Alfred Molina joins "Law & Order: L.A."

Keeping the money-making franchise alive, "Law & Order: Los Angeles" debuts this fall on NBC with veteran film and Broadway actor Alfred Molina.

Molina will play Deputy District Attorney Morales, says creator and executive producer Dick Wolf. The series has been nicknamed "LOLA" and will air 10 p.m. Eastern time on Wednesdays.

The show's premiere date - and the first name of Molina's character - have yet to be announced.

"I am thrilled that Fred is 'LOLA's' deputy D.A.," Wolf said in a statement Saturday, adding that Molina joins a list of character actors who have starred in "Law & Order" series, including Sam Waterson, Dianne Wiest and Michael Moriarity.

The original "Law & Order" ended its run last season after 20 years, but the franchise lives on with the new LA show and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."