| Law & Order | |
|
| |
| Alternate Title(s) | L&O Law & Order: Mothership |
| Format | Crime Drama Police procedural |
| Picture Format | 480i (SDTV) 1080i (HDTV) |
| Running Time | 40–45 minutes |
| Created by | Dick Wolf |
| Starring | See below |
| Narrated By | Steven Zirnkilton |
| Opening Theme | by Mike Post |
| Country of origin | United States |
| Language | English |
| Original channel | NBC Peacock (streaming) |
| Original run | 13 September 1990 |
| Finale | |
| No. of seasons | 24 (As of present) |
| No. of episodes | 511 (As of present) |
| List of episodes | Law & Order episodes |
| IMDB profile | Law & Order |
| TV.com summary | Law & Order |
| related shows | Law & Order franchise |
- "In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate, yet equally important, groups: the police, who investigate crime; and the district attorneys, who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories."
Law & Order is a television series that originally aired on NBC, premiering on September 13, 1990. Filmed on location in New York, the drama showcases the sometimes-complex process of determining guilt or innocence, while lives hang in the balance. To distinguish the series from other shows of the franchise, as well as the franchise of the same name, the series is sometimes informally referred to as the Mothership.
The show follows a crime, often loosely based on real crimes that have received media attention or as the series calls it Ripped from the headlines, the plots highlight legal, ethical or personal dilemmas to which people can relate. Shown from two separate vantage points, thus usually splitting episodes into two halves. The first half ("Law"), followed two New York City Police Department Homicide Unit detectives investigating a crime. This crime was not always a homicide or attempted homicide, especially in the first nine seasons of the show, and before Law & Order: Special Victims Unit premiered sometimes the crime would involved a Rape or kidnapping. The second half of the show ("Order") focused on the Manhattan District Attorney's Office trying to convict the suspect in court.
On May 14, 2010, NBC announced that it cancelled Law & Order and would finish airing after Season 20, which finished on 24 May 2010. As of February 2015, rumors have started stating NBC has talked about bringing back Law & Order for ten episodes. On September 28, 2021, NBC officially agreed to revive the show for Season 21.[1] It premiered on February 24, 2022 and concluded on May 19, 2022.
On March 21, 2024, the series was renewed for a twenty-fourth season, which premiered on October 3, 2024.
As of January 23, 2025, the series has aired 511 episodes.
The first twenty seasons can be streamed on Hulu in the United States, while seasons 13 to 20 and the current season can be streamed on Peacock. In Australia, seasons 21-23 can be streamed on Foxtel's on demand service as well as Binge while season 6 can be streamed for free with ads on 7Plus.
Production[]
History and Development[]
In 1988, Dick Wolf developed a concept for a new television series that would depict a relatively optimistic picture of the American criminal justice system. He initially toyed with the idea of calling it Night & Day, but then, he hit upon the title Law & Order. The first half of each episode would follow two detectives (a senior and a junior detective) and their commanding officer as they investigate a violent crime. The second half of the episode would follow the District Attorney's Office and the courts as two prosecutors, with advice from the District Attorney himself, attempt to convict the accused. Through this, Law & Order would be able to investigate some of the larger issues of the day by focusing on stories that were based on real cases making headlines.
Wolf took the idea to then-president of Universal Television Kerry McCluggage, who pointed out the similarity to a 1963 series titled Arrest and Trial, which lasted one season. The two watched the pilot of that series, in which a police officer (Ben Gazzara) arrested a man for armed robbery in the first half, and the defense attorney, played by Chuck Connors gets the perpetrator off as the wrong guy in the second half; this was the formula of the show every week. Wolf decided that, while his detectives would occasionally also be fallible, he wanted a fresh approach to the genre, to go from police procedural to prosecution with a greater degree of realism. In addition, the prosecution would be the hero, a reversal of the usual formula in lawyer dramas.
