Will Airing Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent Help The CW?

The CW differs significantly from its heyday of teen dramas and supernatural shows.

While we’re still unsure if the network has redefined itself, it has found some success by airing some international series, with many being crime procedurals.

The CW steps into new ground by acquiring a two-season order of Law & Order: Toronto: Criminal Intent.

It’s darker and grittier, like much of the Dick Wolf universe, which makes us wonder why it didn’t go to NBC or Peacock instead.

Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU air on Thursdays on NBC, and NBC plans to re-air Law & Order: Organized Crime after them to test the ratings.

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Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent is likely one of the bigger series to air on The CW.

It’s a considerable risk, scheduling it on The CW, one that could benefit the network. The Law & Order franchise has a massive following.

Many fans have wanted to view Law & Order: Toronto Criminal Intent since it’s only aired in Canada.

It’s been successful there, making us eager to see a different dynamic and take on the beloved franchise.

It’s led by Aden Young, who portrays Sgt. Henry Graff.

Diehard fans will appreciate that Kathleen Munroe (Sgt. Frankie Bateman) has appeared in many Dick Wolf projects, including FBI and Law & Order: Organized Crime.

The U.S. audience may vibe differently with the crimes committed in Toronto than with the longtime franchise, where many crimes have occurred in New York.

However, the new trailer suggests these detectives will be dealing with evil, heinous crimes as they dive into deep psychological motives.

While it’s sure to be a hit, it will be different than the lighter procedurals that The CW usually airs.

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Those series, such as Wild Cards and Good Cop, Bad Cop, are also international productions but are lighter cases and not as dark.

Many of those actors grew up acting on The CW and returned in different shows.

They have also had success with other international productions, such as Sullivan’s Crossing.

That seems to be where the network is leaning, or airing shows that have already aired, such as this.

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent should put The CW in a different league. It’s a well-known franchise.

 Is it a good move, though?

Is playing more procedurals and true crime needed, or do the other networks have that covered?

While I miss the old days of The CW, I’m excited to see what this does for the network, especially since they have already ordered a second season of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent, which will air in 2026.

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Over to you, Law & Order Fanatics. Are you excited to watch Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent? Will adding it to The CW’s lineup improve the network, or do you long for the old days?

Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.

Say something about this new branch of Law & Order in the comments, share if you’re moved to, and keep reading. Independent voices need readers like you.

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