iHeartPodcasts, Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment Join Forces to Develop New Investigative True Crime Podcast “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System”

Listen to the official trailer now HERE

iHeartPodcasts, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac, Universal Television (UTV) and Wolf Entertainment today announced that they have inked a deal to develop and co-produce “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System,” an unscripted true-crime series that furthers the “Law & Order” brand’s expansion into audio and marks the first foray into investigative journalism. The deal will encompass four 12-episode seasons.

“Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will premiere on August 22, 2024. Listeners can follow the podcast and listen to the trailer now on the iHeartRadio app and everywhere podcasts are available.

“We’re thrilled to join forces with iHeartPodcasts and UTV to bring the real stories that have shaped our criminal justice system, the bedrock of the Law & Order brand, to life,” said Executive Producer Elliot Wolf. “The goal coming in was always to push the boundaries of audio storytelling, this series delivers on that while still being deeply informative and entertaining.”

Hosted by former Brooklyn homicide prosecutor Anna-Sigga Nicolazzi, the first season of “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will dive into the fabled world of the American Mafia in New York City, chronicling the real downfall of the most notorious criminal organization in history. Set against the turbulent backdrop of 1979, the series reveals how an unlikely team of young local police and prosecutors worked tirelessly to beat the odds in dismantling the Mafia’s iron grip on the city.

This season will kick off with the brazen assassination of Carmine Galante, a powerful boss in the Bonanno crime family. The murder would unwittingly become a cornerstone in the Mafia Commission Trial—the pivotal case that forever hamstrung organized crime in the United States and ended the Mafia’s golden era. Each episode will peel back the layers of the events that led to this victory for the justice system, with listeners hearing first-hand accounts of the investigations, surveillance, legal battles, and personal sacrifices made by those on the front lines.

Executive Producer Elliot Wolf is co-creator of upcoming Amazon Prime series “On Call” and has executive produced hit podcasts such as “Dark Woods” and “Hunted.” He also serves as  EVP of Digital for Wolf Entertainment, where he spearheads the company’s digital initiatives including podcasting, social media, e-commerce and licensing. He previously executive produced “The Squadroom” for the “Law & Order” brand in audio, the popular companion podcast to “Law & Order: SVU.” 

The “Law & Order” branded television shows have been produced by Universal Television for NBC for over 25 years, with “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” currently in Season 26 and “Law & Order” in Season 24.

“Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” will be distributed by iHeartPodcasts.

Editor’s Note:

Include the “Law & Order: Criminal Justice System” podcast player directly into your article or website

Download the show cover art HERE.

About Universal Television

Universal Television (UTV), a division of Universal Studio Group, is one of the largest and most successful television studios in the world. Led by President Erin Underhill, the studio is known for programming with broad appeal and cultural relevance. UTV currently produces over 40 primetime comedies and dramas across broadcast, cable and streaming platforms. Home to commercial hits such as Dick Wolf’s enormously successful "Law & Order" "One Chicago" and "FBI"-branded series, UTV also produces celebrated premium series such as the Emmy® Award-winning "Hacks"; Emmy-nominated "Girls5eva" and "The Gilded Age"; cultural phenomena "Bel-Air" "Never Have I Ever" and "The Best Man: The Final Chapters"; as well as fan favorites including "The Equalizer" "Loot" "Harlem" and more. UTV’s library comprises some of the greatest contemporary shows in television history, including "The Office" "Parks and Recreation" "The Good Place" "Will & Grace" "Friday Night Lights" "New Amsterdam" and more.

About Wolf Entertainment

Wolf Entertainment, led by Emmy®-winning television producer Dick Wolf, produces scripted and non-scripted content for all platforms. In conjunction with Universal Television (UTV), Wolf Entertainment produces NBC’s award-winning "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" the longest-running primetime scripted series on television, which is currently in its 25th season, as well as "Law & Order" (S23), "Law & Order: Organized Crime" (S4), "Chicago Fire" (S12), "Chicago PD" (S11) "Chicago Med" (S9) and CBS’ "FBI" (S6), "FBI: Most Wanted (S5) and "FBI: International" (S3). These shows alone brought in over 75 million viewers across the 2022-23 season finales. Wolf Entertainment’s upcoming half-hour drama "On Call’ for Prime Video, marks the company’s first streaming original. You can find the latest news from Wolf Entertainment at https://wolfentertainment.com/.

About iHeartMedia, Inc.

iHeartMedia (NASDAQ: IHRT) is the number one audio company in the United States, reaching nine out of 10 Americans every month. It consists of three business groups.

With its quarter of a billion monthly listeners, the iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group has a greater reach than any other media company in the U.S. Its leadership position in audio extends across multiple platforms, including more than 860 live broadcast stations in over 160 markets nationwide; its National Sales organization; and the company’s live and virtual events business. It also includes Premiere Networks, the industry’s largest Networks business, with its Total Traffic and Weather Network (TTWN); and BIN: Black Information Network, the first and only 24/7 national and local all news audio service for the Black community. iHeartMedia also leads the audio industry in analytics, targeting and attribution for its marketing partners with its SmartAudio suite of data targeting and attribution products using data from its massive consumer base.

The iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group includes the company’s fast-growing podcasting business -- iHeartMedia is the number one podcast publisher in downloads, unique listeners, revenue and earnings -- as well as its industry-leading iHeartRadio digital service, available across more than 500 platforms and 2,000 devices; the company’s digital sites, newsletters, digital services and programs; its digital advertising technology companies; and its audio industry-leading social media footprint.

The company’s Audio & Media Services reportable segment includes Katz Media Group, the nation’s largest media representation company, and RCS, the world’s leading provider of broadcast and webcast software.

Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information.