NBC commits to eighth year of 'L.A. Law'
William M. Finkelstein, who returned to the show in midseason as executive producer, is expected to stay on in that capacity next season.
Bowing to diminished ratings and a perceived decline in quality, NBC benched the show through March and brought Finkelstein back to oversee the last eight episodes, replacing executive producers John Tinker and John Masius.
Since its April 1 return "Law" has performed solidly if not spectacularly, averaging a 12.5 rating, 22 share in Nielsen and improving over its earlier numbers by 9%. It captured a 12.0/21 last Thursday, finishing second behind "PrimeTime Live" in households but ranking first among adults 18-49.
Foremost, the renewal provides NBC another established show on Thursday night , where the web already faces the daunting prospect of replacing "Cheers" and finding a new 8 o'clock lead-off series. Ad agency pundits are guessing the Peacock will offer eight or nine new hours of programming next fall out of its 22-hour prime time lineup.
