Special Victims Unit provides viewers a glimpse into the lives of SVU detectives, their jobs and the effect on their personal lives, or lack of. The show is relatively true to the real detectives that investigate these crimes as the actors have spent time with their real world counterparts. The incredible actors, most notably Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni have an uncanny chemistry that makes the show, throw in some Richard Belzer wit and you have the perfect night in!

Now if only New Zealand would catch up to the rest of the world with Special Victims Unit, I wouldn't feel quite so left behind!

She is so much more than an actress and gives so much to others. I respect Mariska for her achievements such as founding the Joyful Heart Foundation. She is a breathe of fresh air in a world which appears so artificial, she is making a difference to many lives. I first saw Mariska in SVU and have since backtracked to watch all her other screen appearances, and acting just keeps getting better and better. As Olivia she has grown the character into a woman that many look up to and wish they could be more like. Mariska is an essential cog in the wheel that is SVU!