Initially, Fox ordered thirteen episodes based on the concept alone, with no pilot. Then-network head Barry Diller reversed the decision. Although he loved the idea, he didn't believe it was a "Fox show". Wolf then went to CBS, which ordered a pilot, "Everybody's Favorite Bagman", written by Wolf about corrupt city officials involved with the mob. The network liked the pilot but did not order it because there were no breakout stars. In the summer of 1989, NBC's top executives, Brandon Tartikoff and Warren Littlefield, screened the pilot and liked it; but they were concerned the intensity of the series could not be repeated week after week. However, by 1990, NBC executives had enough confidence that the innovative show could appeal to a wide audience so they ordered the series for a full season.
Filming[]
The series was shot on location in New York City and is known for its extensive use of local color. In later seasons, New York City mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg, attorney William Kunstler and Bronx Congressman José Serrano all appeared on the show as themselves. Local personalities also had recurring cameos as fictional characters, such as Donna Hanover and Fran Lebowitz as judges. On September 14, 2004, in New York City, a road leading to Pier 62 at Chelsea Piers (where the series was mostly shot) was renamed "Law & Order Way" in tribute to the series.
Cast[]
Current Cast[]
| Image | Actor | Character | In Show/ Number of episodes |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Reid Scott | New York City Police Department (NYPD) 27th Precinct Manhattan North Homicide Squad Senior Police Detective Vincent Riley | Seasons 23-present (23) |
|
Mehcad Brooks | New York City Police Department (NYPD) 27th Precinct Manhattan North Homicide Squad Junior Police Detective Jalen Shaw | Seasons 22-present (45) |
|
Maura Tierney | New York City Police Department (NYPD) 27th Precinct Manhattan North Homicide Squad Police Lieutenant Jessica Brady | Season 24-present (10) |
|
Hugh Dancy | New York City, Manhattan District Attorney (DA)'s Office, Executive Assistant District Attorney (EADA) Nolan Price | Seasons 21-present (55) |
|
Odelya Halevi | New York City, Manhattan District Attorney (DA)'s Office, Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Samantha Maroun |
Seasons 21-present (55) |
|
Tony Goldwyn | New York City, Manhattan District Attorney (DA)'s Office Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Nicholas Baxter |
Seasons 23-present (17) |
Former Cast[]
Police Characters[]
The following characters are the police who investigate crime:
District Attorney Characters[]
The following characters are the District Attorneys who prosecute the offenders:
Other Main Characters[]
| Image | Actor | Character | In show |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Roy Thinnes | New York City, Manhattan District Attorney (DA)'s Office, Manhattan District Attorney (DA) Alfred Wentworth | Season 1 |
|
Carolyn McCormick | New York City Police Department (NYPD) / New York City, Manhattan District Attorney (DA)'s Office, Psychologist / Psychiatrist Doctor Elizabeth "Liz" Olivet | Seasons 3 & 4 (Recurring throughout the rest of the series) |
Note: DA Wentworth appeared only in the original pilot, "Everybody's Favorite Bagman".
Recurring Guest Stars[]
- For a list of recurring characters, see L&O recurring characters.
Format[]
Law & Order episodes are typically divided into two distinct parts, marked by a transition at the halfway point. The first part focuses on police and detective work, while the second part delves into the legal and courtroom proceedings of the case. The show gives minimal attention to the characters' backstories or personal lives, maintaining a primary focus on their involvement in the cases presented in each episode.
The Police Portion (Law)[]
For most of Law & Order's run, episodes open with the discovery of a crime, usually a murder. These openings often depict a slice of everyday life in New York City, interrupted by civilians stumbling upon the crime or, occasionally, witnessing the crime in progress. In the early seasons, particularly Seasons 1 and 2, the crime was more commonly discovered by uniformed officers on patrol. In later seasons, the cold open was sometimes replaced with rapid cuts of the victim's final moments, similar to Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
The police are represented by the New York City Police Department's 27th Precinct Homicide Unit. While the show primarily focuses on homicide cases, it also occasionally covers other crimes, such as kidnappings or rapes—particularly in the first nine seasons, before the debut of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In real life, these cases would typically fall under the jurisdiction of specialized units.
Viewers are introduced to two homicide detectives: a senior detective (usually a seasoned officer) and a junior detective (often younger but highly capable). These detectives report to their precinct commander, either a lieutenant or captain. Upon arriving at the crime scene, they are briefed by the first responding officer or a Crime Scene Unit (CSU) forensic technician. During their initial examination of the scene, the detectives begin to form theories and often exchange witty remarks before the opening credits roll.
