I am shocked. I just found out that NBC decided to cancel Law & Order. After twenty seasons on the air, the long-running series was hopeful that the network would pick it up for a twenty-first season. If it went into its twenty-first season, it would make history as the longest-running drama series on prime time, finally surpassing its rival, Gunsmoke.

The series cancellation was confirmed Thursday, May 13, by MSNBC and sources say creator Dick Wolf is up in arms over NBC’s decision. There was some indication that the network would pick up Law & Order for a twenty-first season, but the falling ratings are more than likely what prompted them to decide against it.

NBC has not yet commented to the media about their decision, but you can bet they’ll have their say over the next couple days.

Personally, I think it’s all because S. Epatha Merkerson announced her retirement from the show, but what do I know? Some say it’s nothing to lose sleep over, as there are a handful spin-off series still going strong, while others are pretty peeved. I know people who can’t go a single day without watching some kind of Law & Order episode, but thanks to reruns, they’ll have plenty of back episodes to watch for years and years to come.

It is sad news to those who were excitedly sitting on the sidelines waiting to be a part of television history. My condolences to Mr. Wolf on the death of his series.