LAW and Order” is on so many times a day, on so many channels, that no one really noticed the original show on NBC was not on this fall.

It finally returns on Jan. 2 and, in a boost of confidence for its sister show, “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” will air on NBC, too.

The latter had been banished to NBC’s cable channel, USA Network. Technically it still is. NBC will only air repeats of the drama, while USA will continue to offer new episodes.