‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’ Season 1, Everything to Know About the Canadian Spinoff Coming to the U.S.

“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” Season 1 is officially making its U.S. debut. The Canadian spinoff of the iconic crime franchise will air this fall on The CW, bringing a fresh northern perspective to the long-running brand. The series premiered in Canada in 2024 and became a breakout hit.

The show promises the same gripping investigations that fans expect from the “Law & Order” universe, but with uniquely Canadian stories and a distinct Toronto backdrop. Viewers in the United States will soon get to experience this twist on a classic formula.

What Makes ‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’ Season 1 Different

“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” keeps the core franchise DNA: high-stakes investigations, complex criminals, and the battle between detectives and prosecutors. But the show leans into Canadian culture, legal systems, and real Toronto headlines. According to Variety, executive producer Erin Haskett said the goal was to give fans “stories and performances with the twists they know, but celebrate what feels distinctly Canadian.”

Unlike its New York counterpart, the Toronto edition features fewer gun-centered cases. Director Sharon Lewis told CBC News that the city’s different crime landscape required new storytelling. The series is also known for spotlighting Toronto’s culture—from politics to urban life—making it stand apart while staying familiar.

The showrunner, Tassie Cameron, explained that writers worked to craft episodes “ripped from Canadian headlines.” One storyline even drew inspiration from former Toronto Mayor Rob Ford’s notorious crack cocaine scandal. That local lens has helped it connect with Canadian audiences while still appealing to international crime drama fans.

When and Where to Watch ‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’ in the U.S.

Season 1 will premiere in the United States on The CW on Sept. 24, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET. Episodes will also be available for streaming next day on CW.com. For viewers outside Canada who want early access, the show streams on Citytv and the Citytv+ app, but typically requires a VPN for non-Canadian audiences.

The CW has already confirmed that Season 2 will air in the U.S. in 2026, while Canadian audiences can expect Season 3 in 2026. The first two seasons each have 10 episodes, totaling 20 so far.

Brad Schwartz, CW’s network president, told Variety that the spinoff “is the next gripping chapter of one of the greatest and most recognizable broadcast television brands of all time.” The expansion marks a growing trend of U.S. networks importing international takes on popular franchises.

Cast and Characters

The series stars a fully Canadian cast. Kathleen Munroe plays Detective Sergeant Frankie Bateman, an investigator who works strictly by the book. Aden Young stars as Detective Sergeant Henry Graff, a psychologically driven profiler. Karen Robinson (famous for “Schitt’s Creek”) plays their commanding officer, Inspector Vivienne Holness. K.C. Collins appears as Deputy Crown Attorney Theo Forrester, keeping the team’s cases legally solid.

Other recurring cast members include Nicola Correia-Damude as Dr. Lucy Da Silva, Tammy Isbell as Detective Alice Riley, and Araya Mengesha as Mark Yohannes. Filming takes place entirely in Toronto, giving the show a true local identity.

Impact and Fan Response

In Canada, “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” was a ratings success. Its premiere drew more than 1.1 million viewers—a major number in a country of about 40 million people. That strong domestic response suggests the series could build a dedicated following in the U.S., where the “Law & Order” brand already commands a loyal fan base.

The addition of the Toronto spinoff also signals how iconic franchises can expand globally while respecting local storytelling. With its mix of familiar structure and fresh Canadian flavor, Season 1 could attract both longtime fans and new viewers.

“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” Season 1 arrives in the U.S. on Sept. 24, 2025. The show brings a Toronto twist to one of television’s most enduring franchises, offering crime drama lovers something both familiar and new.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: When does ‘Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent’ Season 1 premiere in the U.S.?

It premieres on Sept. 24, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET on The CW.

Q2: How many episodes are in Season 1?

Season 1 has 10 episodes. There are 20 total so far, including Season 2.

Q3: Can I watch the show outside Canada?

Yes. You can use a VPN to stream on Citytv or watch on The CW in the U.S.

Q4: Is the series different from the U.S. version?

Yes. It features Canadian legal systems, fewer gun cases, and Toronto-based stories.

Q5: Has the show been renewed?

Yes. Season 3 is confirmed to premiere in Canada in 2026.