Alicia Witt joins cast of "Criminal Intent"

[Brian Damage]

LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - Alicia Witt is joining the squad of the drama series "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," which is moving from NBC to USA Network in the fall.

The addition of Witt also reflects something of a new trend at USA, where network president Bonnie Hammer aims to bring in strong lead female characters in upcoming new series, including "In Plain Sight" and "To Love & Die," which star Mary McCormack and Shiri Appleby, respectively.

Witt ("The Upside of Anger") will sub for Julianne Nicholson, who will be out on maternity leave. She plays Det. Nola Falacci opposite Chris Noth's Det. Mike Logan.

In an unusual move, "CI" was left off corporate sibling NBC's schedule during May's upfront presentations and sent packing to USA, where it will begin running Thursdays at 10 p.m. beginning October 4.