Last week I discussed whether or not the “Law & Order” original flavor and series spin-off “Criminal Intent” would be renewed for additional seasons considering their low ratings. There was speculation that the original series would be sent to TNT for new episodes to help reduce the large overhead on the show and allow it to remain alive.

Interestingly NBC pulled the ol’ switcheroo and announced on Sunday that “Criminal Intent” is heading off the peacock network in search of greener pastures over on the USA cable network. As is, you’d have a hard time throwing a dart at the USA schedule and not hitting a rerun of Special Victims Unit or Criminal Intent. Now you’ll just get to watch new episodes of ol’ crooked head instead. The C&I episodes will eventually head over to NBC for airing.

“Law & Order” will continue its aging life (currently at 17 seasons) with NBC likely through 2012 as the partnership between series creator Dick Wolf’s company, Wolf Films, and NBC Universal has been extended through 2012. Should the show last until then it will surpass the 20 year mark set by previous record holder “Gunsmoke” for longest running prime time series. This has been a long time goal of Dick Wolf and now looks achievable.

Wolf promises these changes will not be visible to the audiences. “Both shows will continue to look to the viewers exactly as they looked before,” Wolf said.