Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

"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.

Season 13 brought major changes to the squad. Det. Stabler left and was replaced by two new detectives, and Dr. Huang also departed. Det. Nick Amaro brings empathy to his cases while dealing with a stressful home life. Det. Amanda Rollins' dogged persistence and instincts help her close cases, but her secret could derail her career. A varied DA roster introduced Bureau Chief Michael Cutter and brought back ADA Casey Novak with continued support from ADA Alexandra Cabot to bring closure to the intense investigations.

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 May 2009 – Tuesdays at 10:00 p.m.
September 2009 to March 2010 – Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.
March 2010 to May 2010 – Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m.
September 2010 to December 2010 – Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.
January 2011 to May 2012 – Wednesdays at 10:00 p.m.
September 2012 to present – Wednesdays at 9:00 p.m.