View source for Law & Order

{{Short description|American television series (1990–2010, 2022–present)}}
{{About|the original television series|other uses|Law and Order (disambiguation){{!}}Law and Order|}}
{{Use American English|date=December 2022}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2012}}
{{Infobox television
| image                = Law & Order (logo).svg
| image_class          = skin-invert
| image_alt            = 
| caption              = The typeface used in the series title card, [[Friz Quadrata]], is used in the identifying sign of [[1 Police Plaza]], headquarters of the [[NYPD]]
| genre                = {{plainlist}}
* [[Police procedural]]
* [[Legal drama]]
* [[Mystery fiction|Mystery]]
{{endplainlist}}
| creator              = [[Dick Wolf]]
| showrunner           = {{plainlist}}
* [[Walon Green]] (1993–1994, 2004–2006)
* [[Michael S. Chernuchin]] (1994–1996, 2002–2004)
* [[René Balcer]] (1996–2000, 2008–2010)
* [[William M. Finkelstein]] (2000–2001)
* [[Arthur Penn]] (2000–2001)
* Barry Schindel (2001–2002)
* [[Nicholas Wootton]] (2006–2007)
* Rick Eid (2022–present)
{{endplainlist}}
| starring             = {{plainlist}}
* [[George Dzundza]]
* [[Chris Noth]]
* [[Dann Florek]]
* [[Michael Moriarty]]
* [[Richard Brooks (actor)|Richard Brooks]]
* [[Steven Hill]]
* [[Paul Sorvino]]
* [[Carolyn McCormick]]
* [[Jerry Orbach]]
* [[Sharon Epatha Merkerson]]
* [[Jill Hennessy]]
* [[Sam Waterston]]
* [[Benjamin Bratt]]
* [[Carey Lowell]]
* [[Angie Harmon]]
* [[Jesse L. Martin]]
* [[Dianne Wiest]]
* [[Elisabeth Röhm]]
* [[Fred Thompson|Fred Dalton Thompson]]
* [[Dennis Farina]]
* [[Annie Parisse]]
* [[Michael Imperioli]]
* [[Milena Govich]]
* [[Alana de la Garza]]
* [[Jeremy Sisto]]
* [[Linus Roache]]
* [[Anthony Anderson]]
* [[Jeffrey Donovan]]
* [[Camryn Manheim]]
* [[Hugh Dancy]]
* [[Odelya Halevi]]
* [[Mehcad Brooks]]
* [[Reid Scott (actor)|Reid Scott]]
* [[Tony Goldwyn]]
* [[Maura Tierney]]
* [[David Ajala]]
{{endplainlist}}
| theme_music_composer = [[Mike Post]]
| opentheme            = "Theme of Law & Order"
| country              = United States
| language             = English
| num_seasons          = 25<!--Only increment as a new season airs, per the documentation of the template!-->
| num_episodes         = 530<!--Only increment as new episodes air, per the documentation of the template!-->
| list_episodes        = List of Law & Order episodes
| executive_producer   = {{plainlist}}
* Dick Wolf
* [[Joseph Stern]] (1990–1993)
* [[Edwin Sherin|Ed Sherin]] (1993–2000)
* [[Peter Jankowski]] (2001–present)
* [[Matthew Penn]] (2003–2007)
* [[Fred Berner]] (2008–2010)
* Arthur W. Forney (2022–present)
{{endplainlist}}
| producer             = {{plainlist}}
* Lorenzo Carcaterra (2003–2004)
* [[Aaron Zelman]] (2003–2004)
* [[Nick Santora]] (2004–2005)
* [[Elle Johnson|Lois Johnson]] (2004–2005)
* Greg Plageman (2005–2006)
* Christopher Ambrose (2008–2010){{endplainlist}}
| camera               = [[Single-camera setup|Single-camera]]
| runtime              = 40–48 minutes
| company              = {{plainlist}}
* [[Wolf Entertainment]]
* [[Universal Television]]{{efn|Credited as Studios USA Television (1998–2002) (seasons 9–12), Universal Network Television (2002–2004) (seasons 13 & 14), NBC Universal Television Studio (2004–2007) (seasons 15–17), and Universal Media Studios (2008–2010) (seasons 18–20).}}
{{endplainlist}}
| budget               = 
| network              = [[NBC]]
| first_aired          = {{Start date|1990|9|13}}
| last_aired           = {{End date|2010|5|24}}
| first_aired2         = {{Start date|2022|2|24}}
| last_aired2          = present
| related              = [[Law & Order (franchise)|''Law & Order'' (franchise)]]
}}

'''''Law & Order''''' is an American [[police procedural]] and [[legal drama]] television series created by [[Dick Wolf]] and produced by [[Wolf Entertainment]] and [[Universal Television]], launching the [[Law & Order (franchise)|''Law & Order'' franchise]].<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-09-20 |title=Law & Order |url=https://wolfentertainment.com/television/current/law-order/ |access-date=2025-01-11 |website=Wolf Entertainment |language=en}}</ref>

''Law & Order'' aired its entire run on NBC, premiering on September 13, 1990, and completing its 20th season on May 24, 2010.<ref name="canceled">{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/15/arts/television/15law.html |title=One 'Law & Order' Gets a Death Sentence, as Another Joins the Force |first1=Brian |last1=Stelter |first2=Bill |last2=Carter |author-link1=Brian Stelter |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 14, 2010|accessdate=May 16, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516232529/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/15/arts/television/15law.html |archive-date=May 16, 2010|url-status=live |df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="NYTimes Cancel">{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/nbc-cancels-law-order/ |title=NBC Cancels 'Law & Order'|first1=Brian|last1=Stelter|first2=Bill|last2=Carter|author-link1=Brian Stelter|work=[[The New York Times]]|date=May 14, 2010|access-date=May 16, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100516235837/http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/05/14/nbc-cancels-law-order/ |archive-date=May 16, 2010|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=https://www.nbcumv.com/mv/#1274052289516 |title=NBC announces pickups for new drama 'LOLA' ('Law & Order: Los Angeles') and returning 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' and 'Law & Order' ends its historic run on NBC May 24 |publisher=[[NBC Universal]] |date=May 14, 2010 |access-date=May 16, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100717005921/http://www.nbcumv.com/mv/ |archive-date=July 17, 2010 }}</ref> On September 28, 2021, after an 11-year hiatus, NBC announced that the series would be revived for a 21st season, which premiered on February 24, 2022. The revival saw the debut of new regular cast members, and the reprise of two roles by series veterans: District Attorney [[Jack McCoy]] ([[Sam Waterston]]), and Detective [[Kevin Bernard]] ([[Anthony Anderson]]).<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/02/24/law-and-order-returns-sam-waterston-jack-mccoy/6929127001/|title='Law & Order' returns: Sam Waterston on what to expect, and losing coveted TV record to 'SVU'|first=Bryan|last=Alexander|publisher= Gannett | location = McLean VA|issn = 0734-7456  |work=   USA Today|date=February 24, 2022|archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20220301193306/https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/tv/2022/02/24/law-and-order-returns-sam-waterston-jack-mccoy/6929127001/ |archive-date= March 1, 2022   |access-date=February 24, 2022}}</ref><ref name="TVLineRevive">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://tvline.com/2021/09/28/law-order-season-21-reboot-nbc-renewal-cast-premiere-date/ |title=Law & Order: NBC Revives Original Flagship Series, Orders Season 21 a Decade After Abrupt Cancellation |last=Ausiello |first=Michael |work=[[TVLine]] |date=September 28, 2021 |accessdate=September 28, 2021 |archive-date=November 1, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101225135/https://tvline.com/2021/09/28/law-order-season-21-reboot-nbc-renewal-cast-premiere-date/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Revival Premiere Date"/> Afterwards, the series was renewed for three additional seasons.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Pedersen |first1=Erik |title=NBC Sets Fall Premiere Dates: New 'Quantum Leap' & 'Lopez Vs. Lopez', Returnof 'Chicago' & 'Law & Order' Shows, More |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/nbc-fall-premiere-dates-2022-quantum-leap-lopez-vs-lopez-1235054298/ |magazine=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |date=June 29, 2022 |access-date=August 1, 2022 |archive-date=June 29, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629195719/https://deadline.com/2022/06/nbc-fall-premiere-dates-2022-quantum-leap-lopez-vs-lopez-1235054298/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Mitovitch | first=Matt Webb   | archive-date=June 29, 2022    | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220629211612/https://tvline.com/2022/06/29/nbc-fall-premiere-dates-la-brea-chicago-pd-fire/  |url=https://tvline.com/2022/06/29/nbc-fall-premiere-dates-la-brea-chicago-pd-fire/|title=NBC Sets Fall Premiere Dates: ''La Brea'', ''#OneChicago'', ''Quantum Leap'' Reboot, ''Law & Order'' Trio, ''The Voice'' and More|work=TVLine | date=June 29, 2022 |accessdate=June 29, 2022}}</ref><ref name="S23Premiere">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/nbc-midseason-premiere-dates-chicago-law-order-night-court-1235630079/|title=NBC Sets Midseason 2024 Premiere Dates|work=Deadline Hollywood|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|date=November 20, 2023|access-date=November 20, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.pennlive.com/tv/2024/10/how-to-watch-the-season-premiere-of-law-order-tonight-10324-with-a-free-live-stream.html|title=How to watch the season premiere of 'Law & Order' tonight (10/3/24) with a FREE live stream|publisher=[[Patriot News|Penn Live]]|date=October 3, 2024|accessdate=October 3, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/law-order-svu-renewed-season-26-nbc-one-chicago-1235948487/|title=Law & Order: SVU' Renewed for Season 26; NBC Also Orders New Seasons of 'One Chicago,' 'Law & Order'|first=Michael|last=Schneider|publisher=Variety|date=March 21, 2024|accessdate=April 3, 2024}}</ref> In May 2025, it was announced the series had been renewed for its [[Law & Order season 25|twenty-fifth season]], which premiered on September 25, 2025.

Set and filmed in [[New York City]], the series follows a two-part approach: the first half hour is the investigation of a crime (usually murder) and apprehension of a suspect by [[New York City Police Department]] homicide detectives, while the second half is the prosecution of the defendant by the [[Manhattan district attorney's office]]. Plots are based on real cases that recently made headlines, although the motivation for the crime and the perpetrator may be much different.

The show started using revolving door casting in season two. The progression of the record for longest serving main cast members of the series is: [[Jerry Orbach]] as Detective [[Lennie Briscoe]], [[S. Epatha Merkerson]] as Lieutenant [[Anita Van Buren]] and Sam Waterston as Executive Assistant District Attorney/District Attorney Jack McCoy.

''Law & Order''{{'s}} 24 seasons are second only to its spin-off ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' (1999–present) for the [[List of longest-running scripted American primetime television series|longest-running live action scripted American primetime series]]. The success of the series has led to the creation of additional shows, making ''Law & Order'' a franchise, including a television film, several video games, and international adaptations of the series. It has won and has been nominated for numerous awards over the years, including a number of [[Primetime Emmy Awards]].

==Production==
===History and development===
In 1988, [[Dick Wolf]] developed a concept for a new television series that was going to depict a relatively optimistic picture of the American criminal justice system. He initially toyed with the idea of calling it ''Night & Day'' but then hit upon the title ''Law & Order''. The first half of each episode was going to follow two homicide detectives (a senior and a junior [[detective]]) and their commanding officer as they were investigating a violent crime.

The second half of the episode was going to follow the district attorney's office and the courts as two prosecutors, with advice from the district attorney, were attempting to convict the accused. ''Law & Order'' was going to be able to investigate some of the larger issues of the day by focusing on stories that were based on real cases making headlines.{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|p=17}}

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 he wanted a fresh approach to the genre. His detectives occasionally were going to be fallible. He wanted to go from police procedural to prosecution with a greater degree of realism. The prosecution was going to be the hero, a reversal of the usual formula in lawyer dramas.{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|pp =17-18}}

[[Fox Broadcasting Company|Fox]] initially ordered 13 episodes based on the concept alone, with no pilot. Then-network head [[Barry Diller]] reversed the decision. He did not believe it was a "Fox show", although he loved the idea. 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.

NBC's top executives, [[Brandon Tartikoff]] and [[Warren Littlefield]], screened the pilot and liked it in the summer of 1989. They were concerned that the intensity of the series was not going to be able to be repeated week after week.{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|pp =17-18}} NBC executives had enough confidence by 1990 that the innovative show may appeal to a wide audience, and they ended up ordering the series for a full season.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pp =21-22}}

===Filming===
The series is shot on location in New York City and is known for its extensive use of [[wikt:local color|local color]].<ref name="APMercury">{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.mercurynews.com/2008/10/31/can-law-order-outlive-gunsmoke/ |title=Can "Law & Order" outlive "Gunsmoke"? |last=Carlson |first=Erin |date=October 31, 2008 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=[[San Jose Mercury News]] | issn = 0747-2099 |
oclc = 145122249 |access-date=February 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120923025125/http://www.mercurynews.com/entertainmentheadlines/ci_10868230 |archive-date=September 23, 2012 }}</ref> The interior sets were located at [[Chelsea Piers]]. For the revived version starting with Season 21, sets were reconstructed in Brooklyn.<ref>{{Cite web |last=BWS |date=2022-02-28 |title=Dick Wolf's "Law & Order" is "Like Time Travel" at Broadway Stages |url=https://www.broadway-stages.com/news/2022/2/28/broadway-stages-thrilled-to-partner-with-dick-wolf-on-the-return-of-law-amp-order |access-date=2025-02-01 |website=Broadway Stages |language=en-US}}</ref> In early episodes courtroom scenes were shot at [[Tweed Courthouse]] before a courtroom set was built.<ref>"Set Tour with Jerry Orbach"</ref> The exterior of the fictional 27th precinct police station was shot outside the New York County Surrogate's on Chambers St, while hospital scenes were filmed at the VA New York Harbour Medical Centre on East 23rd St, and Goldwater Memorial Hospital before its demolition.