Investigations usually begin with few or no strong leads. Detectives must often identify the victim and follow several dead ends before locating a viable suspect. Their work involves interviewing witnesses, collecting evidence with the help of CSU technicians, and coordinating with the Medical Examiner's (ME) office. CSU technicians utilize tools to gather fingerprints, cast impressions, trace bullet trajectories, and uncover blood evidence using special chemicals and lighting. They are also trained to process hazardous environments, such as those involving nuclear, biological, or chemical threats.
The ME collects the body from the scene and determines the cause and manner of death through an autopsy. The detectives use this information to learn about the victim's identity, time of death, and possible leads. Once the victim is identified, detectives notify their next of kin and gather details about the victim's life, relationships, and potential enemies.
Detectives continue their work by interviewing witnesses and suspects, tracing the victim’s last movements, and sometimes using technology like CCTV, GPS, or cell phone tracking via the Technical Assistance Response Unit (TARU). They may also consult with other NYPD units or criminal informants for additional leads.
Evidence is submitted to the crime lab for analysis, such as fingerprints, DNA, and ballistics. Background checks on victims and suspects provide further context. Occasionally, psychologists or psychiatrists are consulted to offer insights into criminal behavior. Throughout the investigation, detectives keep their commanding officer updated and seek advice on the best course of action.
Once the detectives have a solid case, they present it to their commanding officer, who decides whether to proceed with search or arrest warrants, sometimes in consultation with the District Attorney’s (DA) office. Arrests are followed by Miranda warnings and, occasionally, dramatic foot chases. Suspects are then interrogated until they confess, request a lawyer, or are advised to remain silent by their defense attorney.
The Trial Portion (Order)[]
The legal portion of the show centers on the New York County, Manhattan, District Attorney's office, represented by an Executive Assistant District Attorney (EADA) and an Assistant District Attorney (ADA). Unlike many legal dramas, Law & Order presents courtroom proceedings from the prosecution's perspective, as they work to prove the defendant’s guilt. The prosecutors often consult their boss, the elected District Attorney (DA), who may weigh political considerations when deciding how to proceed.
The ADA typically appears during the arraignment, where defendants enter their plea (usually "not guilty"), and the judge sets bail or remands the defendant to custody. Occasionally, the ADA is involved earlier in the police investigation, arranging plea deals or advising on warrants.
In some episodes, a grand jury is convened to determine whether criminal charges should be filed. The grand jury may subpoena evidence or witnesses, functioning separately from the courts.
Plea negotiations are a recurring theme, with the prosecution presenting evidence to the defense and discussing possible deals. These meetings often end with the defense opting to go to trial, though new developments may prompt further negotiations.
The prosecutors prepare for trial by conducting legal research, organizing evidence, and coordinating witness testimony. In some cases, they work with the police on additional investigations, though such tasks would typically fall to the DA’s investigative unit in real life.
Court proceedings often feature pretrial motions, such as those to suppress evidence, with judges ruling on their admissibility. Trials begin with opening statements from both sides, followed by witness testimony, cross-examinations, and legal objections. Key witnesses include crime scene technicians, medical examiners, and psychological experts, especially if an insanity defense is invoked.
Some episodes explore moral and ethical debates, such as euthanasia, abortion, gun control, and capital punishment. Defense strategies can range from diminished responsibility to temporary insanity, often involving creative or controversial arguments.
Closing arguments precede the jury’s deliberation and verdict. Guilty defendants are typically handcuffed and led away, while not guilty verdicts see defendants reuniting with their families. The reactions of victims’ families and prosecutors are also shown, highlighting the emotional weight of the cases.
Episodes often conclude with the prosecutors reflecting on the outcome, the moral dilemmas presented, or unresolved questions about guilt. Occasionally, the final verdict or plea outcome is left ambiguous, allowing viewers to draw their own conclusions.
Episodes[]
For a list of episodes, see Law & Order episodes.
