From the moment that the original Law & Order premiered on NBC in September 1990, viewers were sucked into the world that Dick Wolf had created. 35 years later, with seven spin-offs to its name in the U.S, we still get a thrill every time we hear that "dun dun" sound.
Over the course of the last three decades, there have been Law & Order series that have become iconic parts of pop culture with their characters and plots, while others just missed the mark. So, let's break down where each series in the franchise measures up.
7. Law & Order: Trial By Jury (2005-2006)
The idea for this series was to be more of a courtroom drama, focusing only on the trial part of the cases. And while there's plenty of interesting things happening in a courtroom, the excitement with the police was a huge part of the appeal of the show.
Between the lack of excitement for the viewers and the death of one of its actors, Jerry Orbach, during production, this show just couldn't find its stride. Ultimately, it ended up being the first Law & Order series to be canceled due to low ratings, after only 13 episodes.
6. Law & Order: Los Angeles (2010-2011)
Let's be honest, when you think of Law & Order, you think of New York. But that doesn't mean that a crime series couldn't succeed in Los Angeles. After all, there are plenty of other shows that have been successful, such as The Rookie, NCIS: Los Angeles, SWAT, 9-1-1, and more.
Yet, there was just something about bringing this series to sunny California that didn't work. Fans seemed to prefer the grittiness of New York, and the crimes centered around the average person there, as opposed to the glitz and glamour of Hollywood and its flashier style. The plots didn't resonate, and it just couldn't measure up, leading to it being canceled after one season.
5. Law & Order: True Crime (2017)
This eight-episode anthology was a complete departure from the usual Law & Order formula. Dick Wolf decided to jump in on the True Crime trend and do an anthology series focused on one real case per season, starting with the famous Menendez brothers murders.
While the series garnered plenty of accolades and earned Edie Falco an Emmy for playing defense attorney Leslie Abramson, many fans felt it still didn't fully measure up to what they look for in a Dick Wolf production. And while it was never officially canceled, it has been on a hiatus for several years now.
4. Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-2011)
Criminal Intent took the opposite approach of Trial by Jury, focusing more on the investigating half of the crime, which was way more exciting for viewers. It also took a more intense look into the minds of the criminals themselves, sometimes showing their perspective, adding another different element to the series.
The acting was outstanding, and the show had fair success, but it frequently struggled and suffered in the ratings after its first few seasons. For some fans, it remains a top-rated favorite, but many critics felt like the actors were simply too good for the roles and material they were being given.
3. Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021 - Present)
Organized Crime began as a spin-off of SVU, featuring the character of Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni, as he joins an NYPD organized crime task force. While the series had a rocky beginning, partly due to its kickoff during the COVID pandemic, it eventually found its footing.
Fans love Stabler's character, how the show dives deeper into the characters' lives, and the ongoing storylines taking place over the course of each season. Plus, who can resist the intrigue of the mob and other organized crime organizations?
2. Law & Order (1990-2010, 2022 - Present)
All hail the original series that started it all. The original concept of having the first half of an episode focus on the police investigation, while the second half focused on the court aspect, created incredibly compelling television.
Throughout the years, it's introduced us to beloved characters, drama that kept us on the edge of our seats, and a long-lasting legacy. And when it came back after over a decade off the air, fans could not wait to see more.
1. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999 - Present)
With all due respect to the original, Special Victims Unit, otherwise known as SVU, stands in a category all its own. It's not only the most successful spin-off, but one of the longest-running series in all of television.
There's plenty to love about it, from its realistic and educational storylines to its ensemble cast and notable guest stars. But it's Mariska Hargitay's portrayal of Detective Olivia Benson that reigns supreme, and keeps everyone clamoring for more, even after 25 years of episodes.
Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU air on Thursdays starting at 8/7c on NBC.
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