In later seasons, New York City mayors [[Rudy Giuliani]] and [[Michael Bloomberg]], attorney [[William Kunstler]] and Bronx Congressman [[José Enrique Serrano|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.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='Law & Order: SVU' Leaves New Jersey Over Nixed Tax Credit; May Move Into Old 'Law & Order' Digs| place=North Bergen NJ |url=https://deadline.com/2010/06/law-order-svu-leaves-new-jersey-over-nixed-tax-credit-may-move-into-lo-set-49433/ |work=Deadline Hollywood|publisher=Mail.com Media Corporation |date=June 25, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141202035613/https://deadline.com/2010/06/law-order-svu-leaves-new-jersey-over-nixed-tax-credit-may-move-into-lo-set-49433/ |archive-date=December 2, 2014}}</ref><ref name="Street">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/091604_commissioner_oliver_presents.shtml |title=Commissioner Oliver Presents "Law & Order Way" |website=NYC.gov |access-date=September 14, 2004 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041024054944/http://www.nyc.gov/html/film/html/news/091604_commissioner_oliver_presents.shtml |archive-date=October 24, 2004 |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

===Music and sound effects===
{{listen
|type = music
|pos = left
|filename = Law And Order theme.ogg
|title = Opening Theme
|description =
|filename2 = The Clang.ogg
|title2 = The ''Law & Order'' "clang" sound
|description2 =
}}

The music for ''Law & Order'' was composed by veteran composer [[Mike Post]] and was deliberately designed to be minimal to match the abbreviated style of the series.<ref name="Courrier and Green 69">Courrier and Green (1999), p.&nbsp;69</ref> Post wrote the theme song using electric piano, guitar, and clarinet. In addition, [[scene (fiction)|scene]] changes were accompanied by a tone generated by Post.  He refers to the tone as "The Clang",<ref name="Entertainment Weekly 1993-02-26">{{Cite magazine |author-link=Lisa Schwarzbaum|url=https://ew.com/article/1993/02/26/law-orders-tune/ |title=''Law & Order''{{'s}} tune |last=Schwarzbaum |first=Lisa |date=February 26, 1993 |magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |access-date=October 24, 2020 |url-status=live|df=mdy-all |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100526005120/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,305720,00.html |archive-date=May 26, 2010 | issn = 1049-0434 | oclc = 21114137 |location = New York City | publisher = Time Inc. }}</ref> while ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]'' critic [[Ken Tucker]] has referred to the sound as the "ominous ''chung CHUNG''",{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|p=69}} actor [[Dann Florek]] (in a promo) as the "doink doink",<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Ryan|first=Maureen|date=January 7, 2008|title=Thunk-thunk! 'Law & Order' is back in a big way|work=[[Chicago Tribune]]|url=http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2008/01/thunk-thunk-law.html|url-status=dead|access-date=May 13, 2012|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120710160011/http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/entertainment_tv/2008/01/thunk-thunk-law.html|archive-date=July 10, 2012|df=mdy-all|quote=It's not "Thunk Thunk." It's "Doink Doink". Ask Dann Florek. He named it on the TNT promos. — comment by 'dr J', January 08, 2008}}</ref> and [[Richard Belzer]] as "the Dick Wolf Cash Register Sound".<ref name="Belzer On the Media">{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97905053 |title=Richard Belzer: 'I Am Not A Cop' |last=Simon |first=Scott |date=December 6, 2008 |work=[[Weekend Edition Saturday]] |author-link=Scott Simon |access-date=October 24, 2020 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081211013327/http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=97905053 |archive-date=December 11, 2008 |publisher=[[NPR]] |location=Washington, D.C.|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

According to writer David Allan, 2021:

"The tone moves the viewer from scene to scene, jumping forward in time with all the importance and immediacy of a judge's gavel – which is exactly what Post was aiming for when he created it. While reminiscent of a jail door slamming..."<ref>{{cite book |last1=Allan |first1=David |title=Super Sonic Logos: The Power of Audio Branding |date=22 July 2021 |publisher=Business Expert Press |isbn=9781637420829}}</ref>

But according to authors Susan Green and Randee Dawn:

"...it is actually an [[wikt:amalgamation|amalgamation]] of 'six or seven' sounds, including the sound made by 500 Japanese men walking across a hardwood floor."<ref name="Entertainment Weekly 1993-02-26" /> The sound has become so associated with the ''Law & Order'' brand that it was also carried over to other series of the franchise."<ref name="Green and Dawn 60">Green and Dawn (2009), p.&nbsp;60</ref>

The British-aired [[Channel 5 (British TV channel)|Channel Five]] versions of seasons 7–16 of ''Law & Order''<ref>{{YouTube|Q5vOprCQ8a4|Law & Order Season 13 opening (Five)}} (February 16, 2007). Retrieved on September 12, 2012.</ref> feature the song "I'm Not Driving Anymore" by [[Rob Dougan]] in the opening credits, while seasons 17–20 used the American theme.

==Casting and characters==
{{main|List of Law & Order characters{{!}}List of ''Law & Order'' characters}}
{{:List of Law & Order characters}}
{{reflist|group=O}}
{{#invoke:multiple image|
| width             = 300
| direction         = vertical
| header            = Cast of ''Law & Order''
| image1            = Law Order Season One cast.jpg
| caption1          = Season 1 (1990–91), ''from left'': [[George Dzundza]], [[Michael Moriarty]], [[Chris Noth]]  and [[Richard Brooks (actor)|Richard Brooks]]
| image2            = Law Order season two cast.jpg
| caption2          = Season 2 (1991–92), ''from left'': [[Paul Sorvino]], Moriarty, Noth and Brooks (This was also initially the cast of season 3, until Sorvino was replaced by [[Jerry Orbach]] mid-way through the season.)
| image3            = Law Order season six cast.jpg
| caption3          = Season 6 (1995–96), ''from left'': [[Benjamin Bratt]], [[Sam Waterston]], [[Jerry Orbach]] and [[Jill Hennessy]] (This was the first cast line-up to not feature any of the originals, with the exception of [[Steven Hill]].)
| image4            = Law Order season seven.jpg
| caption4          = Seasons 7 & 8 (1996–98), ''from left'': Bratt, Orbach, Waterston and [[Carey Lowell]]
| image5            = 
| caption5          = Season 10 (1999–2000), ''from left'': [[Angie Harmon]], Orbach, Waterston and [[Jesse L. Martin]]
| image6            = 
| caption6          = Season 15 (2004), ''from left'': [[Michael Imperioli]], Waterston, [[Dennis Farina]], and [[Annie Parisse]]. (Jesse L. Martin was absent from the last four episodes of the 15th season. He left the show temporarily to work on [[Rent (film)|Rent]]. His character, Detective Ed Green, was shot in the line of duty. For those four episodes, Martin was replaced by Michael Imperioli as Detective Nick Falco.)
| image7            = 
| caption7          = Season 21 (2022), ''from left'': [[Jeffrey Donovan]], [[Camryn Manheim]], [[Anthony Anderson]], Sam Waterston, [[Odelya Halevi]], [[Hugh Dancy]]
}}

===Pilot===
For the 1988 pilot, [[George Dzundza]] and [[Chris Noth]] were cast as the original detectives, Sergeant [[Max Greevey]] and Detective [[Mike Logan (Law & Order)|Mike Logan]].<ref name="Courrier and Green 25">Courrier and Green (1999), p.&nbsp;25</ref> The producers felt that Dzundza would be a perfect senior police officer as he was someone the producers felt they could see themselves riding along with in a police cruiser.{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|pp=110-111}} Noth and [[Michael Madsen]] were candidates for the role of Logan. Madsen initially was considered the perfect choice for the role, but, in a final reading, it was felt that Madsen's acting mannerisms were repetitive, and Noth received the role instead.{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|pp=25-26}} Rounding out the police cast, [[Dann Florek]] was cast as Captain [[Donald Cragen]].{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|p=25}}

On the prosecutor's side, [[Michael Moriarty]] was Dick Wolf's choice to play Executive Assistant District Attorney [[Benjamin Stone (Law & Order character)|Benjamin "Ben" Stone]]. The network, however, preferred [[James Naughton]], but, in the end, Wolf's choice would prevail, and Moriarty received the role.{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|p=25}} As his A.D.A., [[Richard Brooks (actor)|Richard Brooks]] and [[Eriq La Salle]] were being considered for the role of [[Paul Robinette]]. The network favored La Salle but, once again, the producers' choice prevailed, and Brooks received the role.<ref name="Courrier and Green 26">Courrier and Green (1999), pp&nbsp;26</ref> As their boss, [[Roy Thinnes]] was cast as District Attorney Alfred Wentworth.{{sfn| Courrier | Green |1999|p=25}}

===Seasons 1–3===
Nearly two years passed between the pilot and production of the series. The producers held options on Dzundza, Noth, Moriarty and Brooks. Each was paid holding money for the additional year and brought back. Florek also returned. Thinnes, however, was starring in ''[[Dark Shadows (1991 TV series)|Dark Shadows]]'' and declined to return.<ref>Thinnes, though not reprising the Alfred Wentworth character from the 1988 pilot production, appeared in the 1997 episode "[[Law & Order season 7#ep157|Terminal]]" and the 1999 episode "[[Law & Order season 9#ep192|Ramparts]]".</ref> In his place, the producers tapped [[Steven Hill]] to portray District Attorney [[Adam Schiff (Law & Order)|Adam Schiff]],<ref name="Courrier and Green 26" /> a character loosely based on real life [[New York County District Attorney]] [[Robert Morgenthau]]. Hill brought prestige and experience to the show, and as such, the producers allowed Hill to give insight on the direction he thought the character should go.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pp = 131-132}}

===Seasons 4–7===
By the end of season 3, NBC executives still felt the show did not have enough female characters. On the orders of then network president [[Warren Littlefield]], new female characters had to be added to the cast or the show would face possible cancellation on its relegated Friday nighttime slot. Wolf realized that, since there were only six characters on the show, someone had to be dismissed. He chose to dismiss Florek and Brooks from the regular roster, and later said it was the hardest two phone calls he had ever made. Though producers initially claimed the firings (especially that of Brooks who was reported as not getting along with Moriarty) were for other reasons, Wolf confirmed that the firings were on the orders of Littlefield.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages= 33-34}}

To replace Florek, [[S. Epatha Merkerson]] was cast as new squad leader Lieutenant [[Anita Van Buren]]. (Merkerson had previously guest starred as a mother of a gunshot victim in the season 1 episode "Mushrooms".){{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages= 115-117}} To replace Brooks, [[Jill Hennessy]] was cast as Assistant District Attorney [[Claire Kincaid]]. Though no initial explanation was given on the show for the departures of Florek's or Brooks's characters, they would both later return in guest appearances, with Captain Cragen having been reassigned to the Internal Affairs Bureau and A.D.A. Robinette having become a defense attorney. Florek also returned to direct a few episodes, and his character was eventually added to the cast of ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]''.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages= 128-131}}

Meanwhile, Moriarty's behavior both on and off the set became problematic for Wolf. After a public statement in which Moriarty called Attorney General [[Janet Reno]] a "[[psychopath]]ic [[Nazi]]" for her efforts to censor television violence, Moriarty engaged in a verbal confrontation with Reno at a dinner in Washington, D.C. Wolf asked Moriarty to tone down his comments, and Moriarty responded by quitting the show the next week. The final storyline for Ben Stone involves his resignation over guilt after a woman he compelled to testify against a Russian mobster was murdered by his cohorts. To replace Moriarty, [[Sam Waterston]] was Wolf's first choice for the role of Executive Assistant District Attorney [[Jack McCoy|John James "Jack" McCoy Jr.]]; Waterston's character was markedly different from Moriarty's in that Jack McCoy was conceived as more emotionally stable and having more sex appeal.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages= 35-37}}

Wolf dismissed Noth when his contract expired at the end of season 5, because he felt that Lennie Briscoe and Mike Logan had become too similar to each other, and the writers were having difficulty in writing their dialogue together. Furthermore, Noth had been disgruntled with the show since the dismissals of Florek and Brooks, and remained embittered against Wolf, who he felt was not a friend to his actors. The final storyline for Detective Logan involved his banishment to work on [[Staten Island]] in a [[domestic violence]] crimes unit as punishment for punching a city council member who had orchestrated the murder of a gay colleague and had managed to get acquitted of the charges. (The made-for-television film ''[[Exiled: A Law & Order Movie]]'', in which Noth starred, centers on Logan's attempt to get back into the department's good graces.) Noth was replaced by [[Benjamin Bratt]] as Detective [[Rey Curtis|Reynaldo "Rey" Curtis]], who was hired in an attempt to find an actor even sexier than Noth to join the cast.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages= 34-35}}

Hennessy chose not to renew her three-year contract at the end of season 6 to pursue other projects, and Claire Kincaid was written off as being killed in a drunk driving crash.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | page= 130}} She was replaced by [[Carey Lowell]] as Assistant District Attorney [[Jamie Ross (Law & Order)|Jamie Ross]]. Lowell remained with the show until the end of season 8, when she left to spend more time with her daughter. (Jamie Ross was written off as leaving the D.A.'s office for similar reasons.){{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages= 134-135}} Lowell (who later returned for a couple of guest appearances) was replaced by [[Angie Harmon]] as Assistant District Attorney [[Abbie Carmichael|Abigail "Abbie" Carmichael]], who was conceived as being much louder and outspoken than any of her predecessors. Harmon auditioned with 85 other women, including [[Vanessa L. Williams|Vanessa Williams]], for the role, and was picked after Wolf heard her Texas accent.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages= 333-335}}

===Seasons 8–14===
Beginning in season 8 (1997),<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/10/08/jk-simmons-whiplash-movie/16897907/ | last=Truitt | first=Brian | title=J.K. Simmons makes Oscar push with jazzy role | publisher=Gannett | location=McLean VA | issn=0734-7456 | work=USA Today | date=October 8, 2014 | access-date=May 24, 2022 | archive-date=May 25, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220525022206/https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/movies/2014/10/08/jk-simmons-whiplash-movie/16897907/ | url-status=live }}</ref> [[J. K. Simmons]] had the recurring role of [[Emil Skoda (Law & Order)|Dr. Emil Skoda]], a psychiatrist who worked with the Police Department. He appeared in 41 episodes until 2004. He then reappeared for three episodes in season 20.

