‘The world is literally in Toronto’: New season of local ‘Law & Order’ keeps city as a main character
The “dun dun” is back in the city as “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” gears up for its third season, with the city in the spotlight.
And like the last two seasons, detective sergeants Henry Graff and Frankie Bateman couldn’t get the job done without their core team.
Enter the specialized criminal investigative unit: inspector Vivienne Holness, played by Karen Robinson, forensic pathologist Lucy Da Silva, played by Nicola Correia-Damude, and deputy crown attorney Theo Forrester, played by K.C. Collins.
As the new season premieres on March 5, this powerhouse trio continues to work alongside the precinct to take on the city’s “most challenging cases,” moving that “dun dun” from the streets into the lab and the courtroom.
“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” first premiered in 2024, with Season 1 winning a Canadian Screen Award for Best Drama Series in 2025.
The upcoming season will be 10 episodes long while diving into “themes of storytelling and self-constructed narratives, as our heroes delve into the present and the past to explore the complexities of family, love, money, and power,” according to the show’s synopsis.
“This series interrogates the ‘why’ and ‘how’ behind the crime, not just the “who.” The show highlights the police point-of-view, but it also spends time with the criminals — exploring those driven to despicable acts by the universal desires and afflictions of greed, revenge, self-preservation, betrayal, jealousy, and love.”
The Toronto franchise is an original adaptation of the “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” format, based on the legendary “Law & Order” global brand which began in 1990.
Law & Order Toronto: Beyond the badge
Now, as the team enters a third chapter of the series, Robinson tells Toronto.com the passage of time hasn’t just sharpened their investigations but deepened their connections to the roles they portray.
“We have gotten to know our characters better. Now we have the ability to bring that to the audience so they can get to know us better,” said Robinson, also known for her role as Ronnie on “Schitt’s Creek.”
“I love that about being able to live with our characters season after season. I think you’re going to see some stuff from all of us that surprises you.”
And Correia-Damude agrees.
“I really feel like every episode is better than the last one, every season is better than the last one,” she said.
“There’s a growth that happens the more people know get to know each other, the more everyone gets to know the characters and the style.”
Law & Order Toronto: The main character
“Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” is entering its third season.
In this iteration of the franchise, Toronto is far more than just a scenic backdrop. While filming took place from North York to Harbourfront, investigations are inspired by infamous Canadian headlines while shining a spotlight on the city and its justice system.
“When people see Forrester struggle with not enough (evidence), it’s because it’s not a process that is about just focusing on getting the criminal,” said Collins.
“The rule of law is very specific and whoever the accused is, is just that. The proper steps have to be taken. That’s what we bring and that gears up the tension.”
However, the Toronto title isn’t just about the fine print of Canada’s law. It’s also about showcasing the mosaic Toronto brings to the stage.
“People are really proud of this show that is set in their city,” said Robinson.
“I can safely say that the world is literally in Toronto. I think a lot of us have done work in the past where your own culture really doesn’t matter,” added Correia-Damude, noting the opposite is the case on Law and Order.
“It’s going to make a difference to an audience member who sees themselves, and that’s because of the people that created this show for us.”
And with Toronto dubbed as “Hollywood North,” filming this season took place at various locations, including Evergreen Brickworks at 550 Bayview Ave., Severn Creek Park at 8R Cluny Dr., and Bevy Cafe at 738 Dundas St. E. So you’ll get to see more of the city on the screen.
“It’s reinforced for me why people like shooting in Toronto,” said Correia-Damude. “People are always so happy to see us when our trucks are somewhere.”
Off duty in Toronto
That cast connection to the city and its identity extends far beyond the call sheet. When the cameras stop rolling, you’ll find Correia-Damude at the neighbourhood pub Tap Works on St. Clair West, Collins at Toronto’s Fresh Kitchen + Juice Bar, and Robinson watching “Coronation Street” while eating Japanese food from her basement.
And if you ever find yourself face-to-face with the specialized criminal investigative unit in the real world, you might want to pay attention to its precinct-tested wisdom. The cast’s advice to fellow Torontonians is as sharp as a closing argument.
Collins says Forrester’s message would be simple — “don’t commit crimes” — while Robinson says Holness would advise to “do it right the first time.”
Finally, adding a touch of resilience to the team’s collective wisdom, Correia-Damude says Da Silva would remind everyone to stay true to themselves: “Don’t let all the evil in the world change who you are.”
Season three of “Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent” premieres at 10 p.m. on March 5 on Citytv.
