iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to sher-rankings” target=”_blank” rel=”noreferrer noopener”>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.
“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.
