Law & Order is an American crime drama television series created by Dick Wolf that premiered on NBC on September 13, 1990. The show follows the investigations of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office as they pursue justice in the city’s criminal justice system.
The series is one of the longest-running primetime dramas in American television history, with over 450 episodes aired. It has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system, its strong writing, and its ensemble cast.
Episode Guide
The following is a list of Law & Order episodes by season:
| Season | Episodes | Air Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 22 | September 13, 1990 – May 9, 1991 |
| 2 | 22 | September 12, 1991 – May 14, 1992 |
| 3 | 22 | September 24, 1992 – May 20, 1993 |
| 4 | 24 | September 16, 1993 – May 24, 1994 |
| 5 | 24 | September 22, 1994 – May 11, 1995 |
| 6 | 23 | September 21, 1995 – May 10, 1996 |
| 7 | 23 | September 19, 1996 – May 22, 1997 |
| 8 | 24 | September 26, 1997 – May 15, 1998 |
| 9 | 23 | September 25, 1998 – May 20, 1999 |
| 10 | 23 | September 23, 1999 – May 18, 2000 |
| 11 | 24 | September 27, 2000 – May 23, 2001 |
| 12 | 24 | September 26, 2001 – May 22, 2002 |
| 13 | 24 | September 25, 2002 – May 21, 2003 |
| 14 | 24 | September 24, 2003 – May 19, 2004 |
| 15 | 24 | September 22, 2004 – May 18, 2005 |
| 16 | 22 | September 21, 2005 – May 17, 2006 |
| 17 | 22 | September 20, 2006 – May 16, 2007 |
| 18 | 18 | January 2, 2008 – May 21, 2008 |
| 19 | 22 | September 11, 2008 – May 21, 2009 |
| 20 | 23 | September 24, 2009 – May 20, 2010 |
| 21 | 20 | September 29, 2010 – May 18, 2011 |
| 22 | 16 | September 22, 2011 – May 10, 2012 |
Frequent Questions (FAQ)
Q: How many seasons of Law & Order are there?
A: 22
Q: Who is the main character in Law & Order?
A: Detective Lennie Briscoe
Q: What is the setting of Law & Order?
A: New York City
Q: Which actors have played the role of Detective Lennie Briscoe?
A: Jerry Orbach and Dennis Farina
Q: What is the spin-off series of Law & Order?
A: Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
References
Law & Order Full Episodes
Law & Order is a long-running crime drama series that follows the investigations of the New York Police Department’s Major Case Squad and the Manhattan District Attorney’s office. Each episode typically features a standalone story, often inspired by real-life events, that explores complex moral and legal issues.
Investigations:
The Major Case Squad investigates homicides, sexual assaults, and other major crimes. Detectives uncover evidence, interview suspects, and try to solve the case within 48 hours.
Prosecutions:
The Manhattan District Attorney’s office prosecutes the suspects arrested by the Major Case Squad. Attorneys present evidence, argue their case, and seek justice for the victims.
Character-Driven Stories:
In addition to the crime-solving aspect, Law & Order also features well-developed characters who struggle with personal and professional challenges. These characters include detectives, prosecutors, defense attorneys, and judges.
Social Commentary:
Law & Order often tackles topical issues such as race, class, politics, and ethics. By presenting complex cases, the show encourages viewers to think critically about the criminal justice system and the society in which we live.
Law & Order Character Bios
- Olivia Benson: A detective in the Special Victims Unit (SVU) of the New York City Police Department. She is known for her dedication to her work and her compassion for victims of sexual crimes.
- Elliot Stabler: A detective in the SVU who is Benson’s partner. He is a skilled investigator and is known for his aggression and determination.
- Donald Cragen: The captain of the SVU. He is a veteran of the NYPD and is respected by his subordinates.
- Alexandra Cabot: An assistant district attorney who works closely with the SVU. She is a skilled prosecutor and is known for her dedication to justice.
- Jack McCoy: The district attorney of New York County. He is a controversial figure who is known for his tough stance on crime.
Law & Order: Behind the Scenes
Law & Order is a long-running crime procedural television series created by Dick Wolf. It revolves around the investigation and prosecution of crimes in New York City. Here are some behind-the-scenes insights:
- Production: The show is filmed in New York City, primarily at Chelsea Piers. The production crew employs over 200 people.
- Casting: The ensemble cast has changed significantly over the years, with only Sam Waterston and Mariska Hargitay remaining as original cast members.
- Writing: The show’s writers strive for realism and authenticity by conducting extensive research and consulting with law enforcement officials.
- Filming: Episodes are typically shot in 10 days, often under tight deadlines. The show’s fast-paced production schedule is known as the "Wolfian pace."
- Special Effects: The show uses minimal special effects, relying primarily on practical stunts and location shooting.
- Music: The iconic theme music was composed by Mike Post and Pete Carpenter. It is considered one of the most recognizable themes in television history.
- Cultural Impact: Law & Order has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system and its exploration of social issues. It has inspired numerous spin-offs and adaptations around the world.
