Everything We Know So Far About The Law & Order Revival

The '90s certainly left its mark on the world of cultural entertainment. For instance, Nirvana continues to be legends in the rock world, the Spice Girls gave girl power a platform, and "Sex and the City" has made such a lasting impression that even those born after the series ended are running out to buy Manolo Blahniks. There is so much good to come out of the decade that oftentimes we overlook a solid favorite — "Law & Order." The series is the OG of legal dramas. 

If the show's multiple spin-offs just don't cut it for you or you shed tears when it was abruptly canceled in 2010, brace yourself. NBC has announced the return of the original "Law & Order" after a nearly 12-year hiatus. And like all good detectives, we're revealing more about the reappearance of one of our favorite crime-based shows with the classic questions that happen around any thoroughly investigated crime scene — the who, the what, the when, the where, and the motive.

Starting with the "who." Who else could we be talking about other than Dick Wolf, the creator and executive producer of "Law & Order." Wolf is obviously thrilled for the revival, and despite the decade-plus long break, the newest season will be billed as its 21st season and a continuation instead of starting from scratch. That also answers the "what." "There are very few things in life that are literally dreams come true," Wolf said when discussing the resurrection of the original show (via The Hollywood Reporter). "This is mine." he added. 

As the show is being billed as a continuation, we have to assume the original characters are coming back as well. So far, "Law & Order" legend Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) has signed on for the revival –- cue a giant sigh of relief. Another newish veteran, Anthony Anderson has also confirmed his participation in the new series. Waterston and Anderson will be joining newbies to the series Hugh Dancy, Jeffrey Donovan, and Camryn Manheim, per The Hollywood Reporter.

For the "when" and "where," "Law & Order" will return to its original network, NBC, on February 24, according to The Hollywood Reporter. As we eagerly await for the Season 21 premiere, we can answer the biggest question yet — the "why." What was the motive? Well, clearly Dick Wolf was eager to continue the story. 

However, as far as we can tell, reviving the original "Law & Order" was a win-win for Wolf, NBC, and the fans. "Law & Order is quite simply one of the most iconic shows in television history, and the idea of continuing its legacy and partnering with Dick on an all-new season is nothing short of exhilarating," stated NBC Executive Chairman Susan Rovner (via USA Today). "This is great news for NBC as well as TV fans everywhere," Rovner continued. Now that we've uncovered the evidence, all we have to do is sit back, relax, and watch the stories of the criminal justice system unfold yet again.