Bratt left the series at the end of season 9, stating it was an amicable departure and he expected to eventually return for guest appearances. (He ultimately returned for the season 20 episode "Fed".) Detective Curtis was written off as leaving the force in order to take care of his wife, who was suffering from [[multiple sclerosis]], in her final days.<ref name="Bratt departure">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Huff|first=Richard|date=April 30, 1999|url=https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/bratt-leaving-law-order-ally-doc-joining-force-article-1.822180|title=Bratt Leaving 'Law & Order'; 'Ally' Doc Joining Force|work=Daily News|location=New York|access-date=December 20, 2009|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601213053/https://www.nydailynews.com/archives/entertainment/bratt-leaving-law-order-ally-doc-joining-force-article-1.822180|url-status=live}}</ref> He was replaced by [[Jesse L. Martin]] as Detective [[Ed Green (Law & Order)|Ed Green]], who was conceived of as more of a loose cannon in the mold of Noth's Logan than Bratt's Curtis was.{{sfn|Courrier | Green |1999 | pages = 331–332}} (Briscoe was described as being a recovering alcoholic, as Cragen had been. Green was described as being a recovering compulsive gambler.) In 2000, Steven Hill announced he was leaving the series after season 10. Hill, who was the last remaining member of the original cast, said his departure was mutual with the producers. He was replaced by [[Dianne Wiest]] as Interim District Attorney [[Nora Lewin]], and Adam Schiff was written out off-screen as departing to work with Jewish charities and human-rights organizations in Europe.<ref name="Hill departure">{{#invoke:cite|news|date=Fall 2000|url=http://www.podengo.com/apocrypha/fall00/hill.html|title=Steven Hill: Hollywood's Most Talented Curmudgeon|work=Apocrypha|access-date=March 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150319232557/http://www.podengo.com/apocrypha/fall00/hill.html|archive-date=March 19, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

The following year, Harmon left the show after three seasons (with Abbie Carmichael written off as being called on to serve the U.S. Attorney's office) and was replaced by [[Elisabeth Röhm]] as Assistant District Attorney [[Serena Southerlyn]].<ref name="Harmon departure">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Shister|first=Gail|date= April 23, 2001|url=http://www.accessmylibrary.com/coms2/summary_0286-5884955_ITM|title='Law & Order' gets its first blonde as Rohm joins the cast.|publisher=Knight Ridder/Tribune News Service|access-date=December 20, 2009}}</ref> The year after that, Wiest left the show after two seasons and was replaced by retiring U.S. Senator [[Fred Thompson]] as District Attorney [[Arthur Branch]], whose character was conceived of as being much more right-leaning than his predecessors in the D.A.'s office, and was a direct reaction to the [[September 11 attacks]].<ref name="Wiest departure">{{#invoke:cite|news|date=August 29, 2002|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2002-08-29-law-order-thompson_x.htm|title=Sen. Fred Thompson to join the case of 'Law & Order'| agency = Associated Press |location = McLean VA   |publisher = Gannett  |issn = 0734-7456 | work=USA Today|access-date=December 20, 2009}}</ref> No mention was made on the show of what happened to Nora Lewin, though producers said her character was only supposed to be an interim D.A.

===Seasons 15 & 16===
After 12 years on ''Law & Order'', Orbach announced in March 2004 that he was leaving the show at the end of season 14 for the spin-off ''[[Law & Order: Trial by Jury]]''. Lennie Briscoe was written off as retiring from the NYPD and later taking a position as an investigator for the D.A.'s office. He was replaced at the 27th Precinct by Detective [[Joe Fontana (Law & Order)|Joe Fontana]], played by [[Dennis Farina]].<ref name="Orbach departure" /> At the time, Orbach would not state the reason for his departure,<ref name="Orbach departure">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Starr|first=Michael|date=May 18, 2004|url=http://www.foxnews.com/story/2004/05/18/jerry-orbach-signs-off-after-12-years-on-law-order.html|title=Jerry Orbach Signs Off After 12 Years on 'Law & Order'|publisher=Fox News|access-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111203072834/http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,120231,00.html|archive-date=December 3, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref> but it was eventually revealed that he had been battling [[prostate cancer]] (for over 10 years) and that his role on ''Trial by Jury'' was designed to be less taxing on him than his role on the original series was. However, Orbach died from his cancer on December 28, 2004, and was featured in only the first two episodes of ''Trial by Jury.'' (His character was subsequently written off as having also died off-screen, though this was not revealed on the original series until the season 18 episode "Burn Card".)<ref name="Orbach death">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Brantley|first=Ben|author2=Severo, Richard|date=December 29, 2004|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/29/arts/29cnd-orba.html|title=Jerry Orbach, Star of 'Law & Order,' Dies at 69|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204085153/http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/29/arts/29cnd-orba.html|archive-date=February 4, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In Season 15, Röhm left the show mid-season in January 2005. Röhm's final scene on the show, in the episode "Ain't No Love", sparked controversy within the fanbase, as A.D.A. Southerlyn asked Arthur Branch if she was being fired because she was a lesbian, a fact the scripts had never hinted at until then.<ref name="Martin exit">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Roush |first=Matt |date=April 24, 2008 |url=https://ew.com/article/2008/04/24/martin-goes-out |title='Law & Order' recap: Ed Green turns in his badge |work=TV Guide |access-date=March 23, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151858/http://www.ew.com/article/2008/04/24/martin-goes-out |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> Wolf said Röhm's departure was unexpected. For a few seasons, Southerlyn had often argued opposing points to McCoy and Branch, the latter of whom thought she would be better as a defender rather than a prosecutor. Southerlyn's replacement was [[Annie Parisse]] as Assistant District Attorney [[Alexandra Borgia]].

Martin left the show midseason to film ''[[Rent (film)|Rent]].'' Ed Green was temporarily written off as being shot in the line of duty and was replaced during his recovery by Detective Nick Falco, played by [[Michael Imperioli]], who had previously guest-starred as a murder suspect in the season 6 episode "Atonement".<ref name="Parisse-Imperioli">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Levin|first=Gary|date=December 6, 2004|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2004-12-06-lno-inside_x.htm?csp=34|title='Law & Order' stays orderly| publisher= Gannett | location = McLean VA|issn = 0734-7456  |work=   USA Today|access-date=December 20, 2009}}</ref> Parisse left the series at the end of season 16 (with A.D.A. Borgia written off as being murdered), and Farina shortly afterward announced that he was leaving the show to pursue other projects. (Detective Fontana was written off as having retired off-screen.)<ref name="Parisse-Farina">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Marinovich |first=Milosh |date=May 31, 2006 |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/law-order-cast-shakeup/ |title='Law & Order' Cast Shakeup |publisher=CBS News |access-date=February 22, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101111122018/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/05/31/entertainment/main1671381.shtml |archive-date=November 11, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

===Seasons 17–20===
By this point, NBC executives believed the series was beginning to show its age, as the ratings had been declining since Orbach's departure.<ref name="Govich-de la Garza" /> Farina had never been popular with fans when he replaced Orbach, and it was felt that the cast just did not seem to mesh well together anymore.<ref name="Martin exit" /> In an effort to revitalize the show, Wolf replaced Parisse with [[Alana de la Garza]] as Assistant District Attorney [[Connie Rubirosa|Consuela "Connie" Rubirosa]], while Martin's Green was promoted to senior detective and partnered with Detective Nina Cassady, played by [[Milena Govich]], who had worked with Wolf on the short-lived series ''[[Conviction (2006 TV series)|Conviction]]'' and served as the show's first female detective of the main cast.<ref name="Govich-de la Garza">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Steinberg|first=Jacques|date=July 16, 2006|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/16/arts/television/16stei.html|title='Law & Order' Meets the Law of Supply and Demand|work=The New York Times|access-date=December 20, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130204085202/http://www.nytimes.com/2006/07/16/arts/television/16stei.html|archive-date=February 4, 2013|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> She also briefly appeared as a bartender in the season 16 episode titled "Flaw".

However, Govich proved to be even more unpopular with fans than her predecessor was and left the show after one season with the explanation being that Detective Cassady's assignment to the precinct had been temporary and had been transferred out. She was replaced by [[Jeremy Sisto]], who had previously guest starred as a defense attorney in the season 17 episode "The Family Hour", as Detective [[Cyrus Lupo]].<ref name="Cheers Lupo">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Fretts|first=Bruce|date=January 2, 2008|url=https://tvguide.com/cheers-jeers/Cheers-Sisto-Lays-8673.aspx|title=Cheers: Sisto Lays Down the Law|work=TV Guide|access-date=December 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090302143240/http://www.tvguide.com/cheers-jeers/Cheers-Sisto-Lays-8673.aspx|archive-date=March 2, 2009|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Around the same time, Thompson announced he would leave the show to seek the [[2008 Republican Party presidential primaries|2008 Republican presidential nomination]]. (No explanation was given within the show regarding Arthur Branch's off-screen departure.) Waterston's character was promoted to Interim District Attorney (later made full District Attorney in season 20) and his former position was filled in by Executive Assistant District Attorney [[Michael Cutter]], played by [[Linus Roache]].<ref name="Govich-Thompson">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Cooper|first=Gael Fashingbauer|date=July 18, 2007|url=http://testpattern.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2007/07/18/4356341-law-order-shows-get-new-blood|title='Law & Order' Shows Get New Blood|publisher=msnbc.com|access-date=December 20, 2009|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306173548/http://testpattern.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2007/07/18/4356341-law-order-shows-get-new-blood|archive-date=March 6, 2012|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref name="Ken Tucker 2008">{{cite magazine|first=Ken|last=Tucker|title=TV: Sam Waterston's bark keeps giving ''Law & Order'' its bite|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] |issn = 1049-0434 | oclc = 21114137 |id={{ProQuest|219142095}} | publisher = Time Inc.|date=December 19, 2008|issue=1026|quote = What's going on here is a nicely overstated case of oedipal conflict. McCoy sees in Cutter his younger, more impetuous self, while Cutter sees an aging father figure he wants to vanquish by proving he's smarter and more daring than the old coot.  |page=49}}</ref>

Martin later announced that he would leave the show for the second and last time near the end of season 18 to pursue other endeavors, and Detective Green was written off as resigning from the force due to burnout. He was replaced by [[Anthony Anderson]] as Detective [[Kevin Bernard]].<ref name="Martin exit" /> In 2010, Merkerson announced that she would leave the show at the end of season 20, with Lieutenant Van Buren given a season-long story arc involving her battling [[cervical cancer]].<ref name="Merkerson exit">{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Itzkoff |first=Dave |date=April 2, 2010 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/arts/television/03arts-SEPATHAMERKE_BRF.html |title=S. Epatha Merkerson to Leave 'Law & Order' |work=The New York Times |access-date=April 3, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100409154136/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/04/03/arts/television/03arts-SEPATHAMERKE_BRF.html |archive-date=April 9, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, the cancellation of the show rendered this moot.

