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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: Summary

SUMMARY

  • Airs Next:NBC at Tuesday 10:00 PM (60 min.)
  • Status:Returning Series
  • Premiered:September 20, 1999
  • Show Categories:Drama, Action/Adventure
This hard-hitting and emotional companion series from NBC's Law & Order franchise chronicles the life and crimes of the elite Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf. SVU celebrated its 200th episode in April 2008.

Although Law & Order: Special Victims Unit carries the brand name Law & Order, the newer program has established a strong unique identity and has proven itself as a hit in its own right. In the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 seasons, the series broke into the Top 20. Mariska Hargitray has won a Golden Globe and Emmy each for her portrayal of Det. Olivia Benson. It also garnered Emmy wins for guest-stars Amanda Plummer, Leslie Caron, and Cynthia Nixon. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit achieved the highest adult 18-49 ratings average for any Friday series on any network for each of the first four seasons. In fact, the past three seasons, SVU has been NBC's highest-rated drama. Additionally, the series' popularity was recognized with the People's Choice Awards, Image Awards, Satellite Awards, and the TV Guide Awards with nominations for Favorite New Series.

The drama follows Det. Elliot Stabler, a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Olivia Benson, whose difficult past is the reason she joined the unit. Overseeing the team is Capt. Donald Cragen. Cragen's tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases guides the squad through the challenges they face every day. Also featured is Det. John Munch, a transfer from Baltimore's homicide unit, who brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills. Munch is partnered with Det. Odafin Tutuola, whose unique sense of humor and investigative experience make him a formidable match for Munch. Assistant District Attorney Kim Greylek adds a legal component to the series through her efforts to bring closure to the intense investigations. Also aiding the detectives is forensic psychiatrist Dr. George Huang, whose insight into the minds of the accused often provides significant clues that lead to the resolution of a case, and M.E. Melinda Warner, who helps the detectives get the evidence they need from the bodies they find.

NBC Broadcast History:
September 1999 to November 1999 -- Mondays at 9:00 p.m.
January 20000 to May 2003 -- Fridays at 10:00 p.m.
September 2003 to present -- Tuesdays 10:00 p.m.

Nielsen Ratings History
1999-2000 season #30
2000-2001 season #25
2001-2002 season #14
2002-2003 season #16
2003-2004 season #21
2004-2005 season #23
2005-2006 season #23
2006-2007 season #30
2007-2008 season #30
This hard-hitting and emotional companion series from NBC's Law & Order franchise chronicles the life and crimes of the elite Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf. SVU celebrated its 200th episode in April 2008.

Although Law & Order: Special Victims Unit carries the...

Lead

Airs: Tuesday March 10, 2009

A pediatrician convicted of molesting his patients is found murdered after threatening a countersuit against his medical practice and the police department, and while investigating his claims along with motives for his killing Stabler and Benson run into former ADA Cabot who has her own reason for involving herself in the case.

Between Takes (Interview)

Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni sit down with us to discuss the past and present seasons of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

NEWS

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USER REVIEWS

  • cactusjack39's avatarmember since: Nov 1, 2008
    The Bottom Line: "A decent show"

    Entertaining show. ...Continue »

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  • JoshStGT's avatarmember since: Feb 3, 2009
    The Bottom Line: "Personal favorite"

    Great cops vs. scumbags show. ...Continue »

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  • conquistador154's avatarmember since: Dec 28, 2008
    The Bottom Line: "A decent show"

    This is a review of the Series in general and not any particular episode. ...Continue »

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  • 10
    sexychica2009's avatarmember since: Dec 19, 2008
    The Bottom Line: "Absolutely fabulous"

    this is the perfect show that u could watch the rap is a very bad crime that is a bad thing that happends in the real world and in this show i am touched by this show i think every one should watch this show if u watch it u would like it i promise u that ...Continue »

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  • 7.5
    ellena93's avatarmember since: Dec 11, 2008
    The Bottom Line: "A decent show"

    its great ...Continue »

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Show Score 9.0 superb
  • Show Statistics
  • 280 of 17,990 Rating Rank
  • 349 Reviews
  • 9,207 Tracked by
  • 7,490 Votes

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