Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent – All You Need to Know About the Canadian Spinoff Coming to the US

The Arrival of Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent in the U.S.

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent is making its way to American audiences, bringing with it a fresh take on the iconic franchise. This new spinoff, which first premiered in Canada in 2024, will debut its first season on the CW this fall. Fans of the original series can expect the same gripping storytelling and high-stakes drama that have made the Law & Order brand a household name, but with a distinctly Canadian flavor.

Executive producer Erin Haskett emphasized the importance of maintaining the franchise’s signature elements while also highlighting the unique cultural identity of the show. “It's a brand. [We want to] deliver stories and performances and all of the twists and turns that are expected from the Law & Order franchise, but also feel like we are distinct within that in terms of stories and sense of place,” she explained. The team hopes that viewers will appreciate both the familiar elements and the Canadian-specific nuances that set the show apart.

Where to Watch Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent

For those in Canada, the show is available on Citytv and the Citytv+ app. International viewers who want to catch the action can use a VPN to access the Citytv website or download the app. In the United States, the CW will air Season 1 starting September 24, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will also be available on the CW website after their initial broadcast.

The series has already proven to be a hit in Canada, with the premiere episode reportedly drawing over 1.1 million viewers. Given Canada’s population of about 40.2 million, this represents a strong showing per capita. The success of the show has led to renewed interest in the franchise, with Season 3 already confirmed for a 2026 release in Canada.

A New Chapter in the Law & Order Legacy

Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent is essentially a remake of Law & Order: Criminal Intent, but with a Canadian twist. The show features stories inspired by real events, including an episode based on former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s crack cocaine scandal. The production team aims to capture the essence of Toronto while maintaining the high standards of the original franchise.

One of the most notable differences between the Canadian and American versions is the portrayal of gun violence. Director Sharon Lewis noted that there are fewer gun-related storylines in Toronto compared to New York. “Guns—just less guns in Toronto, less stories that are centred around guns. It's that we're a softer, kinder city, I think, than the more abrasive New York.”

Cast and Crew

The show boasts a full cast and crew of Canadians, with all episodes filmed in and around Toronto. Executive producer Amy Cameron praised the team, noting that many of them are fans of the original Law & Order series. “It's interesting to work on a show where everybody, from your grips to your drivers to your cast is an expert on this brand.”

The main cast includes:

• Kathleen Munroe as Detective Sergeant Frankie Bateman
• Aden Young as Detective Sergeant Henry Graff
• Karen Robinson as Inspector Vivienne Holness
• K.C. Collins as Deputy Crown Attorney Theo Forrester

Other recurring cast members include Nicola Correia-Damude, Tammy Isbell, and Araya Mengesha.

What Makes This Show Unique

The showrunner, Tassie Cameron, emphasized the importance of selecting the right stories to tell. “You want it to be a Canadian story, feel like it's ripped from a Canadian headline and feel like it's highlighting Toronto.” This approach ensures that the show remains grounded in the local culture while still delivering the intense, character-driven narratives that fans expect.

With its blend of familiar elements and new perspectives, Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent is poised to become a beloved addition to the Law & Order family. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the franchise, this Canadian adaptation offers a fresh and compelling look at law enforcement in a different setting.