===Season 21–present (Revival series)===
In ''Deadline Hollywood'', Nellie Andreeva announced the series was returning.<ref name=eid/> On November 1, 2021, [[Jeffrey Donovan]] was cast as a series regular to portray an NYPD detective, later revealed to be named Frank Cosgrove.<ref name = Jeffrey>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/jeffrey-donovan-star-law-order-revival-nbc-1234865979/|title=Jeffrey Donovan To Star In 'Law & Order' Revival On NBC|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=November 2, 2021|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101232200/https://deadline.com/2021/11/jeffrey-donovan-star-law-order-revival-nbc-1234865979/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/law-order-revival-nbc-cast-jeffrey-donovan-1235102207/|title='Law & Order' Revival at NBC Casts Jeffrey Donovan|last=Otterson|first=Joe|issn=0042-2738|oclc=810134503|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=November 2, 2021|work=Variety|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101220420/https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/law-order-revival-nbc-cast-jeffrey-donovan-1235102207/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://tvline.com/2021/11/01/law-order-revival-casts-burn-notices-jeffrey-donovan-in-season-21/|title=Law & Order Revival Casts Burn Notice's Jeffrey Donovan in Season 21|last=Roots|first=Kimberly|date=November 1, 2021|access-date=November 2, 2021|work=[[TVLine]]|archive-date=November 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211101222924/https://tvline.com/2021/11/01/law-order-revival-casts-burn-notices-jeffrey-donovan-in-season-21/|url-status=live}}</ref> At that time it was also reported that [[Sam Waterston]] and [[Anthony Anderson]], who starred in earlier seasons of the series, and additional former cast members were also in talks to return. Waterston previously stated in 2015 that he would be open to returning.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/sam-waterston-law-order-revival-793869/  |   archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20211105092747/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/sam-waterston-law-order-revival-793869/  | archive-date = November 5, 2021 | issn = 0018-3660|title=Sam Waterston on 'Law & Order' Revival: Let's "Break the Record"|last=Stanhope|first=Kate|date=May 6, 2015|access-date =November 2, 2021|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]}}</ref> Other previous cast members including [[S. Epatha Merkerson]], [[Jeremy Sisto]] and [[Alana de la Garza]] hold starring roles on ''[[Chicago Med]]'' or ''[[FBI (TV series)|FBI]]'', with both also being part of the franchise and Wolf Entertainment series.<ref name=eid>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/09/law-order-revival-nbc-season-21-dick-wolf-rick-eid-1234846181/|title='Law & Order' Revived By NBC For Season 21 From Dick Wolf & Rick Eid|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=September 28, 2021|accessdate=November 2, 2021|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|archive-date=November 2, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211102153919/https://deadline.com/2021/09/law-order-revival-nbc-season-21-dick-wolf-rick-eid-1234846181/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 23, 2021, it was announced that [[Hugh Dancy]] had been cast as an assistant district attorney and that Anderson had signed a one-year deal to return as Detective [[Kevin Bernard]].<ref name = Hugh>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/hugh-dancy-law-order-revival-anthony-anderson-reprise-role-kevin-bernard-1234879638/|title=Hugh Dancy Joins 'Law & Order', Anthony Anderson Set To Return For NBC Revival|date=November 23, 2021|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|website=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=November 23, 2021|archive-date=November 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211123201441/https://deadline.com/2021/11/hugh-dancy-law-order-revival-anthony-anderson-reprise-role-kevin-bernard-1234879638/|url-status=live}}</ref> On December 10, 2021, it was revealed that [[Camryn Manheim]] had been cast as Lieutenant Kate Dixon, the successor to Merkerson's character, Lieutenant [[Anita Van Buren]]. Manheim portrayed minor characters in previous seasons of the series.<ref name="Andreeva">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/camryn-manheim-cast-law-order-revival-nbc-season-21-1234888572/|title=Camryn Manheim Joins 'Law & Order' Revival On NBC|date=December 10, 2021|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=December 10, 2021|archive-date=December 10, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211210180234/https://deadline.com/2021/12/camryn-manheim-cast-law-order-revival-nbc-season-21-1234888572/|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2021, [[Odelya Halevi]] was added to the cast as Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun.<ref name="Deadline Hollywood">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/law-order-odelya-halevi-cast-nbc-revival-1234891681/|title='Law & Order': Odelya Halevi Joins NBC Revival|date=December 15, 2021|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=December 17, 2021|archive-date=December 17, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217183351/https://deadline.com/2021/12/law-order-odelya-halevi-cast-nbc-revival-1234891681/|url-status=live}}</ref> A day later, Waterston was announced to have finalized a one-year deal to return as District Attorney [[Jack McCoy]].<ref name="Sam Waterston Returns To 'Law & Ord">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://deadline.com/2021/12/sam-waterston-law-order-revival-jack-mccoy-season-21-nbc-1234892316/|title=Sam Waterston Returns To 'Law & Order', Will Reprise Jack McCoy Role In NBC Revival|date=December 16, 2021|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|work=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|access-date=December 16, 2021|archive-date=December 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211216192119/https://deadline.com/2021/12/sam-waterston-law-order-revival-jack-mccoy-season-21-nbc-1234892316/|url-status=live}}</ref>

On May 10, 2022, the series was renewed by NBC for a 22nd season.<ref name = Hailu>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/law-and-order-organized-crime-renewed-1235262271/|title='Law & Order' and 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Renewed for New Seasons at NBC|first=Selome|last=Hailu|newspaper=Variety|issn=0042-2738|oclc=810134503|date=May 10, 2022|access-date=May 12, 2022|archive-date=October 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221025001430/https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/law-and-order-organized-crime-renewed-1235262271/|url-status=live}}</ref> Later that same month, it was announced that Anderson would leave the series.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.thewrap.com/anthony-anderson-wont-return-for-law-order-season-22/|title=Anthony Anderson Won't Return for ''Law & Order'' Season 22|first=Brandon|last=Katz|publisher=The Wrap|date=May 27, 2022|accessdate=June 23, 2022|archive-date=September 29, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220929080656/https://www.thewrap.com/anthony-anderson-wont-return-for-law-order-season-22/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 7, Waterston signed a new deal to return for the 22nd season, making him the longest-running cast member of the series.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/law-order-sam-waterston-return-season-22-jack-mccoy-nbc-1235039847/|title=''Law & Order'': Sam Waterston Returning For Season 22 Of NBC Series|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=June 7, 2022|accessdate=June 23, 2022|archive-date=September 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925140851/https://deadline.com/2022/06/law-order-sam-waterston-return-season-22-jack-mccoy-nbc-1235039847/|url-status=live}}</ref> A week later, [[Mehcad Brooks]] joined the cast in the new season, replacing Anderson as Detective Jalen Shaw.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.tvinsider.com/1048320/law-order-mehcad-brooks-season-22-detective/|title=''Law & Order'': Mehcad Brooks Joins Season 22 as Detective|first=Martin|last=Holmes|work=TV Insider|date=June 14, 2022|accessdate=June 23, 2022|archive-date=August 26, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220826195642/https://www.tvinsider.com/1048320/law-order-mehcad-brooks-season-22-detective/|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 15, 2023, it was announced that Donovan would be not returning for the 23rd season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Bell|first=BreAnna|title=''Law & Order'' Star Jeffrey Donovan Not Returning For Season 23|url=https://variety.com/2023/tv/news/law-order-jeffrey-donovan-exit-season-23-1235792020/|website=Variety|date=November 15, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref> A week later, [[Reid Scott (actor)|Reid Scott]] joined the cast for the 23rd season, replacing Donovan as Detective Vincent Riley.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=Reid Scott Joins ''Law & Order'' As New Series Regular In Season 23|url=https://deadline.com/2023/11/reid-scott-law-and-order-series-regular-cast-jeffrey-donovan-1235634726/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|date=November 22, 2023|access-date=November 22, 2023}}</ref> On February 2, 2024, it was announced that Waterston would depart from the series and [[Tony Goldwyn]] would join the cast as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Sam Waterston Exiting 'Law & Order' As Tony Goldwyn Joins Cast|url=https://deadline.com/2024/02/sam-waterston-exit-law-and-order-tony-goldwyn-cast-1235812525/|last=Cordero|first=Rosy|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=February 2, 2024|access-date=February 2, 2024}}</ref> On May 10, 2024, it was announced [[Camryn Manheim]] would depart the series after season 23.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Cordero |first=Rosy |date=2024-05-10 |title='Law & Order': Camryn Manheim Not Returning To NBC Series For Season 24 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/law-and-order-camryn-manheim-exit-season-23-1235911808/ |access-date=2024-05-11 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}</ref> On July 22, 2024, [[Maura Tierney]] was cast as a new lieutenant for season 24, replacing Manheim as Lieutenant Jessica Brady.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Petski |first=Denise |date=2024-07-22 |title=Maura Tierney Joins 'Law & Order' As Series Regular In Season 24 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/07/maura-tierney-law-amp-order-series-regular-season-24-1236018069/ |access-date=2024-07-22 |website=Deadline Hollywood |language=en-US}}</ref> In May 2025, NBC renewed the series for its twenty-fifth season.<ref name="Variety–S25">{{cite magazine |last1=Otterson |first1=Joe |title=''Law & Order'', ''Law & Order: SVU'' Renewed at NBC |url=https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/law-and-order-law-and-order-svu-renewed-nbc-1236391162/ |magazine=[[Variety (magazine)|Variety]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |access-date=May 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250508191630/https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/law-and-order-law-and-order-svu-renewed-nbc-1236391162/ |archive-date=May 8, 2025 |issn=0042-2738 |oclc=60626328 |date=May 8, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title=''Law & Order: SVU'' and ''Law & Order'' Renewed for 2025–2026 After Combined 50 Seasons On NBC |url=https://deadline.com/2025/05/law-amp-order-svu-law-amp-order-renewed-nbc-2025-26-season-1236390251/ |website=[[Deadline Hollywood]] |publisher=[[Penske Media Corporation]] |access-date=May 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250508190734/https://deadline.com/2025/05/law-amp-order-svu-law-amp-order-renewed-nbc-2025-26-season-1236390251/ |archive-date=May 8, 2025 |date=May 8, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref> On September 24, 2025, it was revealed that [[David Ajala]] was set to join the show's main cast as an NYPD detective partway into its 25th season, replacing Brooks.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/law-and-order-david-ajala-detective-1236379026/|title='Law & Order' Adds David Ajala to Season 25 Cast|first=Rick|last=Porter|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 24, 2025|accessdate=October 2, 2025}}</ref><ref name=law&orderjoinsup>{{cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2025/09/david-ajala-cast-law-and-order-season-25-1236554820/|title='Star Trek: Discovery's David Ajala Joins 'Law & Order' Season 25 As Series Regular|first=Rosy|last=Cordero|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|date=September 24, 2025|accessdate=October 2, 2025}}</ref> Ajala would debut on ''Law & Order'' as Detective Theo Walker on the November 13, 2025 episode ''Guardian''.

==Plot==
{{quote box|width=35% |Darius Blueberry|quote=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.|source=—Opening narration, spoken by [[Steven Zirnkilton]].<ref name="nbc090923">{{#invoke:cite|news|agency=[[Associated Press]]|work=[[Today (American TV program)|Today]]|title='Law & Order' reunion salutes 20th season|url=http://www.today.com/id/32991751|date=September 23, 2009|accessdate=July 28, 2013|archive-date=March 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305081013/http://www.today.com/id/32991751|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>"Ask the Editors"; ''[[TV Guide]]''; April 19, 2010; Page 6.</ref><ref name="Everybody's Favorite Bagman">{{cite episode| title = Everybody's Favorite Bagman| credits=Writer: [[Dick Wolf]]. Director: John Patterson | network = NBC | series = Law & Order| airdate = 1990-10-30| season = 1| number = 6}}</ref>}}

''Law & Order'' episodes are structured into two parts. The initial segment involves police investigations, and the subsequent segment portrays legal and courtroom proceedings. The show focuses on the progression of each case rather than character backstories.

===Police investigation===
In the first half of each episode, the detectives of [[New York City Police Department]]'s fictional 27th precinct investigate a violent crime such as a murder, kidnapping, or rape. The police collect evidence and interview witnesses and potential suspects. When the evidence indicates a likely suspect, the police arrest them.

===Legal proceedings===
In the second half of each episode, the prosecutors of the [[New York County District Attorney|Manhattan District Attorney]]'s office take over. The prosecutors discuss deals and plea bargains, prepare the witnesses and evidence, and represent the people's case in the trial of the accused. The prosecutors take it in turns with the defendant's defense attorney to argue the case before a jury until an outcome is decided.

=="Ripped from the headlines"==
''Law & Order'' episodes are often advertised as being "ripped from the headlines", a slogan that refers to the franchise's practice of conceiving stories that are partially inspired by recent headlines. There might be a few scenes that resemble a well-known headline, while the majority of the episode goes in a different direction, or there could be one character that is based on a famous individual, but the circumstances the person encounters are largely fictional, and the rest of the plot usually diverges significantly from the actual events that may have inspired the episode.<ref name="newsday">{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Gay |first=Verne |title='Law & Order' rips story from Taconic tragedy |url=https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/law-order-rips-story-from-taconic-tragedy-1.1569725 |website=Newsday |access-date=February 22, 2022 |date=November 9, 2009 |archive-date=March 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319080538/https://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/law-order-rips-story-from-taconic-tragedy-1.1569725 |url-status=live }}</ref> This "ripped from the headlines" theme is reflected in the opening credits sequence that evolves from newspaper halftones to high-resolution photos. Advertisements of episodes with close real-life case parallels often use the "ripped from the headlines" phrase, although [[All persons fictitious disclaimer|a textual disclaimer, within the actual episode, emphasizes that the story and characters are fictional]].

