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Over the years, the entertainment industry has seen great auteurs and creators who continue to baffle audiences with the amazing fictional worlds they have created. Among these is Richard Anthony Wolf, more famously known as Dick Wolf. The American film and television producer is known for his work in the crime and order genre, creating several brilliant and versatile TV shows that have now become cornerstones of the genre.
While he might be best known for hisLaw & Orderfranchise, he also co-created and executive produced theChicagofranchise as well as theFBIfranchise. One of the most prolific people in television history today, his portfolio spans decades and has shaped the way we watch crime and legal dramas. So, here is a look at the many TV shows he has created over his decades-long career.
1Law & Order(1990-2010, revived in 2022)
The show that started it all forDick Wolf,Law & Orderliterally revolutionized television with its ‘ripped from the headlines’ storytelling. Filmed and based in New York City, the show featured a brilliant formal split between police investigations and courtroom drama. With plots based on real-life cases, the series quickly garnered success with its gritty realism.
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The award-winning series became a cultural phenomenon, leading to the creation of several spin-off series and more. Running for 20 seasons before being revived in 2022, it introduced audiences to many iconic TV characters like Lennie Brisco and Jack McCoy that continue to resonate with fans across the world. Even now, the ‘OG’ series remains as iconic as ever despite the plethora of crime and order content.
2New York Undercover(1994-1999)
Cocreated by Dick Wolf and Kevin Arkadie for Fox,New York Undercoveris an American police drama that ran from September 1994 to February 1999. A trailblazing drama that focused mainly on African-American and Latino detectives, it also was one of the first police dramas on American television to feature not one, but two people of color in lead starring roles.
Set in the vibrant streets of New York City, it followed J.C. Williams and Eddie Torres, both undercover agents in New York City’s Fourth Precinct as they went on to investigate and uncover various gang-related crimes and more. Set in the same universe asLaw & Orderand its spin-off series, it stands out for its bold storytelling and use of contemporary R&B and hip-hop music.
3Law & Order: Special Victims Unit(1999-present)
Often referred to asLaw & Order: SVU, this is an American police procedural crime drama created by Dock Wolf for NBC. The very first spin-off of the OGLaw & Order, this show follows Detective Olivia Benson and Detective Elliot Stabler in the Special Victims Unit as they go on to investigate crimes of s*xual nature and other sensitive cases.
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Sometimesbased on real-life incidents, the series is one of the longest-running primetime live-action series on American television. Having received several awards and nominations, including Emmy Awards, it stands out for its willingliness to tackle difficult and timely issues, while not letting go of the emotional depth of such crimes.
4Law & Order: Criminal Intent(2001-2011)
Also set in New York City,Law & Order: Criminal Intentwas created and produced by Dick Wolf and Rene Balcer. The series premiered in 2001 and went on to become another successful entry into Wolf’s existingLaw & Orderfranchise. Led by thebrilliant and eccentric Detective Robert Goren, played byVincent D’Onofrio, the show delved into the psychological motivations behind crimes.
Thus, providing a rare insight into the perspectives of both the detectives and the criminals, it made up for an interesting new drama based on the major case squad’s investigations in the NYCPD. Loosely based on real-life incidents, its character-driven storytelling, intricate plots, and intellectual approach to crime make up for an interesting watch for fans of the genre.
5Crime & Punishment(2002-2004)
Cocreated by Bill Guttentag, David Kanter, and Dick Wolf,Crime & Punishmentran just for 3 seasons and features 26 episodes. Another one of theLaw & Orderspin-offs is a docudrama that followed real-life prosecutors in San Diego County as they prepared and tried criminal cases. The series provided an unfiltered look at the American legal system, as the camera took audiences behind the scenes featuring real-life victims, prosecutors, and more.
Combining elements of traditional storytelling with its unusual real-life take on crime and procedure, its authenticity was what made fans love the show. From its unique format to featuring a range of compelling cases, these rare BTS glimpses make it a standout entry into the franchise and genre.
6Law & Order: Trial by Jury(2005-2006)
Containing just a single season and 13 episodes in total,Law & Order: Trial by Juryis a legal drama TV series focusing mainly on criminal trials set in New York City. The fourthLaw & Orderspin-off, it allows us to have a closer look at the courtroom side of the franchise, focusing on the preparation and execution of criminal cases as well as the trials itself.
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Offering a comprehensive view of what goes through the trial process from start to finish, it was an innovative and compelling series. However, it struggled to find an audience and ended up being canceled after just a single season. Yet, it remains a notable entry into the franchise by attempting to expand its universe in new unexplored directions while providing a deeper understanding of the justice system.
7Law & Order: UK(2009-2014)
The British adaptation ofLaw & Order,this police procedural and legal television was the first television show to be adapted from an American drama television series. Just like its parent series, this version transplanted familiar themes and format with the procedural structure of the British legal traditions.
