iHeart, Universal TV & Wolf Ent. to Develop New True Crime Podcast “Law & Order”

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Aug 15, 2024–

iHeartPodcasts, the world’s leading podcast publisher, Universal Television (UTV), and Wolf Entertainment have announced a collaboration to develop and co-produce a new podcast series. Titled “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System,” this unscripted true-crime series will expand the “Law & Order” brand into audio and mark its first venture into investigative journalism. This deal includes the production of four 12-episode seasons.

“Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” is set to premiere on August 22, 2024. Listeners can now follow the podcast and listen to the trailer on the iHeartRadio app and other podcast platforms.

“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, and this series delivers on that while still being deeply informative and entertaining.”

Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, added, “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.” 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.”

Hosted by former Brooklyn homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, the first season of “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will explore the world of the American Mafia in New York City, detailing the real downfall of this notorious criminal organization. Set in 1979, the series will reveal how a team of young local police and prosecutors dismantled the Mafia’s influence in the city.

The season will begin with the assassination of Carmine Galante, a powerful boss in the Bonanno crime family. This murder became a pivotal event in the Mafia Commission Trial, the landmark case that significantly weakened organized crime in the United States and ended the Mafia’s golden era. Each episode will delve into the investigations, surveillance, legal battles, and personal sacrifices of those involved in this monumental effort.

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

Universal Television has produced “Law & Order” branded television shows for NBC for over 25 years, with “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” currently in its 26th season and “Law & Order” in its 24th season.

“Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts. Listeners can also embed the podcast player directly into their articles or websites.

Download the show cover art HERE.

iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America. Reaching over 90% of Americans each month, iHeartMedia’s broadcast radio assets have the most consumer reach in the U.S., boasting twice the reach of the next largest broadcast radio company. As the largest podcast publisher, iHeartMedia has more downloads than the next two podcast publishers combined.

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, UTV produces over 40 primetime comedies and dramas across various platforms. With hits like “Law & Order,” “One Chicago,” and “FBI”-branded series, UTV has cemented its reputation in the entertainment industry.

Wolf Entertainment, headed by Emmy®-winning producer Dick Wolf, produces both scripted and non-scripted content for all platforms. In association with UTV, Wolf Entertainment produces NBC’s award-winning “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” the longest-running primetime scripted series on television. The company is also behind shows like “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago PD,” and the “FBI” franchise.

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Source: iHeartMedia, Inc., Universal Television, Wolf Entertainment