Some real-life crime victims have felt used and exploited,<ref name="newsday" /> with one lawyer, Ravi Batra, going so far as to sue the show in 2004 for [[libel]] with regard to the season 14 episode "[[Law & Order season 14#ep308|Floater]]", which portrayed a lawyer with a similar name and the distinctive features of Batra.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/05/AR2009030504029.html|title=Ripped From the Headlines – and From the Heart|last=Farhi|first=Paul|date=March 8, 2009|newspaper=[[The Washington Post]]|access-date=October 23, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112041118/http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/05/AR2009030504029.html|archive-date=November 12, 2012|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref> Batra and the show later settled out of court for an unspecified amount.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20161228/st-george/ravi-batra-idnyc-document-delete-lawsuit/|title=Lawyer Who Sued 'Law & Order' Joins IDNYC Destruction Suit|last=Rizzi|first=Nicholas|date=December 28, 2016|work=[[DNAinfo|DNAinfo New York]]|access-date=March 25, 2021|archive-date=June 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210624041255/https://www.dnainfo.com/new-york/20161228/st-george/ravi-batra-idnyc-document-delete-lawsuit/|url-status=dead}}</ref>

==Episodes==
{{Main|List of Law & Order episodes}}
{{:List of Law & Order episodes}}

==Broadcast history==
=== Broadcast ===
The show premiered September 13, 1990,<ref>{{cite web |last1=History |title="Law & Order" debuts |url=https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/september-13/law-order-debuts |website=history.com |date=November 13, 2009 |access-date=2 July 2025}}</ref> and ended its first run on May 24, 2010. 456 episodes were aired and produced. The show ran for twenty seasons on NBC. In 2002, ''Law & Order'' surpassed ''[[Hawaii Five-O (1968 TV series)|Hawaii Five-O]]'' as the longest-running police drama on American television. At this time, it was NBC's longest running crime drama and tied for longest-running primetime scripted drama with ''Gunsmoke''. The first two seasons were broadcast Tuesdays at 10 p.m. From season 3 through 16, the show aired Wednesday at 10 p.m. For season 17, it moved to Fridays at 10 p.m. For seasons 18 and 19, the show shifted back to Wednesdays at 10 p.m. For season 20, the show was broadcast Fridays at 8 p.m., while in the spring it moved to Mondays at 10 p.m., where it broadcast its initial series finale on May 24, 2010. The revival (season 21–present) now airs as part of NBC's 'Law & Order Thursday' lineup broadcasting Thursdays at 8 p.m. since February 24, 2022.

{{Television season ratings
| hide_18_49_rating = y
| hide_18_49_rank   = y

| link1         = Law & Order season 1
| timeslot1     = Thursday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–4)</small><br /> Tuesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 5–21)</small><br /> Sunday 10:00 p.m. <small>(ep 22)</small><br />
| timeslot_length1 = 1
| episodes1     = 22
| start1        = {{Start date|1990|9|13}}
| startrating1  = 14.0<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=NBC wins yearly crown|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=September 19, 1990|author=Donlon, Brian}}</ref>
| end1          = {{End date|1991|6|9}}
| endrating1    = 12.2<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Hoops Net NBC a win|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=June 12, 1991|author=Donlon, Brian}}</ref>
| season1       = 1990–91
| rank1         = 46
| viewers1      = 12.1<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Nielsen ratings|work=[[The Tampa Tribune]]|page=4|date=April 17, 1991}}</ref>

| link2         = Law & Order season 2
| episodes2     = 22
| start2        = {{Start date|1991|9|17}}
| startrating2  = 16.4<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=New faces try to save 'One Life to Live'|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=September 25, 1991|author=Donlon, Brian}}</ref>
| end2          = {{End date|1992|5|12}}
| endrating2    = 12.1<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Weddings blissful for NBC|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=May 20, 1992|author=Gable, Donna}}</ref>
| season2       = 1991–92
| rank2         = 46
| viewers2      = 12.3<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=CBS' historic jump|work=[[USA Today]]|author=Gable, Donna|page=3D|date=April 15, 1992}}</ref>

| link3         = Law & Order season 3
| timeslot3     = Wednesday 10:00 p.m.
| timeslot_length3 = 1
| episodes3     = 22
| start3        = {{Start date|1992|9|23}}
| startrating3  = 14.9<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title='Murphy' wave carries CBS|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=September 30, 1992|author=Gable, Donna}}</ref>
| end3          = {{End date|1993|5|19}}
| endrating3    = 15.4<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title='Cheers' brings happy times to NBC|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=May 26, 1993|author=Gable, Donna}}</ref>
| season3       = 1992–93
| rank3         = 56
| viewers3      = 10.2<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=By the numbers: Year-end ratings |work=USA TODAY |date=21 April 1993 |pages=3D}}</ref>

| link4         = Law & Order season 4
| episodes4     = 22
| start4        = {{Start date|1993|9|15}}
| startrating4  = 13.6<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Nielsen ratings|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=September 22, 1993}}</ref>
| end4          = {{End date|1994|5|25}}
| endrating4    = 15.4<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=ABC's clean sweeps|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=June 1, 1994|author=DeRosa, Robin}}</ref>
| season4       = 1993–94
| rank4         = 38
| viewers4      = 11.9<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Newsmagazines crowd into top of ratings |page=4E |first=Frazier |last=Moore |newspaper=[[Sun Sentinel]] |date=July 8, 1994 |access-date=March 22, 2010 |url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sun_sentinel/access/86474764.html?dids=86474764:86474764&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+08%2C+1994&author=FRAZIER+MOORE+The+Associated+Press&pub=South+Florida+Sun+-+Sentinel&desc=NEWSMAGAZINES+CROWD+INTO+TOP+OF+RATINGS&pqatl=google |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604225020/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/sun_sentinel/access/86474764.html?dids=86474764:86474764&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jul+08,+1994&author=FRAZIER+MOORE+The+Associated+Press&pub=South+Florida+Sun+-+Sentinel&desc=NEWSMAGAZINES+CROWD+INTO+TOP+OF+RATINGS&pqatl=google |archive-date=June 4, 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

| link5         = Law & Order season 5
| episodes5     = 23
| start5        = {{Start date|1994|9|21}}
| startrating5  = 18.3<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Nielsen ratings|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=September 28, 1994}}</ref>
| end5          = {{End date|1995|5|24}}
| endrating5    = 13.4<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Nielsen ratings|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=May 31, 1995}}</ref>
| season5       = 1994–95
| rank5         = 27
| viewers5      = 11.6<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1994.htm |title=TV Ratings: 1994–1995 |publisher=ClassicTVHits.com |access-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091026022514/http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1994.htm |archive-date=October 26, 2009 }}</ref>

| link6         = Law & Order season 6
| episodes6     = 23
| start6        = {{Start date|1995|9|20}}
| startrating6  = 17.3<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=NBC Sunday starters stumble|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=September 27, 1995|author=Graham, Jefferson}}</ref>
| end6          = {{End date|1996|5|22}}
| endrating6    = 15.0<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Nielsen ratings|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=May 29, 1996}}</ref>
| season6       = 1995–96
| rank6         = 24
| viewers6      = 10.9<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1995.htm |title=TV Ratings: 1995–1996 |publisher=ClassicTVHits.com |access-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091109205105/http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1995.htm |archive-date=November 9, 2009 }}</ref>

| link7         = Law & Order season 7
| episodes7     = 23
| start7        = {{Start date|1996|9|18}}
| startrating7  = 15.7<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Nielsen ratings|department=Life|work=[[USA Today]]|page=3D|date=September 25, 1996}}</ref>
| end7          = {{End date|1997|5|21}}
| endrating7    = 14.88<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41384795/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (May 19–25, 1997)|date=May 29, 1997|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 15, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| season7       = 1996–97
| rank7         = 27
| viewers7      = 10.5<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1996.htm |title=TV Ratings: 1996–1997 |publisher=ClassicTVHits.com |access-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100106211716/http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1996.htm |archive-date=January 6, 2010 }}</ref>

| link8         = Law & Order season 8
| episodes8     = 24
| start8        = {{Start date|1997|9|24}}
| startrating8  = 17.58<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41307958/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (Sept. 22–28, 1997)|date=October 1, 1997|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 15, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| end8          = {{End date|1998|5|20}}
| endrating8    = 14.80<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41373921/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (May 18–24, 1998)|date=May 28, 1998|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 15, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| season8       = 1997–98
| rank8         = 24
| viewers8      = 14.1<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/1998/05/29/what-ranked-and-what-tanked/|title=What ranked and what tanked|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] Published in issue No. 434 May 29, 1998|access-date=November 21, 2019|date=May 29, 1998|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013011112/https://ew.com/article/1998/05/29/what-ranked-and-what-tanked/|archive-date=October 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

| link9         = Law & Order season 9
| episodes9     = 24
| start9        = {{Start date|1998|9|23}}
| startrating9  = 15.56<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41307174/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (Sept. 21-27, 1998)|date=September 30, 1998|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 15, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| end9          = {{End date|1999|5|26}}
| endrating9    = 19.29<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://mrpopculture.com/1999/45-1999/641-june-1-1999|title=Dateline: Week Of June 1, 1999 In News, Pop Culture, Tech, Celebrity, Entertainment & Fascinating Facts|work=Mr. Pop Culture|accessdate=October 13, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181013172204/http://mrpopculture.com/1999/45-1999/641-june-1-1999|archive-date=October 13, 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>
| season9       = 1998–99
| rank9         = 20
| viewers9      = 13.8<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=http://www.geocities.com/Hollywood/4616/ew0604.html|publisher=[[GeoCities]]|title=TV Winners & Losers: Numbers Racket A Final Tally Of The Season's Show (from Nielsen Media Research)| date=June 4, 1999 | access-date=February 12, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091029011819/http://geocities.com/Hollywood/4616/ew0604.html|archive-date=October 29, 2009}}</ref>

| link10        = Law & Order season 10
| episodes10    = 24
| start10       = {{Start date|1999|9|22}}
| startrating10 = 18.63<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41321901/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (Sept. 20–26, 1999)|date=September 29, 1999|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 15, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| end10         = {{End date|2000|5|24}}
| endrating10    = 19.48<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://tv.zap2it.com:80/news/ratings/networks/000522network.html |title=Top 20 Network Primetime Report |work=[[Zap2it]] |access-date=October 13, 2018 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20010816170423/http://tv.zap2it.com/news/ratings/networks/000522network.html |archive-date=August 16, 2001 }}</ref>
| season10       = 1999–2000
| rank10         = 13
| viewers10      = 16.3<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_pass&charttype=chart_topshows99&dept=TV|title=Top TV Shows For 1999–2000 Season|access-date=February 12, 2010|work=Variety|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120065741/http://www.variety.com/index.asp?layout=chart_pass&charttype=chart_topshows99&dept=TV|archive-date=January 20, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

| link11         = Law & Order season 11
| episodes11     = 24
| start11        = {{Start date|2000|10|18}}
| startrating11  = 17.77<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41379901/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (Oct. 16–22, 2000)|date=October 25, 2000|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 15, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| end11          = {{End date|2001|5|23}}
| endrating11    = 20.03<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41486974/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (May 21–27, 2001)|date=June 1, 2001|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 15, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| season11       = 2000–01
| rank11         = 27
| viewers11      = 17.7<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2001/06/01/bitter-end/|title=The Bitter End|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] Published in issue No. 598 Jun 1, 2001|access-date=November 21, 2019|date=June 1, 2001|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191013011103/https://ew.com/article/2001/06/01/bitter-end/|archive-date=October 13, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

| link12         = Law & Order season 12
| episodes12     = 24
| start12        = {{Start date|2001|9|26}}
| startrating12  = 20.68<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41486712/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (Sept. 24-30, 2001)|date=October 3, 2001|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 16, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| end12          = {{End date|2002|5|22}}
| endrating12    = 19.51<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41463925/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (May 20–26, 2002)|date=May 30, 2002|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 16, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| season12       = 2001–02
| rank12         = 7
| viewers12      = 18.7<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/2002/2002-05-28-year-end-chart.htm |title=How did your favorite show rate? |access-date=February 12, 2010 |date=May 28, 2002 |work=USA Today |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170222174856/http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/life/television/2002/2002-05-28-year-end-chart.htm |archive-date=February 22, 2017 |url-status=live }}</ref>

| link13         = Law & Order season 13
| episodes13     = 24
| start13        = {{Start date|2002|10|2}}
| startrating13  = 19.13<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://tv.zap2it.com/news/ratings/networks/021006network.html |title=Top 20 Network Primetime Report: Week of 09/30/02 - 10/06/02 |work=[[Zap2it]] |access-date=October 16, 2023 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20021015125309/http://tv.zap2it.com/news/ratings/networks/021006network.html |archive-date=October 15, 2002 }}</ref>
| end13          = {{End date|2003|5|21}}
| endrating13    = 19.02<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41426789/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (May 19–25, 2003)|date=May 29, 2003|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 16, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| season13       = 2002–03
| rank13         = 10
| viewers13      = 17.3<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://ew.com/article/2003/06/06/rank-and-file/|title=Rank And File|magazine=[[Entertainment Weekly]] Published in issue No. 713 Jun 6, 2003|access-date=November 21, 2019|date=June 6, 2003|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190814200720/https://ew.com/article/2003/06/06/rank-and-file/|archive-date=August 14, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>

| link14         = Law & Order season 14
| episodes14     = 24
| start14        = {{Start date|2003|9|24}}
| startrating14  = 20.86<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/41426339/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (Sept. 22-28, 2003)|date=October 1, 2003|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=October 16, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| end14          = {{End date|2004|5|19}}
| endrating14    = 19.46<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|work=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC Medianet]]|date=May 25, 2004|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110707100905/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052504_07|title=Weekly Program Rankings (May 17–23, 2004)|access-date=October 16, 2023|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052504_07|archive-date=July 7, 2011}}</ref>
| season14       = 2003–04
| rank14         = 14
| viewers14      = 15.9<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.abcmedianet.com/Web/progcal/dispDNR.aspx?id=060204_11|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070930155240/http://www.abcmedianet.com/Web/progcal/dispDNR.aspx?id=060204_11 |archive-date=September 30, 2007 |title=I. T. R. S. Ranking Report: 01 Thru 210|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|access-date=February 12, 2010}}</ref>

