Looks like another show or two might be jumping from network to cable. Law & Order as well as Law & Order: Criminal Intent are on the NBC chopping block for renewals for next season. But TNT, which already airs Law & Order reruns, might pick up the low-rated series since the series does perform well for TNT in reruns.

NBC Universal and Wolf Films, the producers of the long-running, franchise-spawning prime-time stalwart, are in talks with the basic cable network to pick up either, or possibly both, Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

“Negotiations are ongoing regarding Law & Order and Law & Order: Criminal Intent and, as always, we do not comment on negotiation,” Dick Wolf said in a statement.

A rep for TNT, meanwhile, says, “We don’t comment on speculation.”

The move appears to be a last-ditch effort to keep Law & Order from being canceled. Now in its 17th season, the formerly dominant procedural has struggled ratings-wise in recent years. But Wolf is apparently willing to make concessions to enable his brainchild to surpass Gunsmoke’s 20-year run to become the longest running show in prime-time history, one of his oft-repeated desires.

The pickup, should it occur, would come with a price—a much, much lower one.

TNT is apparently targeting a truncated 18th season—13 versus the standard 22—to cut production costs. The basic cable network would also require Wolf & Co. to dramatically reduce other per episode expenses to make the pick up a more economically viable option. In exchange, TNT would offer producers more creative freedom.

But have no fear, Law & Order: SVU fans… that has already been picked up by NBC for next season.

This spoiler posted on Friday, May 11th, 2007 at 2:35 am.

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