Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
When it comes to long running television shows, no live-action series has been on the air for more years than Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The crime drama, affectionately known by fans solely as "SVU," was created by Dick Wolf in 1999 as the second series in his successful Law & Order franchise.
While the original Law & Order aired 456 episodes, SVU surpassed that count in its 20th season. The procedural stars Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson, the commanding officer of the fictionalized NYPD's Special Victims Unit. Christopher Meloni, who played Detective Elliot Stabler, starred as the other lead until his departure in Season 12.
The main squad now consists of Olivia Benson, Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), Odafin Tutuola (Ice-T), newcomer Kat Azar Tamin (Jamie Gray Hyder), and former detective turned ADA, Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino).
How long has SVU been on the air?
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been on the air since 1999, but the squad looked quite different back then. In addition to Stabler and Benson's inimitable duo, there was also Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer), his first partner, Detective Monique Jeffries, and Captain Don Cragen (Dann Florek), who reprised his role from the original Law & Order, which aired from 1990 to 2010.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit main cast:
- Christopher Meloni (Elliot Stabler) — Season 1-12
- Mariska Hargitay (Olivia Benson) — Season 1-
- Richard Belzer (John Munch) — Season 1-15
- Dann Florek (Donald Cragen) — Season 1-15
- Michelle Hurd (Monique Jeffries) — Season 1-2
- Stephanie March (Alexandra Cabot) — Season 2-5, 11
- Ice-T (Odafin "Fin" Tutuola) — Season 2-
- BD Wong (George Huang) — Season 4-12
- Diane Neal (Casey Novak) — Season 5-9
- Tamara Tunie (Melinda Warner) — Season 7-12
- Adam Beach (Chester Lake) — Season 9
- Michaela McManus (Kim Greylek) — Season 10
- Danny Pino (Nick Amaro) — Season 13-16
- Kelli Giddish (Amanda Rollins) — Season 13-
- Raúl Esparza (Rafael Barba) — Season 15-19
- Peter Scanavino (Dominick Carisi Jr.) — Season 16-
- Philip Winchester (Peter Stone) — Season 19-20
- Jamie Gray Hyder (Katriona "Kat" Azar Tamin) — Season 21-
In addition to the show-stopping regular cast of Law & Order: SVU, the series has also had many notable guest performances. In fact, the crime drama has launched many emerging stars' careers, and has also featured some of the most legendary talents in the industry.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit theme song
Its classic opening lines, signature "dun dun" sound and unmistakable theme song have cemented Law & Order: SVU into popular culture, and given rise to many covers, memes and parodies.
Mike Post is the multi-Grammy and Emmy composer behind this emblematic theme song and sound, and he still earns royalties every time the "dun dun" effect airs on TV.
Are Law & Order: Special Victims Unit cases real?
Like the original Law & Order, SVU episodes are often loosely based on real-life crimes that have received media attention. However, these "ripped from the headlines" stories typically provide only a loose outline for SVU writers, and many details are fabricated for the show. By the end of each episode, a few key points are the only elements that connect the crime drama to its real-world inspiration.
Over the past 23 season, SVU has included storylines that resemble a number of real-life cases such as the Golden State Killer, Jeffrey Epstein, Gypsy Rose Blanchard, Casey Anthony, and the NXIVM cult, just to name a few.
Latest Law & Order: Special Victims Unit News and Updates
TelevisionDetective Frank Cosgrove Was Unexpectedly Written Off 'Law & Order' — Details
Jeffrey Donovan's Detective Frank Cosgrove did not return to 'Law & Order' in Season 23. Per 'TV Line', Donovan was let go for creative reasons. TelevisionWhy Did Molly Burnett Leave 'SVU' After Just One Season?
Fans immediately fell in love with Detective Gracy Muncy, played by Molly Burnett, on 'Law & Order: SVU.' Then, the character was gone. What happened? TelevisionAccording to Rumors, Kelli Giddish Is Back on 'Law & Order' — Is She?
Kelli Giddish left 'SVU,' but there are rumors that she is already set to return to both 'SVU' and 'Law & Order.' Is she? Let's find out! TelevisionIs ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Star Kelli Giddish Married?
