Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)

About Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," is an American crime-drama television series that first aired in 1999. The show focuses on the detectives in the Special Victims Unit of the 16th Precinct of the New York City Police Department as they investigate sexually based offenses such as sexual assault, rape, and child abuse. The series takes viewers through the investigation, arrest, and legal proceedings, showing the personal effects such crimes have on the detectives and the victims.

Making / Production

The series was created by Dick Wolf and is part of the Law & Order franchise. Over 20+ seasons and 400+ episodes, the series has been lauded for addressing important social issues and providing a platform for victims' stories. It is filmed on location in New York City, giving the show an authentic, gritty feel.

Actors

• Mariska Hargitay portrays Detective Olivia Benson. As the commanding officer of the SVU, she brings a deep compassion and dedication to her role, often drawing from her character's past as the child of a rape victim.
• Ice-T plays Detective Odafin Tutuola, whose street-smarts and unique perspective add a crucial dynamic to the team.
• Richard Belzer stars as the sarcastic and sharp-witted Detective John Munch, a character that was brought over from Homicide: Life on the Street.
• Christopher Meloni played Detective Elliot Stabler until season 12, a complex character with strong beliefs and a volatile temperament.

Trivia / Interesting Facts

• The show's famous opening narration "In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous..." is voiced by actor Steve Zirnkilton.
• Many storylines are "ripped from the headlines," meaning they are based on real-life cases and events.
• Actress Mariska Hargitay underwent actual police and self-defense training to prepare for her role as Detective Olivia Benson.

Awards

Over its long run, Law & Order: SVU has won numerous awards including a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Drama (Mariska Hargitay, 2005), several Primetime Emmy Awards, and a People's Choice Award for Favorite TV Crime Drama in 2015.

Quotes

• "You have the right to an attorney." - Various Characters
• "Every child is entitled to feel safe." - Olivia Benson
• "Maybe there is no fixing this. Maybe there is only moving on." - Elliot Stabler

Music, Soundtrack

• The iconic theme song was composed by Mike Post, and has become synonymous with the show.
• Throughout the series, the music is primarily instrumental, reflecting the serious subject matter.