Law & Order episode count will sadly be cut in half in 2024

We’re all counting down the days until our favorite shows return. The tricky part, of course, is that none of us could tell when the show would be returning. At least, until recently, The actors strike has officially been resolved, according to Deadline, which means networks like NBC will be looking to get the ball rolling on shows like Law & Order and its affiliated spin-offs as soon as possible!

The legendary procedural drama was renewed for another season, but production delays, coupled with actors’ inability to promote or tease the season, has resulted in some confusion about what fans can expect to see. The good news is that we are being given more information from studios and industry insiders. The bad news? Law & Order season 23 could be the shortest season ever.

What is the shortest season of Law & Order?

TV Line claims that NBC is eyeing a 10-13 episode season in 2024, which is half the number of episodes that Law & Order usually runs out. Procedural dramas are heralded for their ability to churn out 20 + episodes a season, with each usually focusing on a standalone case, but the circumstances of the strike have made reaching such a high number impossible.

The Law & Order writers room has opened back up, which means scripts are being written for season 23 as we speak, and the actors strike has been resolved, which means NBC will aiming to resume production as soon as possible.

The 10-13 episode estimate is based on the idea that Law & Order will be able to start production in December at the earliest, and work through the holiday season to meet a late January premiere date. This is a definite possibility, given that the actors and studios have been able to reach an agreement before the holidays.

Furthermore, season 23 could narrowly avoid being the shortest Law & Order season. When the show was revived for season 21, after a decade + hiatus, the show only produced 10 episodes. This was due to a mid-season pickup, which shortens nearly every scripted drama.

If season 23 is able to reach 13 episodes, then it will manage to avoid the dubious “smallest season” moniker that typically gets associated with lulls in quality. Simply put: we want as many new stories as possible.

For the latest news and spoilers, plus more on your favorite first responder dramas, follow the TV category at One Chicago Center.