Overview
"" (SVU) is a popular American crime drama television series that focuses on the investigations of the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department (NYPD), which handles cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence. The series premiered on NBC on September 20, 1999, and has since aired over 500 episodes across 24 seasons.
Characters
The show’s main characters are:
| Name | Rank | Played by |
|---|---|---|
| Olivia Benson | Captain | Mariska Hargitay |
| Elliot Stabler | Detective | Christopher Meloni |
| Amanda Rollins | Detective | Kelli Giddish |
| Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr. | Detective | Peter Scanavino |
| Rafael Barba | Assistant District Attorney | Raúl Esparza |
| Donald Cragen | Captain (former) | Dann Florek |
Seasons and Storylines
Each season of "SVU" typically consists of 22 to 24 episodes that follow the detectives as they investigate a wide range of sex crimes. The show has tackled controversial and sensitive topics such as:
- Date rape
- Incest
- Pedophilia
- Human trafficking
- Child pornography
Reception and Impact
"" has been praised for its realistic portrayal of the challenges faced by victims of sexual violence and for raising awareness of these issues. The series has received numerous awards, including:
- 15 Primetime Emmy Awards
- 12 Golden Globe Awards
- 9 Television Critics Association Awards
The show’s success has led to the creation of three spin-offs: "Law & Order: Trial by Jury," "Law & Order: Los Angeles," and "Law & Order: True Crime."
Legacy
"" has had a lasting impact on television and popular culture. The show has helped to break down stigmas surrounding sexual abuse and has inspired other programs to tackle similar themes. The series has also been credited with raising awareness of issues related to sexual harassment and domestic violence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: When does "" air?
A: New episodes of SVU air Thursdays at 9 pm EST on NBC.
Q: Where can I watch past seasons of "SVU"?
A: Past seasons of SVU are available to stream on platforms such as Hulu, Peacock, and Amazon Prime Video.
Q: Who is the longest-running character on "SVU"?
A: Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay, is the longest-running character on SVU.
Q: Has "SVU" ever been canceled?
A: No, SVU has not been canceled and is currently in its 24th season.
Q: What is the most controversial episode of "SVU"?
A: The most controversial episode of SVU is arguably "Special Victims Unit" (season 13, episode 1), which depicts a graphic rape scene.
References
The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)
Law & Order: Los Angeles
"Law & Order: Los Angeles" is an American crime drama television series that aired on NBC from 2010 to 2011. The series is the third spin-off in the Law & Order franchise, following "" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."
"Law & Order: Los Angeles" follows the LAPD Major Crimes Division as they investigate and prosecute high-profile crimes in the city. The series features an ensemble cast including Skeet Ulrich, Terrence Howard, Wanda De Jesus, and Corey Stoll.
The series was canceled after one season due to low ratings.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" is an American police procedural and legal drama television series that aired on NBC from 2001 to 2011. The series is the second spin-off of the long-running series "Law & Order", focusing on the Major Case Squad of the NYPD, which investigates high-profile and unusual crimes.
The series follows a team of detectives, led by Captain James Deakins (Chris Noth) and Detective Goren (Vincent D’Onofrio), as they use unconventional methods and psychological insights to unravel complex and often bizarre criminal cases. The series also explores ethical dilemmas and the psychological motivations behind the crimes it depicts.
"Law & Order: Criminal Intent" ran for ten seasons and featured a notable cast, including Jeff Goldblum, Saffron Burrows, and Kathryn Erbe. The series was praised for its complex and character-driven storylines, as well as its portrayal of the psychological aspects of crime.
Law & Order: Trial by Jury
"Law & Order: Trial by Jury" is an American legal drama television series that ran for one season on NBC from March 2005 to May 2006. The series is a spin-off of "Law & Order" and focuses on the trials of major felony cases in the New York County criminal court system.
The series follows District Attorney Rebecca Hendrix (Amy Carlson), Assistant District Attorney Joe Connor (Fred Thompson), and defense attorney Tracey Kibre (Bebe Neuwirth) as they navigate the complexities of the justice system. Each episode features a different trial, showcasing the adversarial nature of the American legal system and exploring ethical and moral dilemmas.
"Law & Order: Trial by Jury" was met with mixed reviews, with critics praising its cast and courtroom drama but criticizing its lack of originality and formulaic nature. The series was canceled after one season due to low ratings.
Law & Order: True Crime
Law & Order: True Crime is an American true crime anthology television series that premiered on NBC on September 26, 2017. Each season of the series focuses on a different high-profile criminal case.
The first season, subtitled "The Menendez Murders," premiered on September 26, 2017, and concluded on November 21, 2017. The season consisted of eight episodes and chronicled the 1989 murders of José and Kitty Menendez by their sons Lyle and Erik Menendez.
The second season, subtitled "The OJ Simpson Trial," premiered on January 19, 2020, and concluded on February 26, 2020. The season consisted of eight episodes and chronicled the 1995 murder trial of O. J. Simpson.
The third season, subtitled "The Menendez Murders: Erik Tells All," premiered on June 7, 2023, and concluded on July 19, 2023. The season consisted of four episodes and chronicled Erik Menendez’s perspective on the murders of his parents.
Law & Order: Organized Crime
Law & Order: Organized Crime is a police procedural drama television series set in New York City. It follows the investigations and prosecutions of organized crime by the New York City Police Department and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. The series premiered on NBC on April 1, 2021, and is a part of the Law & Order franchise.
The main character of the series is Elliot Stabler, a former Detective First Grade with the NYPD’s Major Case Squad who left the department after the death of his wife. Stabler is now a sergeant with the NYPD’s Organized Crime Control Bureau, which investigates and prosecutes organized crime. The series also follows the work of Stabler’s partner, Detective Ayanna Bell, and the Assistant District Attorney, Richard Wheatley.