| link15         = Law & Order season 15
| episodes15     = 24
| start15        = {{Start date|2004|9|22}}
| startrating15  = 18.86<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=WEEKLY PROGRAM RANKINGS FROM 09/20/04 THROUGH 09/26/04|url=http://abcmedianet.com/Web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092904_04|accessdate=August 2, 2012|work=ABC Medianet|date=September 29, 2004|url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20120306041611/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092904_04|archivedate=March 6, 2012}}</ref>
| end15          = {{End date|2005|5|18}}
| endrating15    = 12.41<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=WEEKLY PROGRAM RANKINGS FROM 05/16/05 THROUGH 05/22/05 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/Web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |accessdate=August 2, 2012 |work=ABC Medianet |date=May 24, 2005 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20090516042311/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052405_04 |archivedate=May 16, 2009 }}</ref>
| season15       = 2004–05
| rank15         = 25
| viewers15      = 13.0<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|title=Primetime series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |date=May 27, 2005 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100308110700/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1000937471 |archive-date=March 8, 2010 }}</ref>

| link16         = Law & Order season 16
| episodes16     = 22
| start16        = {{Start date|2005|9|21}}
| startrating16 = 13.04<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://www.medialifemagazine.com/seasons-other-stunner-cbss-friday/|title=Season's other stunner: CBS's Friday|last=Fitzgerald|first=Toni|work=[[Media Life Magazine]]|date=September 27, 2005|access-date=October 16, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412203928/http://www.medialifemagazine.com/seasons-other-stunner-cbss-friday/|archive-date=April 12, 2015}}</ref>
| end16          = {{End date|2006|5|17}}
| endrating16    = 13.59<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=WEEKLY PROGRAM RANKINGS FROM 05/15/06 THROUGH 05/21/06|url=http://abcmedianet.com/Web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052306_05|accessdate=July 19, 2012|work=ABC Medianet|date=May 23, 2006|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150311232233/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052306_05|archive-date=March 11, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| season16       = 2005–06
| rank16         = 35
| viewers16      = 11.2<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] |title=Series |date=May 26, 2006 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100111054151/http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/search/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1002576393 |archive-date=January 11, 2010 }}</ref>

| link17         = Law & Order season 17
| timeslot17     = Friday 10:00 p.m.
| episodes17     = 22
| start17        = {{Start date|2006|9|22}}
| startrating17  = 11.07<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092606_07 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |work=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC Medianet]] |date=September 26, 2006 |accessdate=March 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120329105628/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=092606_07 |archive-date=March 29, 2012 }}</ref>
| end17          = {{End date|2007|5|18}}
| endrating17    = 9.23<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |title=Weekly Program Rankings |work=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC Medianet]] |date=May 22, 2007 |accessdate=March 20, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100528010145/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052207_06 |archive-date=May 28, 2010 }}</ref>
| season17       = 2006–07
| rank17         = 54
| viewers17      = 9.4<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=May 25, 2007 |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/television/features/e3ifbfdd1bcb53266ad8d9a71cad261604f?pn=1 |title=2006–07 primetime wrap |access-date=February 12, 2010 }}{{dead link|date=March 2016|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

| link18         = Law & Order season 18
| timeslot18     = Wednesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 1)</small><br /> Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 2–18)</small><br />
| timeslot_length18 = 1
| episodes18     = 18
| start18        = {{Start date|2008|1|2}}
| startrating18  = 13.46<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/01/08/top-nbc-primetime-shows-dec-31-jan-6/2336/|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, Dec 31 - Jan 6|last=Gorman|first=Bill|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=January 8, 2008|accessdate=May 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023110739/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2008/01/08/top-nbc-primetime-shows-dec-31-jan-6/2336/|archive-date=October 23, 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>
| end18          = {{End date|2008|5|21}}
| endrating18    = 8.57<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=May 28, 2008|url=https://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_05|title=Weekly Program Rankings (May 19–25, 2008)|access-date=October 16, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090107183101/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_05|archive-date=January 7, 2009}}</ref>
| season18       = 2007–08
| rank18         = 38
| viewers18      = 9.7<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=May 28, 2008 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/24/07 through 05/25/08 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120629043647/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=052808_06 |archive-date=June 29, 2012 }}</ref>

| link19         = Law & Order season 19
| episodes19     = 22
| start19        = {{Start date|2008|11|5}}
| startrating19  = 7.94<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet|date=November 11, 2008|url=https://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111108_04|title=Weekly Program Rankings (Nov. 3-9, 2008)|access-date=October 17, 2023|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090530020836/http://www.abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=111108_04|archive-date=May 30, 2009}}</ref>
| end19          = {{End date|2009|6|3}}
| endrating19    = 8.87<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Seidman|first=Robert|url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/06/09/top-nbc-primetime-shows-june-1-7-2009/20401/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121014041236/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2009/06/09/top-nbc-primetime-shows-june-1-7-2009/20401/|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 14, 2012|title=Top NBC Primetime Shows, June 1-7, 2009|publisher=[[TV by the Numbers]]|date=June 9, 2009|access-date=October 17, 2023}}</ref>
| season19       = 2008–09
| rank19         = 62
| viewers19      = 8.2<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|publisher=[[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] Medianet |date=May 19, 2009 |url=http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |title=Season Program Rankings from 09/22/08 through 05/17/09 |access-date=February 12, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100131044226/http://abcmedianet.com/web/dnr/dispDNR.aspx?id=051909_05 |archive-date=January 31, 2010 }}</ref>

| link20         = Law & Order season 20
| timeslot20     = Friday 8:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–7, eps 9–12)</small><br /> Friday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 8)</small><br /> Monday 9:00 p.m. <small>(eps 13, 21)</small><br /> Monday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 14–20, eps 22–23)</small>
| episodes20     = 23
| start20        = {{Start date|2009|9|25}}
| startrating20  = 6.25<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|url=https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times/80073199/|title=National Nielsen Viewership (Sept. 21-27, 2009)|date=September 30, 2009|work=[[The Los Angeles Times]]|access-date=December 24, 2023|via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}{{free access}}</ref>
| end20          = {{End date|2010|5|24}}
| endrating20    = 7.84<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=http://tvbythenumbers.com/2010/06/02/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-big-bang-theory-two-and-a-half-men-top-18-49-ratings/52800|title=TV Ratings Top 25: American Idol, Big Bang Theory, Two And A Half Men Top 18-49 Ratings|work=[[TV by the Numbers]]|last=Gorman|first=Bill|date=June 2, 2010|access-date=October 17, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100605034457/http://tvbythenumbers.com:80/2010/06/02/tv-ratings-top-25-american-idol-big-bang-theory-two-and-a-half-men-top-18-49-ratings/52800|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 5, 2010}}</ref>
| season20       = 2009–10
| rank20         = 60
| viewers20      = 7.2<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|website=Deadline|date=May 27, 2010|url=https://deadline.com/2010/05/full-series-rankings-for-the-2009-10-broadcast-season-44277/|title=Full Series Rankings For The 2009–10 Broadcast Season|access-date=June 6, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120213174556/http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/full-series-rankings-for-the-2009-10-broadcast-season/|archive-date=February 13, 2012|url-status=live}}</ref>

| link21         = Law & Order season 21
| timeslot21     = Thursday 8:00 p.m.<ref name="TFC">{{#invoke:cite|web|title=Shows A-Z – Law & Order on NBC|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/showatch/law-and-order/listings/|website=[[The Futon Critic]]|access-date=April 7, 2025}}</ref>
| timeslot_length21 = 5
| episodes21     = 10
| start21        = {{Start date|2022|2|24}}
| startrating21  = 5.80<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-2-24-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Thursday 2.24.2022|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|publisher=Showbuzz Daily|date=February 25, 2022|accessdate=February 28, 2022|archive-date=February 28, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228183818/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-2-24-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| end21          = {{End date|2022|5|19}}
| endrating21    = 3.94<ref name="21.10">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-5-19-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 5.19.2022 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|last=Metcalf|first=Mitch|date=May 20, 2022|work=Showbuzz Daily|access-date=May 22, 2022|archive-date=May 31, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531013546/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-5-19-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| season21       = 2021–22
| rank21         = 39
| viewers21      = 5.92<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2021-22-tv-ratings-every-network-series-ranked-1235161738/ | title=2021-22 TV Ratings: Final Seven-Day Numbers for Every Network Series | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=June 9, 2022 | access-date=October 28, 2022 | archive-date=June 9, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609001940/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/2021-22-tv-ratings-every-network-series-ranked-1235161738/ | url-status=live }}</ref>

| link22         = Law & Order season 22
| episodes22     = 22
| start22        = {{Start date|2022|9|22}}
| startrating22  = 4.69<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-9-22-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=SHOWBUZZDAILY's Thursday 9.22.2022|first=Mitch|last=Metcalf|publisher=Showbuzz Daily|date=September 23, 2022|accessdate=September 23, 2022|archive-date=September 25, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925183659/https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-9-22-2022-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
| end22          = {{End date|2023|5|18}}
| endrating22    = 3.96<ref name="22.22">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://showbuzzdaily.com/articles/showbuzzdailys-thursday-5-18-2023-top-150-cable-originals-network-finals.html|title=ShowBuzzDaily's Thursday 5.18.2023 Top 150 Cable Originals & Network Finals Updated|work=Showbuzz Daily|last=Salem|first=Mitch|date=May 19, 2023|access-date=May 19, 2023}}</ref>
| season22       = 2022–23
| rank22         = 34
| viewers22      = 5.88<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web| url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-2022-23-every-primetime-network-show-ranked-1235508593/ | title=TV Ratings 2022-23: Final Seven-Day Averages for Every Network Series | website=[[The Hollywood Reporter]] | date=June 7, 2023 }}</ref>

| link23         = Law & Order season 23
| episodes23     = 13
| start23        = {{Start date|2024|1|18}}
| startrating23  = 5.32<ref name="23.01">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-nbc-prevails-with-the-return-of-its-law-order-trio/|title=Thursday Ratings: NBC Prevails With the Return of its Law & Order Trio|work=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=January 19, 2024|access-date=January 22, 2024}}</ref>
| end23          = {{End date|2024|5|16}}
| endrating23    = 3.68<ref name="23.13">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-young-sheldon-on-cbs-reaches-four-year-high-with-series-finale/|title=Thursday Ratings: 'Young Sheldon' on CBS Reaches Four-Year High with Series Finale|work=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=May 17, 2024|access-date=May 17, 2024}}</ref>
| season23       = 2023–24
| rank23         = 34
| viewers23      = 5.75<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Porter |first=Rick |date=2024-06-11 |title=TV Ratings 2023-24: Final Numbers for (Almost) Every Network Series |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/tv-ratings-2023-24-primetime-network-show-rankings-1235919819/ |access-date=2024-07-19 |website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US}}</ref>

| link24         = Law & Order season 24
| episodes24     = 22
| start24        = {{Start date|2024|10|3}}
| startrating24  = 3.64<ref name="24.01">{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-abc-edges-past-nbcs-lineup-of-season-premieres/|title=Thursday Ratings: ABC Edges Past NBC's Lineup of Season Premieres|work=Programming Insider|first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=October 4, 2024|access-date=October 4, 2024}}</ref>
| end24          = {{End date|2025|5|15}}
| endrating24    = 3.67<ref name="24.22">{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-georgie-mandys-first-marriage-on-cbs-rises-in-season-finale/|title=Thursday Ratings: 'Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage' on CBS Rises in Season Finale|work=Programming Insider|last=Pucci|first=Douglas|date=May 16, 2025|access-date=May 16, 2025}}</ref>
| season24       = 2024–25
| rank24         = 
| viewers24      =

| link25         = Law & Order season 25
| episodes25     = 
| start25        = {{Start date|2025|9|25}}
| startrating25  = 3.59<ref>{{cite web|url=https://programminginsider.com/thursday-ratings-law-order-svu-begins-season-27-on-nbc/|title=Thursday Ratings: 'Law & Order: SVU' Begins Season 27 on NBC|work=Programming Insider| first=Douglas|last=Pucci|date=September 29, 2025|access-date=September 30, 2025}}</ref>
| end25          = 
| endrating25    = 
| season25       = 2025–26
| rank25         = 
| viewers25      = 
|timeslot2=Tuesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–12)</small><br /> Tuesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(eps 13–22)</small><br />|timeslot_length2=1|timeslot4=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–7, 10-22)</small><br /> Tuesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 8–9)</small><br />|timeslot_length4=1|timeslot_length5=1|timeslot5=Wednesday 10:00 p.m.|timeslot_length6=1|timeslot6=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–18, 20–23)</small><br /> Sunday 10:00 p.m. <small>(ep 19)</small><br />|timeslot7=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–14, 18–23)</small><br /> Thursday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 15–17)</small><br />|timeslot_length7=1|timeslot8=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–19, 21–24)</small><br /> Friday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 20)</small><br />|timeslot_length9=1|timeslot9=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–11, eps 13–22, ep 24)</small><br /> Sunday 9:00 p.m. <small>(Film, 11/8)</small><br /> Wednesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 12, ep 23)</small><br />|timeslot_length10=1|timeslot10=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–13, eps 15–22, ep 24)</small><br /> Friday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 14)</small><br /> Wednesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 23)</small><br />|timeslot_length11=1|timeslot11=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–18, eps 20–22, ep 24)</small><br /> Wednesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 19, ep 23)</small><br />|timeslot_length12=1|timeslot12=Wednesday 10:00 p.m.|timeslot_length13=1|timeslot13=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–17, eps 19–22, ep 24)</small><br /> Thursday 10:00 p.m. <small>(ep 18)</small><br /> Wednesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 23)</small><br />|timeslot_length14=1|timeslot14=Wednesday 10:00 p.m.|timeslot_length15=1|timeslot15=Wednesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(ep 1)</small><br /> Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 2–24)</small><br />|timeslot_length16=1|timeslot16=Wednesday 10:00 p.m. <small>(eps 1–16, eps 19–22)</small><br /> Wednesday 9:00 p.m. <small>(eps 17–18)</small><br />|timeslot_length17=1|timeslot_length19=1|timeslot19=Wednesday 10:00 p.m.|timeslot_length20=1}}

===Syndication and streaming===
Repeats of ''Law & Order'' were first broadcast weekdays on cable TV network [[A&E (TV channel)|A&E]] during the 1994–95 season. The A&E broadcasts were credited with drawing a new, much larger audience to the current weekly NBC ''Law & Order'' episodes. In 2001, A&E did not renew its contract to syndicate ''Law & Order'' as the price was then four times the original 1995 contract price.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Block |first1=Alex Ben |title=A+E at 30: How a Tiny Network Became a $26 Billion Success Story |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/a-e-at-30-how-690921/ |access-date=February 22, 2022 |work=The Hollywood Reporter |date=March 28, 2014 |archive-date=October 3, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221003151804/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/a-e-at-30-how-690921/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Reruns moved to [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]], where they remained until 2019.