Broadcast History[]
The show premiered September 13, 1990, and ended its first consecutive run on May 24, 2010. A total of 456 episodes were aired and produced. The show ran for twenty seasons on NBC. It was NBC's longest running crime drama, and tied for longest running prime-time scripted drama with Gunsmoke. The first two seasons were broadcast Tuesdays at 10 pm. From season 3 through 16 the show aired Wednesday at 10 pm. For season 17, it moved to Fridays at 10 pm. For seasons 18 and 19, the show shifted back to Wednesdays at 10 pm. For season 20 the show was broadcast Fridays at 8 pm, while in the spring it moved to Mondays at 10 pm, where it broadcast what was then its series finale on May 24, 2010. However, Law and Order was later revived for a 21st season in 2021. Like its spinoff Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, the show will air more seasons than previous live action television record holder Gunsmoke when the 21st season debuts.[2][3]
Cancellation and revival[]
On May 14, 2010, NBC announced that it will be cancelled the show, opting instead to pick up Law & Order: LA for a first season, and renewed Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for a twelfth. The cancellation was announced after last-minute talks between NBC and Dick Wolf to extend the series failed to lead to an agreement.
Almost exactly one year later, on May 13, 2011, NBC canceled after one season for Law & Order: LA following a decline in the ratings after the show had been retooled and moved to Monday nights.
On September 28, 2021, NBC announced that a 21st season had been ordered. The new season was announced after plans for a new Law & Order spin-off, Law & Order: For the Defense, had fallen through during the summer. On November 1, 2021, it was announced that Jeffrey Donovan was cast as a series regular for the 21st season, while Sam Waterston and Anthony Anderson were in talks to return. On November 12, 2021, it was announced that the 21st season will premiere on February 24, 2022.
On November 23, 2021, it was announced that Hugh Dancy would join the cast for the 21st season, and it was confirmed that Anthony Anderson would reprise his role as Detective Kevin Bernard.
Awards and Honors[]
Law & Order has been nominated for numerous awards in the television industry over the span of its run. Among its wins are the 1997 Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series, Screen Actors Guild Awards for Outstanding Male Actor in a Drama Series for Sam Waterston in 1999 and Jerry Orbach in 2005 (awarded after his death), and numerous Edgar Awards for Best Episode in a Television Series Teleplay.
In 2002, Law & Order was ranked No. 24 on TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time. The show also placed No. 27 on Entertainment Weekly's "New TV Classics" list.
In 2013, TV Guide ranked Law & Order #14 on their list of the 60 Greatest Shows of All Time.
DVD Releases[]
| DVD Name | Ep # | Release Date |
|---|---|---|
| The 1st Year | 22 | October 15, 2002 / June 4, 2013 |
| The 2nd Year | 22 | May 4, 2003 / June 3, 2004 |
| The 3rd Year | 22 | May 24, 2004 / June 3, 2014 |
| The 4th Year | 22 | December 5, 2005 / June 3, 2014 |
| The 5th Year | 23 | April 3, 2007 / June 3, 2014 |
| The 6th Year | 23 | December 2, 2008 / May 26, 2008 |
| The 7th Year | 23 | January 19, 2010 / May 26, 2015 |
| The 8th Year | 24 | December 7, 2010 / May 26, 2015 |
| The 9th Year | 22 | December 6, 2011 |
| The 10th Year | 23 | February 28, 2012 |
| The 11th Year | 23 | November 6, 2012 |
| The 12th Year | 24 | February 25, 2013 |
| The 13th Year | 23 | November 5, 2013 |
| The 14th Year | 24 | September 14, 2004 / February 25, 2014 |
| The 15th Year | 23 | November 4, 2014 |
| The 16th Year | 22 | |
| The 17th Year | 22 | |
| The 18th Year | 17 | May 5, 2015 |
| The 19th Year | 22 | |
| The 20th Year | 20 |
Footnotes[]
- ↑ Law & Order' Revived for Season 21
- ↑ Associated Press. "NBC will bring back original 'Law & Order' for 21st season", ABC News, September 28, 2021.
- ↑ Lash, Jolie. "The original Law & Order is coming back for season 21", Entertainment Weekly, September 28, 2021.
External Links[]
- Law & Order at NBC
- Law & Order at Wikipedia