"In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories."

This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC’s Law & Order brand chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is now entering its ninth season. Combined with Law & Order -- the second longest-running drama series in the history of television -- and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the "Law & Order" franchise reached its 600th episode in the fall of 2005.

The drama follows Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), whose difficult past -- a product of rape -- is the reason she joined the unit.

In 2005, Hargitay (Detective Benson) garnered her first Golden Globe award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her portrayal of Detective Benson and her second Emmy Nomination; and in 2004, both an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild nomination in the same category. The series’ popularity was recognized in its debut season September 21, 2004 by both the People’s Choice Awards and the TV Guide Awards with nominations for Favorite New Series.

Captain Donald Cragen, (Dann Florek, reprising the role he played on the first three seasons of Law & Order from 1990-93) oversees the unit with his tough but supportive approach to the team’s complex cases, guiding the squad through the challenges they face every day. Sergeant John Munch, (Richard Belzer, reprising his role from Homicide: Life on the Street), a transfer from Baltimore’s homicide unit, brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills to the team. And his partner, Detective Odafin “Fin” Tutuola (Ice-T), adds his unique sense of humor and investigative experience, making him a formidable match for Munch.

Assistant District Attorney Kim Greylek (Michaela McManus) brings closure to the intense investigation with her legal expertise. The forensic psychiatrist, George Huang (B.D. Wong), whose insight into the minds of the accused, often provides significant clues that lead to the resolution of a case, while Medical Examiner Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie) lends her skills to uncover forensic evidence. This is the first show to have a psychiatrist or Medical Examiner billed as a star.

Spinoff Of:
Law & Order

Character Spinoff (Same Universe):
Conviction

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"In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories."

This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC’s Law & Order brand chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is now entering its ninth season. Combined with Law & Order -- the second longest-running drama series in the history of television -- and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, the "Law & Order" franchise reached its 600th episode in the fall of 2005.

The drama follows Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), whose difficult past -- a product of rape -- is the reason she joined the unit.

In 2005, Hargitay (Detective Benson)
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