Is Kelli Giddish married? Learn about the ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ star’s personal life — and see which family member appeared on the show. EntertainmentIs Kelli Giddish Pregnant? 'SVU' Fans Are Wondering
Is Kelli Giddish pregnant in real life? Her character Amanda Rollins on 'Law & Order: SVU' returned in Season 24 with a bun in the oven. TelevisionFrank Cosgrove's Daughter Lily Stole the Show on 'Law & Order' in the Three-Way Crossover Event
Who plays Detective Frank Cosgrove's daughter on 'Law & Order'? Alayna Hester made her debut on the series in the three-way crossover premiere. TelevisionADA Sam Maroun’s Sister Suffered a Tragic Fate on ‘Law & Order’
Taking on a horrifying murder case hit close to home for Assistant District Attorney Sam Maroun on 'Law & Order.' What happened to her sister? Human InterestAn Investigation Discovery True Crime Subject Was in an Episode of 'Law & Order'
Who was Alexandra Ducsay in ‘Law & Order’? The case of the late actor’s murder has been profiled in Investigation Discovery’s ‘A Time to Kill.’ EntertainmentIs Velasco Leaving 'SVU'? Fans Fear the Worst for Octavio Pisano’s Character
Is Octavio Pisano leaving 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'? Joe Velasco is in hot water and is now absent while "taking a few days off." TelevisionActress Eden Malyn Makes Her Return to 'Law & Order: SVU' (As a New Character)
Eden Malyn appears as Zoe Greene on 'Law and Order: SVU.' While she may be new to this particular show, she's not new to TV. Let's meet her and see what else she's done! TelevisionMehcad Brooks's Future on 'Law & Order' Hangs in the Balance After a Controversial Event
Is Mehcad Brooks leaving ‘Law & Order’? After an altercation with some other cops, Jalen Shaw is at risk of being fired from the NYPD. TelevisionIs an Ice-T 'Law & Order' Spinoff Coming? Rumors Keep Circulating
With rumors circulating that Ice-T may be leaving 'Law & Order," fans are wondering if Ice-T is getting his own spinoff. We break it down for you. EntertainmentRichard Belzer and His Wife Harlee Lived in France After a TV Stunt Gone Wrong
Richard Belzer was married three times. The reason he and his wife Harlee lived in France has to do with a TV stunt gone wrong. Here's what we know. Television'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' Actor Richard Belzer Has Died at Age 78 — What Was His Cause of Death?
Actor, comedian, and 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' star Richard Belzer has died at the age of 78. TelevisionFans Worry That Ice-T's Fin Tutuola Might Actually Be Leaving 'SVU' This Time
Is Ice-T's Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola leaving the 'Special Victims Unit' squad? Fans are concerned after a 'Law & Order: SVU' Season 24 episode. TelevisionBronx NYPD Captain Duarte Made Quite the Impression in 'Law & Order: SVU'
Who is Duarte in ‘Law & Order: SVU’? The officer, portrayed by Maurice Compte, plays a significant part in the series’ 24th season. TelevisionOlivia Benson and Elliot Stabler Could Actually Be Endgame on 'SVU'
What happened between Olivia and Elliot on 'Law & Order: SVU'? Now that Elliot's back, everyone wants the former partners to finally get together. TelevisionThe ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Controversy Surrounding Showrunner David Graziano, Explained
In December, some serious allegations came out against SVU’s new showrunner David Graziano. Here’s what we know so far about the controversy. TelevisionWho Is New Detective Terry Bruno on 'SVU'? Fans Have Seen Actor Kevin Kane Before
Kevin Kane has been cast as Detective Terry Bruno on 'SVU.' Who is he and where have you seen him before? Hint: This isn't his first time on the show. TelevisionWe Can't Imagine 'Law & Order: SVU' Without Kelli Giddish — Why Is She Leaving the Show?
