NBC orders live ‘Law & Order’ reality spin-off … seriously

We certainly did not see this one coming. We know that NBC is in the business of trying new things at the moment, judging from the fact that the network is airing a pseudo-variety show starring Neil Patrick Harris and are also considering a variety of different revivals / adaptations.

Now, they want to make “Law & Order” into a reality series, at least to a certain extent. Per Deadline, the network is bringing forward from super-producer “Law & Order: You the Jury,” a one-hour docudrama that will allow viewers the chance to decide the verdict on real legal cases based on evidence and witnesses that are presented. To us, we’re just not sure what to make of this at the moment, given that it seems entirely likely that we’re going to see some people out there not take the process seriously. Also, would you trust some viewers at home to determine the results of your case? We think that this could actually be successful in the way that some bizarre TV is, but we’re really not all that comfortable with it.

Ultimately, this show is still a little ways off, so we will get a chance in due time to learn some more details all about this show and some more of the mechanics for it. NBC already has its schedule together for the fall, and the only way we see this coming at midseason is if the network really tanks and they are desperate to try out some new things.

If you do like the “Law & Order” brand, just remember that “SVU” premieres on September 23.

Photo: NBC