The biggest 'Law & Order' twist ever

As the networks get ready to announce their fall schedules at next week's upfronts, we are beginning to hear what's coming back and what's been canceled.

FOX decided to renew both "Lie to Me" and "Human Target" for 13 episodes, which works out perfectly the way FOX's schedule is usually spilt in half.

NBC has all but renewed "Chuck" for a season 4, however, things are not looking good for "Heroes."

Much to Tim's dismay ABC has decided to keep "V" and cancel "FlashForward" along with "Romantically Challenged," "Scrubs" and "Better Off Ted."

However, perhaps the biggest news is that NBC has decided not to renew the 20 year old "Law & Order." When I first heard this I thought NBC was nuts. But, after further consideration I've realized that the show couldn't continue forever and with S. Epatha Merkerson leaving this might be the time to hang it up.

It's true that recent seasons with Anthony Anderson, Linus Roache and Jeremy Sisto have revitalized the long running drama, but isn't it better that it goes out on top, rather than limping into that 21st season just for the heck of it.

That being said when a show gives your network 20 years and three successful shows, you at least owe it a proper sendoff. Canceling it at the last minute without allowing the loyal fans a chance to say goodbye to their favorite characters is disrespectful.

This is just further proof of how out of touch NBC's bosses are. "Law & Order" kept your network alive when no other shows could and you essentially called it up said "thanks for 20 years of loyal service, but don't bother coming in on Monday."

The show will obviously live on forever in syndication. It will be in the same league as "I Love Lucy" or "Star Trek" where it's always playing at some time somewhere. And the characters can make occasional appearances on "SVU."

Plus we all know TNT can't resist a good "Law & Order" marathon.