As of 2023, the series is being broadcast on [[Sundance TV]], [[WE tv]], [[Ion Mystery]], [[BBC America]], [[Bounce TV]], [[Paramount Network]] and [[Pop (American TV channel)|Pop]].

Since mid-2020, selected seasons of ''Law & Order'' have been available for streaming on [[Peacock (streaming service)|Peacock]] along with ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]'', ''[[Chicago P.D. (TV series)|Chicago P.D.]]'', ''[[Chicago Med]]'', ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'', and ''[[Law & Order: Criminal Intent]]''.  However, unlike some shows on Peacock such as selected seasons of ''SVU'', which are free, access to ''Law & Order'' requires a paid Peacock subscription.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/dick-wolf-sets-rich-six-show-streaming-deal-at-peacock-1270337/|title=Dick Wolf Sets Rich Six-Show Streaming Deal at Peacock|publisher=The Hollywood Reporter|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|date=January 16, 2020|access-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200117013702/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/amp/live-feed/dick-wolf-sets-rich-six-show-streaming-deal-at-peacock-1270337|archive-date=January 17, 2020|url-status=live}}</ref>

As of December 16, 2024, ''Law & Order'' seasons 1–20 are now available to stream on [[Hulu]].

==Cancellation and revival==
On May 14, 2010, [[NBC]] officially canceled ''Law & Order'',<ref name=Variety>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Schneider|first=Michael|title=It's official: Original 'Law and Order' to end|url=https://variety.com/2010/tv/features/it-s-official-original-law-order-to-end-1118019334/|access-date=May 15, 2010|newspaper=Variety|issn=0042-2738|oclc=810134503|date=May 14, 2010|archive-date=March 19, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220319080542/https://variety.com/2010/tv/features/it-s-official-original-law-order-to-end-1118019334/|url-status=live}}</ref> opting instead to pick up ''Law & Order: Los Angeles'' as a series and renew ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'' for a twelfth season.<ref name="canceled" />  Creator Dick Wolf continued to pressure the series' producer [[NBCUniversal]] to make a deal with [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]], which held syndication rights to the show, for a twenty-first season if an acceptable license fee could be negotiated. Talks between the two started up after upfronts.<ref name="Deadline 2010-05-17">{{cite magazine | first=Nikki | last=Finke | title=TOLDJA! 'Law & Order' Heading To TNT? Or Will Dick Wolf Howl At NBCU's Hardball? | date=May 17, 2010 | url=https://deadline.com/2010/05/toldja-law-order-heading-to-tnt-42109/ | magazine=Deadline Hollywood | publisher=Mail.com Media| access-date=May 23, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100521081659/http://www.deadline.com/2010/05/toldja-law-order-heading-to-tnt/ | archive-date=May 21, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref> However, TNT said in a statement it was not interested in picking the show up for a new season.<ref name="TNTsaysno">{{#invoke:cite|news| first=Greg | last=Braxton | title=TNT arrests 'Law & Order' rumors | date=May 25, 2010 | url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/05/tnt-arrests-law-order-rumors.html | work=Los Angeles Times | access-date=May 28, 2010 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100527072959/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2010/05/tnt-arrests-law-order-rumors.html | archive-date=May 27, 2010 | url-status=live | df=mdy-all }}</ref>

After TNT discussions fell through, cable network [[AMC (TV channel)|AMC]] also considered reviving ''Law & Order'';<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url= https://www.vulture.com/2010/07/law_order_amc.html|title=AMC Investigates Reviving ''Law & Order'' |date=July 6, 2010 |work=Vulture| last1 = Adalian | first1 =  Josef | publisher = New York |access-date=February 22, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100710132509/http://nymag.com/daily/entertainment/2010/07/law_order_amc.html |archive-date=July 10, 2010 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref> however, attempts to revive it failed, and according to creator Dick Wolf, the series "moved into the history books".<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=de Moraes |first1=Lisa |title='Law & Order: Los Angeles" gets cast, new premiere date |url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2010/07/law-order-los-angeles-gets-cas.html |access-date=19 June 2022 |work=The TV Column |publisher=The Washington Post |date=30 July 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130224053711/http://voices.washingtonpost.com/tvblog/2010/07/law-order-los-angeles-gets-cas.html |archive-date=24 February 2013 |format=Blog |quote=It's not happening, Wolf said.  "That's business. That's life. Everything on TV is born under a death sentence. They just don't tell you the execution date," Wolf said, grimly.  Asked if his salary or other money issues on the show had caused talks to fall apart, Wolf snarled, "You can't believe we're going to discuss negotiations!"  "In the 25 years I've been continuously on the air at NBC, we've never failed to make a deal when there was a deal to be made," he snapped.  Yes, when asked sensitive questions at a press tour, Dick Wolf tends turn into that third-grade teacher who made you stand at the front of the class with your nose placed inside the little circle she'd drawn on the chalkboard ...}}</ref><ref name="showdead">{{#invoke:cite|news|date=July 31, 2010 |title=Law & Order is dead, says Wolf |website=The Spy Report |url=http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/07/31/us-law-order-is-dead-says-wolf/ |url-status=dead |access-date=July 31, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100803195424/http://www.mediaspy.org/report/2010/07/31/us-law-order-is-dead-says-wolf/ |archive-date=August 3, 2010}}</ref><ref name="showdead2">{{#invoke:cite|news| last = Levin | first = Gary | title = 'Law & Order' is L.A.-bound  |publisher= Gannett | location = McLean VA|issn = 0734-7456  |work=   USA Today|date = July 30, 2010 | url = http://content.usatoday.com/communities/livefrom/post/2010/07/law--order-is-la-bound/1 | access-date = July 31, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101112110850/http://content.usatoday.com/communities/livefrom/post/2010/07/law--order-is-la-bound/1 | archive-date = November 12, 2010 | url-status = live | df = mdy-all }}</ref>

In February 2015, NBC considered bringing the series back for a 10-episode limited series.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|title=NBC Eyes 'Law & Order' Limited Series|  publisher =Penske Media Corporation   |magazine=Deadline Hollywood |date=February 6, 2015|url=https://deadline.com/2015/02/law-and-order-limited-series-return-nbc-1201367497/|access-date=February 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150207012442/http://deadline.com/2015/02/law-and-order-limited-series-return-nbc-1201367497/|archive-date=February 7, 2015|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=Gelman |first=Vlada |url=http://tvline.com/2015/02/06/law-order-limited-series-nbc-chris-noth-sam-waterston/ |title=Report: NBC Eyeing Law & Order Revival, With Original Stars |work=TVLine |date=2015-02-06 |access-date=2016-09-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150224213557/http://tvline.com/2015/02/06/law-order-limited-series-nbc-chris-noth-sam-waterston/ |archive-date=February 24, 2015 |url-status=live |df=mdy-all }}</ref>

On September 28, 2021, NBC announced that a 21st season had been ordered.<ref name="TVLineRevive" /> The new season was announced after plans for a new ''Law & Order'' spin-off, ''For the Defense'', had fallen through during the summer.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/law-order-for-the-defense-spinoff-scrapped-at-nbc-1234982753/|title='Law & Order: For the Defense' Spinoff Scrapped at NBC|first=Lesley|last=Goldberg|work=[[The Hollywood Reporter]]|date=July 15, 2021|access-date=July 15, 2021|archive-date=April 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220407172419/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/law-order-for-the-defense-spinoff-scrapped-at-nbc-1234982753/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://deadline.com/2021/07/law-order-for-the-defense-dead-new-spinoff-nbc-1234793923/|title='Law & Order: For the Defense' Not Moving Forward, New 'L&O' Spinoff In Works At NBC|first=Nellie|last=Andreeva|   archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210716185051/https://deadline.com/2021/07/law-order-for-the-defense-dead-new-spinoff-nbc-1234793923/  | archive-date = July 16, 2021 |publisher =  Penske Media Corporation  |magazine=Deadline Hollywood|date=July 15, 2021|access-date=July 15, 2021}}</ref> On November 1, 2021, it was announced that [[Jeffrey Donovan]] was cast as a new series regular, while Sam Waterston and Anthony Anderson would later be announced to return.<ref name = "Jeffrey"/> On November 12, 2021, it was announced that the 21st season would premiere on February 24, 2022.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last1=Sager |first1=Jessica |title=Jack's Back! All About Sam Waterston's Return to Law & Order for Its 21st Season—Plus, When It Premieres |url=https://parade.com/1270108/jessicasager/law-and-order-reboot-sesaon-21/ |work=Parade |publisher=Advance Publications |date=December 16, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211217022313/https://parade.com/1270108/jessicasager/law-and-order-reboot-sesaon-21/ |archive-date=December 17, 2021 |oclc=1772138}}</ref><ref name="Revival Premiere Date">{{cite press release|title=NBC Rings in 2022 with Dynamic Talent, A Double Dose of New Comedy, Bold Dramas and Supercharged Unscripted Formats|url=http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news/2021/11/12/nbc-rings-in-2022-with-dynamic-talent-a-double-dose-of-new-comedy-bold-dramas-and-supercharged-unscripted-formats-354110/20211112nbc01/|publisher=[[NBC]]|via=[[The Futon Critic]]|date=November 12, 2021|access-date=November 12, 2021}}</ref>

On November 23, 2021, it was announced that [[Hugh Dancy]] would join the cast for the 21st season, and it was announced Anderson would reprise his role as Detective [[Kevin Bernard]].<ref name = "Hugh"/>

On December 10, 2021, it was revealed that [[Camryn Manheim]] had been cast as Lieutenant Kate Dixon, the successor to Merkerson's character, Lieutenant [[Anita Van Buren]]. Manheim portrayed minor characters in previous seasons of the series.<ref name="Andreeva"/> On December 15, 2021, [[Odelya Halevi]] was announced to be joining the cast as Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun.<ref name="Deadline Hollywood"/> A day later, Waterston was announced to have finalized a one-year deal to return as District Attorney [[Jack McCoy]].<ref name="Sam Waterston Returns To 'Law & Ord"/> ''Law & Order'' officially aired its first new episode in almost 12 years on February 24, 2022.

