For eight impressive seasons, actor Vincent D’Onofrio has captivated and sometimes annoyed viewers as know-it-all detective Robert Goren on the NBC/USA drama “Law & Order: Criminal Intent.”

Vincent D’Onofrio

A spinoff of the original “Law & Order,” the series has given D’Onofrio the platform to saunter around and confront murder and robbery suspects with a wild blend of evidence, conjecture and an antagonistic invasion of personal space that can only be described as disconcerting.

Sadly for viewers who have come to expect and enjoy D’Onofrio’s take on crime fighting, an era is coming to an end. D’Onofrio, 50, and his boss, “L&O” executive producer Dick Wolf, announced that the venerable actor will be leaving the show. The move will come to be in a two-part, season-nine opener that will air early next year on USA.

Jeff Goldblum, 56, who had been splitting lead actor duties with D’Onofrio, will take over the job completely.

“Now is the perfect time for me to explore other acting opportunities and I leave the show knowing it is in great hands with Jeff,” D’Onofrio said, adding “I wouldn’t be surprised if Goren pops up from time to time.”