Law & Order: Organized Crime has received generally positive reviews from critics, who have praised the performances of the cast, the writing, and the action sequences. The series has also been a ratings success, averaging over 10 million viewers per episode.
Law & Order: For the Defense
"Law & Order: For the Defense" is an American legal drama television series that aired on NBC from 2000 to 2001. The series follows the lives of the attorneys at the Legal Aid Bureau, a non-profit organization that provides legal representation to the poor and indigent. The series premiered on September 22, 2000, and ran for one season, consisting of 13 episodes. The series was canceled on April 27, 2001, due to low ratings.
Law & Order: Hate Crimes
Law & Order: Hate Crimes is a spin-off of the popular Law & Order franchise that focuses on hate-motivated crimes. The series follows the Hate Crimes Task Force, a specialized unit of the New York Police Department that investigates and prosecutes crimes motivated by hatred or bias. The show delves into complex and controversial cases that explore the intersection of law, social justice, and societal tensions. The detectives work tirelessly to uncover hidden prejudices, challenge stereotypes, and bring justice to victims of hate crimes. Through its compelling narratives and thought-provoking themes, Law & Order: Hate Crimes sheds light on the devastating consequences of intolerance and the importance of fighting for equality.
Law & Order: Cybercrime
"Law & Order: Cybercrime" is a procedural drama television series that follows the Cybercrime Unit of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) as they investigate crimes related to the internet and other digital technologies.
The series focuses on the team of detectives and prosecutors who work tirelessly to catch criminals who use the anonymity of the internet to commit their crimes. The unit uses advanced forensic techniques and investigative methods to uncover the truth and bring the perpetrators to justice.
"Law & Order: Cybercrime" follows the same format as other "Law & Order" shows, with the first half of each episode focusing on the investigation of the crime and the second half on the prosecution of the suspect in court. The series features a talented cast and compelling storylines that explore the dangers and complexities of cybercrime in the modern age.
Law & Order: Financial Crimes
Law & Order: Financial Crimes is a procedural drama television series that follows the detectives and prosecutors of the Manhattan District Attorney’s Major Financial Crimes Unit as they investigate complex financial crimes. It is the eighth spin-off in the Law & Order franchise.
The series premiered on NBC on April 7, 2023, and was met with positive reviews from critics. It was praised for its strong writing, acting, and timely subject matter. Law & Order: Financial Crimes follows the same format as the other Law & Order series, with each episode consisting of two separate cases. The first case typically involves the investigation of a financial crime, while the second case focuses on the prosecution of the accused.
Law & Order: Gangs
"Law & Order: Gangs" is an episode of the long-running crime drama television series "Law & Order." The episode focuses on the investigation of a gang-related murder and the subsequent trial of the accused gang members.
The episode begins with the discovery of a body in an abandoned warehouse. The victim is identified as a teenager named Antonio Cruz, a member of the Latin Kings gang. Detectives Lennie Briscoe and Ed Green investigate the crime scene and soon find evidence linking the murder to a rival gang, the Savage Skulls.
The detectives track down the suspects, two members of the Savage Skulls named Miguel Sanchez and Jose Garcia. They are arrested and charged with murder. During the trial, the prosecution presents evidence that Sanchez and Garcia were seen fleeing the murder scene. The defense, however, argues that the suspects were not present at the time of the murder and that the prosecution’s case is based on circumstantial evidence.
The jury ultimately convicts Sanchez and Garcia of murder. The episode concludes with the judge sentencing the defendants to life in prison. "Law & Order: Gangs" highlights the dangers of gang violence and the challenges law enforcement faces in combating it.
Law & Order: Narcotics
"Law & Order: Narcotics" is a spin-off of the popular crime procedural television series "Law & Order." The show follows the Narcotics Bureau of the New York City Police Department as they investigate and prosecute drug-related crimes.
The series premiered in 2023 and features a cast of talented actors, including Jeffrey Donovan as Detective Frank Cosgrove and Meghann Fahy as Detective Olivia Benson. Each episode delves into a different high-stakes narcotics case, showcasing the complex world of drug trafficking and enforcement.
"Law & Order: Narcotics" combines gripping storylines with realistic characters and commentary on the real-world challenges of combating drug crime. It provides a thought-provoking and engaging exploration of one of society’s most pressing issues.
Law & Order: Robbery
"Law & Order: Robbery" is a crime procedural series that follows the investigations of the New York City Police Department’s Robbery Squad. The show focuses on the cops and detectives as they investigate various types of robberies, from muggings and burglaries to more complex schemes. The series explores the complexities of the criminal justice system and the personal lives of the officers involved. Each episode typically features a different case, with the detectives working to solve the crime, apprehend the perpetrators, and bring them to justice. The show ran for eight seasons, from 2004 to 2012.
Law & Order: Homicide
Law & Order: Homicide is an American police procedural and legal drama television series, which originated the Law & Order franchise. It was created by Dick Wolf and premiered on NBC on September 30, 1993. The series follows the investigations of a fictitious unit of the New York City Police Department (NYPD) that specializes in homicide cases and the subsequent prosecution of the defendants by the Manhattan District Attorney’s office.
Law & Order: Homicide initially featured Detective Lennie Briscoe (Jerry Orbach), Detective Mike Logan (Chris Noth), and Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson). The series later introduced Detective Rey Curtis (Benjamin Bratt), Detective Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin), and Detective Megan Wheeler (Julianne Nicholson).
The series was critically acclaimed and received numerous awards, including 10 Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. Law & Order: Homicide concluded its 12-season run on May 20, 2005.
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