On May 10, 2022, NBC renewed the series for a twenty-second season.<ref>{{cite magazine|last=Petski|first=Denise|title='Law & Order' & 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Renewed By NBC|url=https://deadline.com/2022/05/law-order-law-order-organized-crime-renewed-nbc-dick-wolf-1235020827/|magazine=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|publisher=Penske Media Corporation|date=May 10, 2022|access-date=May 11, 2022|archive-date=June 1, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220601113204/https://deadline.com/2022/05/law-order-law-order-organized-crime-renewed-nbc-dick-wolf-1235020827/|url-status=live}}</ref> One week after the twenty-first season ended, On May 26, 2022, it was confirmed that Anderson would not be returning for the twenty-second season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last1=Hatchett|first1=Keisha|title=Law & Order: Anthony Anderson Confirmed Not to Return for Season 22|url=https://tvline.com/2022/05/26/law-and-order-anthony-anderson-leaving-season-22/|website=[[TVLine]]|date=May 26, 2022|access-date=May 27, 2022|archive-date=March 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230331125828/https://tvline.com/2022/05/26/law-and-order-anthony-anderson-leaving-season-22/|url-status=live}}</ref> On June 7, 2022, it was announced that Waterston would reprise his role as McCoy for the twenty-second season.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Andreeva |first1=Nellie |title='Law & Order': Sam Waterston Returning For Season 22 Of NBC Series |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/law-order-sam-waterston-return-season-22-jack-mccoy-nbc-1235039847/ |magazine=Deadline Hollywood |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |date=June 7, 2022 |access-date=June 8, 2022 |archive-date=September 25, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220925140851/https://deadline.com/2022/06/law-order-sam-waterston-return-season-22-jack-mccoy-nbc-1235039847/ |url-status=live }}</ref> On June 13, 2022, it was reported that [[Mehcad Brooks]] was cast for the twenty-second season.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Rice |first1=Lynette |title='Law & Order': Mehcad Brooks Cast As Detective In Season 22 |url=https://deadline.com/2022/06/law-order-mehcad-brooks-cast-upcoming-season-1235044583/ |magazine=Deadline Hollywood |date=June 13, 2022 |publisher=Penske Media Corporation |access-date=June 20, 2022 |archive-date=July 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220721093014/https://deadline.com/2022/06/law-order-mehcad-brooks-cast-upcoming-season-1235044583/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

On April 10, 2023, the series was renewed for its twenty-third season,<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=Roots |first=Kimberly |title=''Law & Order'', ''SVU'' and ''Organized Crime'' Renewed at NBC |url=https://tvline.com/2023/04/10/law-and-order-svu-renewed-season-25-nbc/ |website=[[TVLine]] |access-date=April 10, 2023 |date=April 10, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=NBC Renews All Six Dick Wolf Series Including 'One Chicago' Franchise & 'Law & Order' Trio|url=https://deadline.com/2023/04/nbc-renews-one-chicago-franchise-law-and-order-trio-1235321210/|website=[[Deadline Hollywood]]|last=Cordero|first=Rosy|date=April 10, 2023|access-date=April 10, 2023}}</ref> which premiered on January 18, 2024.<ref name="S23Premiere"/> Two months later, the series was renewed for its twenty-fourth season.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|last=White |first=Peter |date=2024-03-21 |title='Law & Order' & 'Law & Order: SVU' Renewed At NBC, 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' In Limbo |url=https://deadline.com/2024/03/law-and-order-svu-renewed-nbc-law-and-order-organized-crime-limbo-1235864770/ |access-date=2024-03-21 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}</ref> On May 8, 2025, the series was renewed for its twenty-fifth season.<ref name="Variety–S25" /><ref>{{cite news |last1=Sederstrom |first1=Jill |title=Both ''Law & Order'' and ''Special Victims Unit'' Renewed for 2025–2026 Season By NBC |url=https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/law-and-order-season-25-special-victims-unit-27-renewed-2025-2026-nbc |access-date=May 8, 2025 |agency=[[NBC Insider]] |publisher=[[NBCUniversal Media]] |date=May 8, 2025 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20250508215118/https://www.nbc.com/nbc-insider/law-and-order-season-25-special-victims-unit-27-renewed-2025-2026-nbc |archive-date=May 8, 2025 |url-status=live}}</ref>

On July 18, 2025, it was announced that Mechad Brooks was leaving after three seasons, a "mutual decision" for both the actor and producers.

==Spin-offs, crossovers, and adaptations==
{{Main|Law & Order (franchise)}}
The longevity and success of ''Law & Order'' have spawned six American television series (''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit]]'', ''[[Law & Order: Criminal Intent]]'', ''[[Law & Order: Trial by Jury]]'', ''[[Law & Order: LA]]'', ''[[Law & Order True Crime]], and'' ''[[Law & Order: Organized Crime]])'' as well as a television film (''[[Exiled: A Law & Order Movie]]''). The commercial potential of the ''Law & Order'' name outweighed initial fears that failed spin-offs (such as ''Trial by Jury'' and ''Los Angeles'') could erode the audience of the original series.<ref name="Green and Dawn 10-11">Green and Dawn (2009), pp.&nbsp;10–11</ref> To differentiate it from other series in the franchise, ''Law & Order'' is often referred to as "The Mother Ship" by producers and critics.<ref name="Green and Dawn 2">Green and Dawn (2009), p.&nbsp;2</ref>

''Law & Order'' has had [[crossover (fiction)|crossover]] episodes with other series in its franchise. Additionally, it crossed over with ''[[New York Undercover]]'' and ''[[Conviction (2006 TV series)|Conviction]]''; while neither series belongs to the ''Law & Order'' franchise officially, both are part of its [[fictional universe]], and were also created by Wolf. It also had several crossover episodes with ''[[Homicide: Life on the Street]]''. ''Law & Order''{{'s}} success has spawned two other external franchises that co-exist in the same universe (''[[Chicago (franchise)|Chicago]]'' and ''[[FBI (franchise)|FBI]]''). ''Chicago'' and ''Law & Order'' were connected through ''[[Chicago Fire (TV series)|Chicago Fire]]'' and ''[[Chicago P.D. (TV series)|Chicago P.D.]]'' with crossovers between ''[[Law & Order: Special Victims Unit|SVU]]''. ''Chicago P.D.'' also had crossovers with ''[[FBI (TV series)|FBI]]''.

The series has been adapted for British television as ''[[Law & Order: UK]]'', with the setting being changed to London. In 2024, a Canadian produced series, ''[[Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent]]'' premiered on [[Citytv]]; this series is based on the ''Criminal Intent'' format and set in the city of Toronto.

There have been a few unofficial "rip-offs" of ''Law & Order'' in other countries. For example, Singapore's version of ''Law & Order'' was entitled ''[[Code of Law]]'', starring [[Keagan Kang]] and [[Joanne Peh]] as Jacob Fernandez and Sabrina Wong (the counterparts to Jack McCoy and Serena Southerlyn respectively from the original ''Law & Order''), and aired a total of five seasons of 59 episodes between September 2012 and June 2020.<ref>{{#invoke:cite|news|last=ONG |first=S M |title=What happened to Joanne Peh? |url=https://stage-a1.asiaone.com/entertainment/what-happened-joanne-peh |access-date=April 9, 2024 |work=AsiaOne |date=February 3, 2015 |language=en}}</ref>

==Awards and honors==
{{Main|List of awards and nominations received by Law & Order}}
''Law & Order'' has been nominated for numerous awards in the television industry over the span of its run.

Among its wins are the 1997 [[Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series]], [[Screen Actors Guild Award]]s 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 #24 on [[TV Guide's 50 Greatest TV Shows of All Time]].<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|title=50 Greatest shows of all time |url=https://www.tvinsider.com/list/50-greatest-shows-of-all-time/ |website=TV Insider |date=May 4, 2002 |access-date=19 June 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220619191523/https://www.tvinsider.com/list/50-greatest-shows-of-all-time/ |archive-date=19 June 2022 |quote=This list was first published in the May 4, 2002, issue of TV Guide Magazine.}}</ref><ref>[https://www.cbsnews.com/news/tv-guide-names-top-50-shows/ TV Guide Names Top 50 Shows] The Associated Press via ''CBS News''. February 11, 2009. {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120904061715/http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2002/04/26/entertainment/main507388.shtml |date=September 4, 2012 }}.  Retrieved on February 22, 2022.</ref> The show also placed #27 on ''[[Entertainment Weekly]]''{{'s}} "New TV Classics" list.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=The New Classics: TV|url=https://ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-tv/|magazine=Entertainment Weekly|issn = 1049-0434 | oclc = 21114137 |location = New York City | publisher = Time Inc. |access-date=February 22, 2022|date=June 18, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180115162745/http://ew.com/article/2007/06/18/new-classics-tv/|archive-date=January 15, 2018|url-status=live|df=mdy-all}}</ref>

In 2013, ''[[TV Guide]]'' ranked ''Law & Order'' #14 on their list of the 60 Greatest Shows of All Time.<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Fretts |first1=Bruce |last2=Roush |first2=Matt |title=The Greatest Shows on Earth |journal=[[TV Guide Magazine]]|date = December 23, 2013 | location = Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles |issn = 0039-8543 |volume=61 |issue=3194–3195 |pages=16–19}}</ref>

==Home media==
A box set titled ''Law & Order Producer's Collection'' was released on [[VHS]] in 2000.<ref>{{Cite AV media |title=  Law & Order Producer's Collection |isbn = 0783234856}}</ref> The 3-tape set included six episodes of the series.

[[Universal Pictures Home Entertainment|Universal Studios]] has separately released all twenty seasons on DVD in Region 1, along with the complete series in a box set. Law & Order: The Complete Series boxed set features all 20 seasons from the original 1990-2010 run. Each season is individually packaged (in tray-stack style), with all new cover-art (including new cover art for the seasons that have been released). The set also includes a 50-page full-color book titled "The Episode Guide". Along with episode names and synopsis, there is trivia, facts about the making of the show, liner notes, and over 80 full-color photos. In Region 2, Universal Playback has released the first seven seasons on DVD in the UK. In Region 4, [[Universal Pictures]] has released all 20 seasons on DVD in Australia and New Zealand.

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f2f2f2; background:#f2f2f2;"
| rowspan="2"|'''Title'''
| rowspan="2"|'''Ep#'''
| colspan="3"|'''Release dates'''
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f2f2f2; background:#f2f2f2;"
| Region 1
| Region 2
| Region 4
|-
| The 1st Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 22
| October 15, 2002 /<br/>June 4, 2013 (slimline set)
| June 16, 2003
| April 2, 2003 /<br/>August 31, 2011 (slimline set)
|-
| The 2nd Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 22
| May 4, 2004 /<br/>June 3, 2014 (slimline set)
| February 28, 2005
| August 31, 2011
|-
| The 3rd Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 22
| May 24, 2005 /<br/>June 3, 2014 (slimline set)
| November 21, 2005
| August 31, 2011
|-
| The 4th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 22
| December 6, 2005 /<br/>June 3, 2014 (slimline set)
| July 17, 2006
| August 31, 2011
|-
| The 5th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 23
| April 3, 2007 /<br/>June 3, 2014 (slimline set)
| July 23, 2007
| August 31, 2011
|-
| The 6th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 23
| December 2, 2008 /<br/>May 26, 2015 (slimline set)
| February 16, 2009
| August 31, 2011
|-
| The 7th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 23
| January 19, 2010 /<br/>May 26, 2015 (slimline set)
| April 12, 2010
| August 31, 2011
|-
| The 8th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| December 7, 2010 /<br/>May 26, 2015 (slimline set)
|
| August 31, 2011
|-
| The 9th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| December 6, 2011 (slimline set)
|
| August 3, 2016
|-
| The 10th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| February 28, 2012 (slimline set)
|
| August 3, 2016
|-
| The 11th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| November 6, 2012 (slimline set)
|
| August 3, 2016
|-
| The 12th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| February 26, 2013 (slimline set)
|
| October 5, 2016
|-
| The 13th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| November 5, 2013 (slimline set)
|
| October 5, 2016
|-
| The 14th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| September 14, 2004 /<br/>February 25, 2014 (slimline set)
|
| October 5, 2016
|-
| The 15th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 24
| November 4, 2014 (slimline set)
|
| March 2, 2017
|-
| The 16th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 22
| November 4, 2014 (slimline set)
|
| March 2, 2017
|-
| The 17th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 22
| November 4, 2014 (slimline set)
|
| March 2, 2017
|-
| The 18th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 18
| May 5, 2015 (slimline set)
|
| April 5, 2017
|-
| The 19th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 22
| May 5, 2015 (slimline set)
|
| April 5, 2017
|-
| The 20th Year
| style="text-align:center;"| 23
| May 5, 2015 (slimline set)
|
| April 5, 2017
|-
| The Complete Series 1–20
| style="text-align:center;"| 456
| November 8, 2011 (box set)
|
|November 16, 2016<ref>{{#invoke:cite|web|url=https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2319091/Law-and-Order--Series-Collection|title=Law and Order {{!}} Series Collection|website=Sanity|access-date=2019-12-31|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191231225557/https://www.sanity.com.au/products/2319091/Law-and-Order--Series-Collection|archive-date=December 31, 2019|url-status=live}}</ref>
|}

The DVD box set is all NTSC even though the show switched to ATSC in season 15.

==See also==
* [[List of police television dramas]]

==References==
=== Citations ===
<references />

=== General and cited references ===
{{Refbegin}}
* {{Cite book |last1=Courrier |first1=Kevin |last2=Green |first2=Susan |year=1999 |title=Law & Order: The Unofficial Companion |edition=2nd |location=Los Angeles |publisher=Renaissance Books |isbn=1580631088 |oclc=42995115}}
*{{cite book |last1=Green |first1=Susan |last2=Dawn |first2=Randee |title=Law & Order: Special Victims Unit: The Unofficial Companion |date=2009 |publisher=[[BenBella Books]] |location=Dallas |isbn=978-1933771-88-5 |url=https://archive.org/details/laworderspecialv0000gree}}
{{Refend}}

==External links==
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{Official website|https://wolfentertainment.com/television/current/law-order/}} on [[Wolf Entertainment]]
* {{Official website|https://www.nbc.com/law-order}} on [[NBC]]
* {{Official website|https://www.hulu.com/series/law-order-4a6e33e1-330a-4ea8-bc44-5aa5c482441b}} on [[Hulu]] Streaming site.
* {{Official website|https://web.archive.org/web/20110606141739/http://www.tnt.tv/series/lawandorder/}} on [[TNT (American TV network)|TNT]]
* {{Official website|https://www.channel5.com/show/law-order}} on [[Channel 5 (UK)|Channel 5]]
* [https://www.citytv.com/show/law-order/ Official website] on City in Canada
* [https://onlocationtours.com/locations/law-order-series/ ''Law & Order'' filming locations], Mayor's Office of Film, Theater and Broadcasting
* {{IMDb title}}
* {{epguides|LawandOrder}}

{{Law & Order}}
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