NEW YORK, Aug. 8, 2012 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- ION Television continues to strengthen its programming lineup with high-quality content, announcing today the acquisition of the critically-acclaimed series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent." The off-network licensing rights give ION all 10 seasons (195 episodes) of the crime-drama favorite.
"'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' is a proven drama with a long-standing history as part of a highly successful 20-plus year franchise" said Brandon Burgess, CEO, ION Media Networks. "The addition of this popular series to our general entertainment lineup is yet another important piece to ION's solid programming foundation."
"'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' is a perfect addition to ION's lineup and we are excited to extend our partnership with another series that resonates with their audience," added Bruce Casino, SVP, NBCUniversal Cable & New Media Distribution.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" takes viewers into the minds of its criminals while following the psychological approaches the Major Case Squad uses to solve the crimes. Detective Robert Goren (Vincent D'Onofrio), who channels his inner Sherlock Holmes, is an exceptionally bright homicide investigator with well-honed instincts that match up favorably with his criminal quarry. Likewise, his partner, Detective Alexandra Eames (Kathryn Erbe), brings an independence and stylish edge to her work that meshes well with Goren.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" was created by Dick Wolf and is the third installment of the "Law & Order" brand, which stands as the second longest-running scripted primetime series in television history. Executive producers of the series include Wolf, Warren Leight, Peter Jankowski and Norberto Barba. The series was produced by Wolf Films in association with NBCUniversal Cable & New Media Distribution. "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" aired for 10 seasons, first on NBC (six seasons) and followed by USA Network, concluding in 2011.
The "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" deal comes on the heels of other recent key acquisitions for the network, including "Numb3rs" and ION's first exclusive broadcast partnership with WWE for the original series "WWE Main Event." "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" also joins ION's "Positively Entertaining" lineup of hit series, including the original show "Flashpoint," "Criminal Minds," "Cold Case" and "Leverage."
About ION Television
ION Television is a leading U.S. general entertainment network, combining high-quality programming and dependable broadcast distribution with an attitude of innovation and growth normally associated with a cable channel. Its "Positively Entertaining" network brand positioning features a formula of proven series, an expansive catalog of blockbuster movies and a commitment to introduce new original programming. Since its recent launch in 2008, ION's reach has grown to 100 million households and has become one of the top-15 TV rated U.S. networks in record time. For more information, visit www.iontelevision.com.
# # #
Contact:
Chris Addeo, ION Media Networks
561-682-4210
chrisaddeo@ionmedia.com
This information was brought to you by Cision http://www.cisionwire.com
http://www.cisionwire.com/ion-television/r/ion-television-acquires-fan-favorite--law---order--criminal-intent--from-nbcuniversal-cable---new-me,c9290033