THE LAW & ORDER SPINOFFS: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO THE POLICE PROCEDURAL UNIVERSE YOU DIDN’T KNOW EXISTED
Since 1990, the Law & Order universe created by Dick Wolf has expanded into one of television’s most enduring franchises. Over the decades, nine different spinoffs have premiered, some lasting only a single season while others have approached the thirty-season mark. For newcomers, the sheer number of titles can feel overwhelming. So where should you start? Here’s a breakdown of the Law & Order spinoffs and how they fit into the wider universe.
The Original Series That Started It All
Law & Order (1990–2010; 2022–present) is the cornerstone of the franchise. With its signature two-part structure—investigation followed by trial—it became the template for every future spinoff. The show ran for two decades before ending in 2010, only to be revived in 2022. Now heading into Season 25, the original series proves that its formula still resonates with audiences today.
SVU: The Franchise’s Beating Heart
In 1999, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit debuted and quickly became the crown jewel of the franchise. Starring Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson, SVU explores sensitive but vital subjects—sexual assault and crimes against the vulnerable. Its episodic structure makes it accessible to new viewers, while its longevity has made it the longest-running primetime live-action series in U.S. history. With Season 27 just around the corner, SVU remains the most iconic entry in the franchise.
Criminal Intent and Other Bold Experiments
Law & Order: Criminal Intent launched in 2001, offering a deeper look into the psychology of criminals, led by Vincent D’Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe. It ran for 10 seasons before wrapping in 2011. Other experiments were less successful. Trial by Jury (2005–2006) attempted to shift the focus entirely to courtroom proceedings but lasted only 13 episodes. Conviction (2006) focused on young prosecutors balancing personal and professional struggles, but it too was canceled after one season despite featuring familiar faces from SVU.
Expanding Beyond U.S. Borders
In 2009, the franchise went global with Law & Order: UK, an eight-season adaptation set within the British legal system, starring Bradley Walsh and Robert Glenister. A year later, Law & Order: LA brought the series to the West Coast, adding a sunny but gritty Los Angeles backdrop. Despite the fresh perspective, the series only lasted one season.
True Crime Gets the Law & Order Treatment
In 2017, Dick Wolf experimented again with Law & Order: True Crime, dramatizing the infamous Menendez brothers case. Although it lasted for just one season, the show proved that the Law & Order format could be applied to real-life cases with equal intrigue.
The Universe Continues to Evolve
Not every spinoff stood the test of time, but the overall resilience of the franchise shows its staying power. Between the revival of the original, the continued dominance of SVU, and the willingness to experiment with new formats, Law & Order has remained a cultural institution for more than three decades. Its balance of consistency and reinvention is what keeps fans invested—and what ensures the “dun dun” will echo on television screens for years to come.