iHeartPodcasts, Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment Join Forces to Develop New Investigative True Crime Podcast “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System”

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08/15/2024 - 09:01 AM

The four-season deal marks the first foray into investigative journalism for the “Law & Order” brand

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, Universal Television (UTV) and Wolf Entertainment today announced that they have inked a deal to develop and co-produce “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System,” an unscripted true-crime series that furthers the “Law & Order” brand’s expansion into audio and marks the first foray into investigative journalism. The deal will encompass four 12-episode seasons.

(Graphic: Business Wire)

“Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will premiere on August 22, 2024. Listeners can follow the podcast and listen to the trailer now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are available.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with iHeartPodcasts and UTV to bring the real stories that have shaped our criminal justice system, the bedrock of the Law & Order brand, to life,” said Executive Producer Elliot Wolf. “The goal coming in was always to push the boundaries of audio storytelling, this series delivers on that while still being deeply informative and entertaining.”

“Listeners’ interest in true crime continues to flourish with new stories constantly being sought out across platforms. ‘Law & Order’ is a legendary series, and it’s an honor to team up with UTV, Wolf Entertainment and Elliot to develop this original slate of podcasts,” said Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts. “Through this collaboration, listeners will instantly recognize that ‘Law & Order’ brand affiliation and know they will become entrenched in the dramatic and thrilling storytelling they’ve grown to love and expect from the ‘Law & Order’ franchise – now through Elliot Wolf’s unique vision and fresh perspective.”

Hosted by former Brooklyn homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, the first season of “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will dive into the fabled world of the American Mafia in New York City, chronicling the real downfall of the most notorious criminal organization in history. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1979, the series reveals how an unlikely team of young local police and prosecutors worked tirelessly to beat the odds in dismantling the Mafia's iron grip on the city.

This season will kick off with the brazen assassination of Carmine Galante, a powerful boss in the Bonanno crime family. The murder would unwittingly become a cornerstone in the Mafia Commission Trial—the pivotal case that forever hamstrung organized crime in the United States and ended the Mafia’s golden era. Each episode will peel back the layers of the events that led to this victory for the justice system, with listeners hearing first-hand accounts of the investigations, surveillance, legal battles, and personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines.

Executive Producer Elliot Wolf is co-creator of upcoming Amazon Prime series “On Call” and has executive produced hit podcasts such as “Dark Woods” and “Hunted.” He also serves as EVP of Digital for Wolf Entertainment, where he spearheads the company’s digital initiatives including podcasting, social media, e-commerce and licensing. He previously executive produced “The Squadroom” for the “Law & Order” brand in audio, the popular companion podcast to “Law & Order: SVU.”

The “Law & Order” branded television shows have been produced by Universal Television for NBC for over 25 years, with “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” currently in Season 26 and “Law & Order” in Season 24.

“Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

Editor’s Note:

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About iHeartMedia

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 90% of Americans every month. iHeart’s broadcast radio assets alone have more consumer reach in the U.S. than any other media outlet; twice the reach of the next largest broadcast radio company; and over four times the ad-enabled reach of the largest digital only audio service. iHeart is the largest podcast publisher according to Podtrac, with more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined and has the number one social footprint among audio players, with seven times more followers than the next audio media brand, and the only fully integrated audio ad tech solution across broadcast, streaming and podcasts. The company continues to leverage its strong audience connection and unparalleled consumer reach to build new platforms, products and services. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.

About Universal Television

Universal Television (UTV), a division of Universal Studio Group, is one of the largest and most successful television studios in the world. Led by President Erin Underhill, the studio is known for programming with broad appeal and cultural relevance. UTV currently produces over 40 primetime comedies and dramas across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Home to commercial hits such as Dick Wolf's enormously successful "Law & Order," "One Chicago" and "FBI"-branded series, UTV also produces celebrated premium series such as the Emmy® Award-winning "Hacks"; Emmy-nominated "Girls5eva," and "The Gilded Age"; cultural phenomena "Bel-Air," "Never Have I Ever" and "The Best Man: The Final Chapters"; as well as fan favorites including "The Equalizer," "Loot," "Harlem" and more. UTV’s library comprises some of the greatest contemporary shows in television history, including "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," "The Good Place," "Will & Grace," "Friday Night Lights," "New Amsterdam" and more.

About Wolf Entertainment

Wolf Entertainment, led by Emmy®-winning television producer Dick Wolf, produces scripted and non-scripted content for all platforms. In conjunction with Universal Television (UTV), Wolf Entertainment produces NBC's award-winning "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," the longest-running primetime scripted series on television, which is currently in its 25th season, as well as "Law & Order" (S23), "Law & Order: Organized Crime" (S4), "Chicago Fire" (S12), "Chicago PD" (S11) ,"Chicago Med" (S9) and CBS' "FBI" (S6), "FBI: Most Wanted (S5) and "FBI: International" (S3). These shows alone brought in over 75 million viewers across the 2022-23 season finales. Wolf Entertainment's upcoming half-hour drama "On Call' for Prime Video, marks the company's first streaming original. You can find the latest news from Wolf Entertainment at https://wolfentertainment.com/.