After 12 seasons playing Detective Amanda Rollins, actor Kelli Giddish is ready to call it quits. Why is she leaving 'Law & Order: SVU'? TelevisionFollowing Rollins's Departure, Fans Are Concerned That Carisi Is Leaving 'SVU'
Kelli Giddish's Amanda Rollins left 'Law & Order: SVU' after 12 seasons, and many are wondering if Peter Scanavino's Carisi is also exiting. TelevisionAmanda Rollins' Fate on 'Law & Order: SVU' Is Sealed After an Emotional Episode
What happened to Amanda Rollins on 'Law & Order: SVU'? Kelli Giddish announced her departure and now her character is seemingly in danger. TelevisionADA Samantha Maroun Messed up Big-Time on 'Law & Order' — Is Odelya Halevi Leaving the Show?
Our favorite assistant district attorney has suffered a misstep in an upcoming episode of 'Law & Order'. Is Odelya Halevi leaving the show? TelevisionWhy Is 'Law & Order' Not on Tonight? New Episodes Resume Soon
Some fans are curious why new 'Law & Order' episodes aren't airing tonight, Oct. 20, 2022. Don't worry! Here's what we know. TelevisionAmanda Rollins Is Struggling With PTSD in Her Final Season of 'Law & Order: SVU'
Why is Amanda Rollins (played by Kelli Giddish) in therapy in Season 24 of 'Law & Order: SVU'? It could be part of the reason that the character is leaving. TelevisionDetective Grace Muncy Is a New Addition to the 'Law & Order: SVU' Family
Molly Burnett is joining the cast of 'SVU' for its 24th season. Who is Detective Grace Muncy, the character she'll be playing on the show? TelevisionIn a 'Law & Order' Mega Crossover Event, We Finally Got to See Jalen Shaw in Action
In a huge crossover event featuring all three 'Law & Order' shows, we were introduced to Detective Jalen Shaw. Who plays Shaw and what can we expect on the show? TelevisionDun Dun! The 2022 'Law & Order' Crossover Event Has Arrived! Where Can You Stream It?
For the first time in history, all three 'Law & Order' series will be working on one case together in a crossover event. When is it and how can you watch it? TelevisionThis Longtime Fan-Favorite Has Confirmed His Exit From NBC's 'Law & Order' Reboot
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Why did showrunner Warren Leight leave 'Law & Order: SVU'? Here's everything we know about the showrunner's exit and who's replacing him. TelevisionWhat Happened Between Olivia Benson and Rafael Barba on 'Law and Order: SVU'?
What happened between Olivia and Barba on 'SVU'? The two characters are going through a major rift on 'Law and Order: SVU' right now. TelevisionThis Beloved ADA Might Be Making a Comeback on 'Law & Order: SVU'
Why did ADA Rafael Barba leave 'Law & Order: SVU' after six seasons? His return in Season 23 leads fans to wonder if he's coming back for good. TelevisionMeet the Latest 'Law & Order: SVU' Guest Star — He and Benson Have a Complex Relationship
Burton Lowe is back on ‘Law and Order: SVU’ and fans of the series are racking their brains to figure out who he is. So who is Burton Lowe on ‘SVU’? TelevisionThis Tony-Nominated Actress Plays Det. Nadia Szabo on 'Law & Order: SVU'
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Octavio Pisano joined the cast of 'Law & Order: SVU' in Season 23 as Detective Joe Velasco. Here's everything we know about his character so far. TelevisionWe Can't Imagine a Time Without Some 'Law & Order' — How Long Has It Been on TV?
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Is Deputy Chief Garland returning to 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'? The former 'SVU' actor is expected to reprise his role very soon. TelevisionJason Biggs Might Have an Even "Bigg"-er Role Than Expected on 'Law & Order: SVU'
In Season 23 of ‘Law & Order: SVU,’ Jason Biggs plays a new character who’s appeared in two episodes so far. So who is he in and outside of the series? TelevisionIce-T Shares the Truth About Detective Fin Tutola's Future on 'Law & Order: SVU' (EXCLUSIVE)
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'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' actor Ice-T opened up exclusively to 'Distractify' about how his kids motivate him to live healthier lifestyle. Entertainment'Law & Order: SVU' Actor Ice-T Dishes on Bensler's Years-Long Love Story (EXCLUSIVE)
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In a daring move, 'SVU' had Olivia Benson's son come out to her in a lovely episode of the show. Here's what we know about his powerful reveal.