Chris Noth is leaving "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Jeff Goldblum is joining the USA Network series as the new co-lead alongside Vincent D'Onofrio. The two will be spitting starring duties throughout the season the way D'Onofrio did with Noth in the past three years.

"Jeff's presence will add a new dimension to an already successful show," "Law & Order" chief Dick Wolf said.

This was Noth's second tour of duty on the "Law & Order" franchise as Det. Mike Logan. He originated the role on the mothership series from 1990-95.

"Chris has been a member of the 'Law & Order' family since the beginning, and Mike Logan is one of the most popular detectives in the history of television," Wolf said. "We all wish him the best."

"Law & Order: CI," which migrated from NBC to USA last year, was recently renewed by the cable network for a 16-episode eighth season. The Wolf Films/NBCU Cable Studio series will continue to get a second window on NBC.

Goldblum is coming off a starring turn on stage opposite Kevin Spacey in the London production of David Mamet's comedy "Speed-the-Plow."

On the big screen, Goldblum, repped by Gersh and Industry Entertainment, will next be seen in "Adam Resurrected."

Noth recently reprised his role as Mr. Big in the "Sex and the City" feature.

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/news/e3ia502dead1ee4228744063e6a4b821cf7

So what?

L&O, all permutations, has always done better with adding actors who were relative unknowns to television audiences -

Jesse Martin and his Broadway experience? Good.
Dennis Farina? Not so good.

The big exception (and it's from early in the original franchise's run) - Michael Moriarty.

In short, Jeff Goldblum, while a fine actor, won't save CI, unless he turns out to be a good writer, too (the writing on CI has been substandard this season.)

Jesse Martin and his Broadway experience? Good.
Dennis Farina? Not so good.

Amen to that!

I always have liked Jeff Goldblum though--at least until I saw that documentary re his obsessive quest to produce "The Music Man" in his hometown of Pittsburgh with himself and his girlfriend in the leads! And honestly I will miss Chris Noth--he was pretty much the reason I ever started watching the original L&O.

I think a lot will depend on what kind of personality his character has.

To be honest, I think the second run of Logan was a bit bland.

And though Goldblum can be a bit too kooky for his own good, I think there is an opportunity to make an interesting new dynamic.

Makes you wonder about the genre in general.....

I am obsessive about crime dramas but I wonder if they are starting to go the way of the westerns in the 60's.....getting a bit played out. I am sad to see Chris Noth go.....