law & Order: Organized Crime, SVU, and Law & Order remains intriguing. While ratings have dipped, both SVU and Law & Order continue to have strong viewer bases that keep them among NBC’s top scripted shows.
As fans anticipate the return of Organized Crime on Peacock in 2025, there’s no doubt that the interconnected nature of the Law & Order universe keeps the excitement alive. In the meantime, viewers can revisit past episodes of all three shows on Peacock to relive the gripping drama and suspense that has captivated audiences for decades.
FAQ
When will Law & Order: Organized Crime return for Season 5?
Law & Order: Organized Crime is expected to return as a streaming original on Peacock sometime in 2025, but an exact premiere date has yet to be announced.