Law & Order Soundtrack
The Law & Order soundtrack is a collection of music composed by Mike Post for the long-running television series of the same name. The music is primarily orchestral in nature, with a focus on suspense and drama. The soundtrack has been released in several formats, including vinyl, CD, and digital download.
The main theme of Law & Order is one of the most recognizable pieces of television music ever written. It is a driving, aggressive piece that perfectly captures the show’s intensity and urgency. In addition to the main theme, the soundtrack also includes a number of other memorable pieces, such as the "Law & Order Blues" theme and the "Episode 42" theme.
The Law & Order soundtrack is a classic piece of television music that has helped to define the show for over two decades. It is a powerful and atmospheric soundtrack that perfectly captures the show’s unique blend of suspense and drama.
Law & Order Spin-Offs
The popular television franchise "Law & Order" has spawned numerous spin-offs over the years, expanding its universe and offering different perspectives on the criminal justice system. These spin-offs include:
- Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present): Focuses on sex crimes and other cases handled by the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.
- Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-2011): follows the Major Case Squad, which investigates complex crimes and often employs psychological profiling.
- Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005-2006): Depicts the proceedings of a criminal trial, providing an in-depth look at jury selection, evidence presentation, and legal arguments.
- Law & Order: Los Angeles (2010-2011): Set in the City of Angels, focusing on the Los Angeles Police Department and the District Attorney’s Office.
- Law & Order: True Crime (2017): Explores real-life criminal cases using documentary-style storytelling and reenactments.
- Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021-present): Focuses on the Organized Crime Control Bureau, investigating complex criminal organizations.
Law & Order spin-offs have garnered their own dedicated following, expanding the franchise’s reach and providing unique insights into the world of crime and justice.
Law & Order Merchandise
Law & Order merchandise has become increasingly popular in recent years, with fans of the long-running crime drama eager to own a part of their favorite show. The merchandise includes everything from clothing and accessories to home goods and collectibles, offering fans a variety of ways to show their support for the show. Some of the most popular Law & Order merchandise items include:
- T-shirts and sweatshirts featuring the iconic Law & Order logo
- Hats, mugs, and keychains with the show’s name or iconic images
- Collectible figurines of the show’s characters
- DVDs and Blu-rays of past seasons of the show
- Home goods such as throw pillows and blankets featuring the show’s logo or characters
Law & Order Cast Interviews
The cast of Law & Order recently sat down for interviews to discuss the show’s legacy, their favorite episodes, and what it was like to work on such an iconic series.
Mariska Hargitay, who has played Detective Olivia Benson since the show’s inception, said that she is most proud of the show’s ability to "shine a light on important social issues." She also praised the show’s writers for their "unflinching commitment to truth and justice."
Ice-T, who joined the cast in Season 2 as Detective Odafin Tutuola, said that he was drawn to the show because of its "realism." He also said that he has learned a lot about the criminal justice system from working on the show.
Christopher Meloni, who played Detective Elliot Stabler for the first 12 seasons, said that he misses working on the show and that he is still close with his former castmates. He also said that he is proud of the work that the show has done to "make a difference in the world."
Law & Order is one of the longest-running primetime dramas in history, and it has won numerous awards, including three Emmy Awards and two Golden Globe Awards. The show has also been nominated for a Peabody Award.
Law & Order Filming Locations
The popular television series Law & Order is set and primarily filmed on location in New York City. The following locations are frequently used for exterior shots:
- Manhattan Supreme Court: Located at 60 Centre Street, the courthouse is used for scenes set in the criminal courthouse.
- One Police Plaza: The headquarters of the New York City Police Department, located at 1 Police Plaza, is used for exterior shots of the police precinct.
- City Hall Park: The park, located between Broadway, Park Row, Chambers Street, and Centre Street, is used for establishing shots and scenes set in front of City Hall.
- New York University: The university, located at 3 Washington Square Village, is used for exterior shots of the city college.
- Other Locations: Various other locations around New York City are used for specific scenes, including hospitals, restaurants, and apartment buildings.
Law & Order Writing Team
Law & Order’s writing team has played a pivotal role in the show’s success. Over the years, several notable writers have contributed to the series, including:
- Dick Wolf: Creator and executive producer, known for developing the "Law & Order" franchise and other crime dramas.
- René Balcer: Long-time showrunner and writer, responsible for shaping many of the characters and storylines.
- Steven Zirnkilton: Emmy Award-winning writer known for his gripping and emotionally charged episodes.
- Craig Turk: Writer and co-executive producer known for his intricate plots and memorable dialogue.
- Warren Leight: Writer and showrunner responsible for introducing more political and social themes into the series.
- Rick Eid: Current showrunner and writer known for his ability to balance procedural elements with personal stories.
The writing team’s collaborative efforts have resulted in a wide range of storylines and characters, exploring contemporary social issues, legal complexities, and the personal lives of the detectives and prosecutors. Their collective experience and diverse perspectives have helped establish Law & Order as one of the most acclaimed and long-running crime dramas on television.
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