Law & Order

Law & Order is a long-running police procedural and legal drama that first aired on NBC in September of 1990. Created and produced by Dick Wolf, Law & Order is set in New York City and follows 27th precinct detectives and lawyers as they investigate homicides and other crimes directly inspired by headlines. It’s revolutionary two-part format allows each episode to toe the line between police investigation and courtroom drama. Law & Order is known for its realistic portrayal of legal proceedings, melodic theme song, instantly recognizable audio transition, and satisfying quick pace where most investigations are closed within a single episode.

Law & Order’s success has led to a number of franchises, including Special Victims Unit, Criminal Intent, and Organized Crime. The most popular franchise, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (known as SVU), holds the U.S. record for the longest-running primetime series of its kind. SVU has been on air for 26 years, boasting 27 uninterrupted seasons – and has been renewed for a 28th season. SVU star, Mariska Hargitay, has led in her role as Olivia Benson in all 27 seasons, and holds major acting awards for the role, including Emmys and a 2005 Golden Globe.

One of the most popular television series of all time, Law & Order has been nominated for numerous prestigious awards throughout the years, including Emmys and Screen Actors Guild Awards. The cultural impact of Law & Order is undeniable.

Law & Order’s combination of real-life circumstances and audience wish fulfillment has helped the show transform the American TV crime drama space. In the Law & Order television universe, the police and prosecutors are the heroes – dedicated to justice and fixing a broken legal system. Law & Order viewers are drawn to the opportunity to see society in a way that is not always possible in today’s time.