Law & Order: Organized Crime and 4 crime shows in danger of cancellation in 2024

As shows land renewals, eyes are on the ones that are on the bubble. Every year, we say goodbye to a crime show here and there, and we’re looking at the ones that are in danger of being canceled.

This does not cover the shows that have already been canceled or are coming to an end. After all, we know that SWAT and Blue Bloods on CBS are coming to an end with their current seasons—SWAT in May 2024 and Blue Bloods in fall 2024.

What about other shows, though? Here’s a look at the crime shows we’re worried about.

Law & Order: Organized Crime on NBC

Let’s start with one that didn’t get a renewal when the other shows in its franchise did. Law & Order: Organized Crime was left on the bubble after the other five Dick Wolf shows on NBC were renewed. That wasn’t a good sign.

On top of that, the renewal last year was for a shorter season order. Even if shows had come back in the fall, this one wouldn’t have done. It was pushed to the midseason.

There are concerns with the cost of the show and the linear ratings. Is there an option to keep it going? We hope so, but we’re worried.

Elsbeth on CBS

I don’t usually get worried about a show after just one episode, but this one I am. That’s because of the way CBS has handled the release. We got the series premiere on Thursday, Feb. 29 and then nothing for the whole of May. The series returns with a double episode on Thursday, April 4.

The linear ratings aren’t too bad according to some reports, but it’s not the best series on the network. There are a couple of things that could help the series, though. The first is that it’s a spin-off of The Good Wife and already has a loyal following. The other is that CBS is bringing a few shows to an end this year, which opens up space in the schedule to keep this series as well as bring new shows.

Alert: Missing Persons Unit on FOX

When a series moves to a Tuesday night on FOX, it’s usually the end of it. We’ve seen that happen a lot in the past with the likes of Lucifer, The Gifted, and the one I’m still salty about, Prodigal Son. As soon as I found out Alert: Missing Persons Unit would air on Tuesdays, I worried.

The linear ratings haven’t been great. It’s lost a huge number in the average total audience and demo, leading to it being the second from last most-popular show on the network. With FOX renewing so many other shows, things aren’t looking good for this one.

The Rookie on ABC

How dare I put the Nathan Fillion dramedy on this list! I’m sure that’s what you’re all thinking. Just keep in mind I’m not saying it will be canceled. I’m saying it’s in danger of being canceled. I look at the facts.

The fact is, The Rookie Season 6 saw a drop in the linear ratings. While it’s fellow Tuesday night crime drama Will Trent ticked up well and was quickly renewed, The Rookie didn’t fare as well. Now that is partly due to the timeslot change, but it’s also a problem as shows run on for longer. The audience dips away.

With the likes of The Good Doctor and Station 19 ending this year, I would like to see ABC keep The Rookie, even giving it a final season order. Will that happen? That depends on the potential new shows coming in.

CSI: Vegas on CBS

The liner ratings have never really been strong for the CSI revival. However, this is a show that performs well in streaming numbers, which has continually saved the show. The move to Sundays after The Equalizer and Tracker have helped the linear numbers tick up a little, but is that enough?

The problem is the show is still among the bottom of the list of CBS shows right now. There are only so many shows CBS can keep, and we know that the FBI and NCIS lineups are sure to stick around. The loss of SWAT and Blue Blood could help keep this series on the air, maybe taking a Friday timeslot next season, but it could be time to sunset this franchise for good.

Of course, another option is to do what the network did with Evil and SEAL Team. There is the option to make it a Paramount+ series only.