Featuring an ensemble cast, the series featured some compelling performances, including Bradley Walsh as Detective Ronnie Brooks. Each episode adapted cases and scripts from the original series, altering them in ways to fit the UK’s legal and cultural context. A definite hit and success, it retained the dual format of dividing police and courtroom drama, making it a hit among the fans of the franchise and genre.
8Law & Order: Los Angeles(2010-2011)
Set in the city of Los Angeles, this spin-off ofLaw & Orderran just for one season and featured 22 episodes. Debuting after the original series ended its 20-year-long run, this series brought the franchise to the West Coast, focusing on the unique challenges of policing and prosecuting crimes in the illustrious city of LA.
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Exploring the city’s cultural and socio-economic diversity, it is the only AmericanLaw & Orderspin-off set outside of New York City. Despite a strong cast, including Alfred Molina andTerrence Howard, the show struggled to gain traction and was canceled after one season. Yet, it remains a memorable entry in the franchise, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of Dick Wolfe’s storytelling.
9Chicago P.D.(2014-present)
A spin-off and the second installment of theChicagofranchise,Chicago P.D.was created by Dick Wolf and featured the fictional 21 District. Following the life and actions of the Intelligence Unit of the Chicago Police Department, the series was led by the morally complex Sergent Hank Voight (Jason Beghe). Delving into the world of organized crimes, drug trafficking, and high-profile murders, it touches upon the ethical dilemmas faced by law enforcement.
Thus, offering an authentic and unflinching look at policing, crime, and prosecution, it is no wonder that fans love the show. From its intricate plots to action,Chicago P.D.is a standout series in the franchise, adding depth to the traditional police procedural genre.
10Chicago Med(2015-present)
Cocreated by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead,Chicago Medis the third installment of theChicagofranchise. Following the staff of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, the series shows the real hustle-bustle of working in the emergency department and the pressures these professionals deal with every day.
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Balancing fast-paced medical emergencies with the personal lives of the characters, it provides for a compelling blend of drama and humanity. While it is entertaining, intriguing, and even harrowing at times, fans love how the series addresses ethical dilemmas with medical ones and social issues. Thus, a thought-provoking entry into the franchise containing an impeccable cast and well-crafted storylines,Chicago Medcontinues to captivate audiences even today.
11Chicago Justice(2017)
The fourth installment of theChicagofranchise, and the first series to end after just a single season.Chicago Justiceis a legal drama spin-off that focuses on the State’s Attorney’s team as they navigated their way through the Chicago area politics, and justice in high-stakes cases. Exploring the complexities of the legal system, the series offered an insight into the challenges faced by prosecutors and investigators.
Despite a strong cast and compelling characters, the show was canceled just after a single season due to a lack of popularity and sustainability. Yet, it does not mean that the show is not a worthy watch, for it does offer a unique perspective on the pursuit of justice in a bustling metropolis.
12FBI(2018-present)
Cocreated by Dick Wolf and Craig Turk,FBIis yet another American police procedural drama premiering on CBS. Focusing on the New York City field office criminal division of the FBI, it takes viewers into the inside workings of the organization as the team battles to combat terrorism, organized crime, and other high-stake threats.
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Featuring an ensemble cast, it focuses on Special Agent Maggie Bell (who comes from a multi-generational law enforcement family) as well as other members of the team. Combining police drama with character-driven storytelling, it highlights what the agents go through and sacrifice in pursuit of justice. A fast-paced action intense drama,FBIis a solid hit among fans.
13FBI: International(2021-present)
Cocreated by Dick Wolf and Derek Haas, it is the second spin-off from Wolf and the third series in the franchise. Following a team of special agents in the FBI who deal with high-stakes crimes and terrorism in the country and abroad, the show offers a fresh perspective as it explores global investigations and the challenges of working in different jurisdictions.
Focusing on diplomacy and cross-border terrorism, fans not only find it interesting but also deeply insightful as it brings a unique dimension to the franchise.FBI: International’sscope and storylines thus, resonate with viewers while expanding the versatile body of work by Wolf.
14Law & Order: Organized Crime(2021-present)
The seventh series in theLaw & Orderfranchise and a spin-off of the OG series andSVU, it brings back Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler fromSVU. This spin-off takes up a serialized format, featuring single-arc storylines that take multiple episodes to evolve and resolve.
As Stabler navigates the complexities of dismantling criminal enterprises while dealing with his wife’s murder, he joins the Organized Crime Task Force to bring justice. Its darker tone and intricate storytelling sets it apart from other installments of the franchise. By exploring the personal struggles of Stabler as well as the world of crime, the show offers a compelling blend of action, drama, and character development, making it a worthy watch.
Maria Sultan
Senior Writer
Articles Published :2703
Maria Sultan is a dedicated News Content Writer at FandomWire. With over five years of professional experience and hundreds of published articles, she brings a wealth of expertise to her coverage of Marvel, K-dramas, and the latest on streaming platforms.Her work is not just about reporting news; it’s about providing insightful perspectives on the entertainment trends that matter most.
