THE “DUN DUN” HEARD AROUND THE WORLD: THE STORY OF THE LAW & ORDER SPINOFFS
To call the original Law & Order influential would be an understatement. Since its debut in 1990, the series has not only redefined television procedurals but also launched a sprawling universe of spinoffs. Over the last 35 years, Dick Wolf’s creation has expanded across the United States — and even crossed oceans — with each series offering a unique lens on crime, justice, and the gray areas in between.
With the OG Law & Order returning for its 25th season on October 1, here’s a look back at the eight official spinoffs that helped make this franchise a global television powerhouse.
Special Victims Unit (1999 – Present)
Debuting in 1999, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit quickly became the franchise’s beating heart. With Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson at the helm, SVU tackled sensitive cases involving sexual assault and vulnerable victims. Now entering its 27th season, the series is the longest-running primetime live-action drama in U.S. history and has become a cultural touchstone.
Organized Crime (2021 – Present)
Christopher Meloni reprised his role as Elliot Stabler in Law & Order: Organized Crime, launching in 2021. The spinoff follows Stabler and his task force as they infiltrate New York’s underworld of organized crime. Beyond the cases, the series fuels ongoing intrigue with Stabler’s complicated bond with Benson.
Criminal Intent (2001 – 2011)
For ten seasons, Law & Order: Criminal Intent flipped the formula by focusing on the criminals themselves. Led by Vincent D’Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe, the series offered a psychological deep dive into the minds of perpetrators, giving viewers a chilling new perspective on crime.
Trial by Jury (2005 – 2006)
Though short-lived, Law & Order: Trial by Jury carved out a unique niche by spotlighting both prosecution and defense teams as they prepared for trial. Airing just one season, it nevertheless expanded the franchise’s storytelling into courtroom strategy.
Law & Order: LA (2010 – 2011)
In 2010, Dick Wolf moved the franchise to the West Coast with Law & Order: LA. While the series mirrored the original’s “investigation, then prosecution” format, the bright Los Angeles setting offered a sharp contrast to the gritty streets of New York. Despite its fresh perspective, it lasted only one season.
True Crime (2017)
Law & Order: True Crime took the franchise in a bold new direction. The anthology series dramatized real-life cases, with its single season focused on the Menendez brothers’ infamous trial. By blending fiction with reality, the show highlighted the potential of the franchise to tackle true-crime storytelling.
Law & Order: UK (2009 – 2014)
In 2009, Law & Order crossed the Atlantic with Law & Order: UK. The London-set series ran for eight seasons, adapting the signature formula to fit the British legal system. Starring Bradley Walsh and Robert Glenister, it offered international audiences their own version of the procedural classic.
Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent (2024 – Present)
Canada joined the franchise in 2024 with Law & Order Toronto: Criminal Intent. Though inspired by the U.S. Criminal Intent, the Toronto-based series crafts original cases rooted in Canadian law. A second season is already in production, and while no crossover has occurred yet, fans are eager for one.
A Global Legacy
From Manhattan to London to Toronto, Law & Order has proven its formula can transcend borders. Some spinoffs were fleeting experiments, while others became genre-defining hits. Together, they’ve built a legacy that’s as much about cultural impact as courtroom drama. And with new seasons on the horizon, the unmistakable “Dun Dun” remains one of television’s most enduring sounds.