the buzz log

Here's a mystery. What is "Law and Order: Criminal Intent" without stars Vincent D'Onofrio, Kathryn Erbe and Eric Bogosian?

According to The Hollywood Reporter, all three will exit during the upcoming ninth season. (Yes, it's been that long. But really, who's counting?)

Insiders say that despite the popularity of the actors, they're being dumped to make room for Jeff Goldblum to be lead detective. D'Onofrio and Erbe have been cracking cases since the series first aired in 2001. (Bogosian joined in 2006.) While the show is an offshoot of the "Law and Order" machine, it's got a lighter tone than the original, which suits Goldblum more than the current leads. Rumors also pair Goldblum with Saffron Burrows as a possible replacement for Julianne Nicholson, who left the show earlier in the year.

While D'Onofrio is departing the show, viewers may be comforted to know that there could be room for him to return as a guest. We know, we know. It won't be the same.

But it's not like this hasn't happened before. Over the last decade, the cast has seen a lot of upheaval: Chris Noth left last year after being on the show for three seasons. Still, it's a lot of change for one show. Deals have yet to be inked, insiders on the show say, so stay tuned for more clues.

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