TV.com Sign-in

Become a Member Forgot Password?

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
"In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories."

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 proved itself as a hit in its own right. In the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 seasons, the series broke into the Top 20. Mariska Hargitay 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. 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 2000 to May 2003 – Fridays at 10:00 p.m.
September 2003 to present – Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m.
"In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories."

This hard-hitting and emotional companion series from NBC's Law & Order franchise...

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

add a review

USER REVIEWS

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

    Entertaining show. ...Continue »

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

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

    | report abuse
  • 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 »

    | report abuse
  • 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 »

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

    its great ...Continue »

    | report abuse
Show Score 9.0 superb
  • Show Statistics
  • 280 of 17,995 Rating Rank
  • 349 Reviews
  • 9,228 Tracked by
  • 7,511 Votes

top contributors

advertisement