Kara Sears
The Law & Order franchise has a lot of content, with the original series running for 22 seasons and various spin-offs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), Criminal Intent, Organized Crime, LA, True Crime, and UK. The good news is that you don't have to watch it in order, as each episode is mostly standalone, with no seasonal arcs. You can start with any episode that sounds interesting, or even just dive in randomly. If you want to watch it all, it is recommended to start with the original 1990 series, which is available on DirecTV and can be purchased on Prime Video and Vudu (Fandango at Home). For the spin-offs, SVU is available on Peacock and Hulu, and Trial by Jury is available on Prime Video.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Original series run | 1990-2010 |
| Number of seasons | 20 |
| Number of episodes | 523 |
| Setting | New York City |
| Main cast members | Jerry Orbach, S. Epatha Merkerson, Sam Waterston |
| Spin-offs | Law & Order: UK, Law & Order: LA, Law & Order: True Crime, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Trial by Jury |
| Revival | 2022 |
| Current season | 24 |
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What You'll Learn
You don't have to watch the series in order
If you're new to the Law & Order franchise, you don't necessarily have to watch the series in chronological order. While the original 1990 series is a good place to start, getting to know iconic characters such as Lennie Briscoe and Jack McCoy, the show's long run time and numerous seasons can be off-putting to new viewers.
Instead, you could try starting with one of the anthology spin-offs, such as Law & Order: True Crime, which focuses on a single central crime for the duration of the season. Alternatively, Law & Order: UK is a good option if you're interested in a more concise version of the show, with roughly six episodes per season. This adaptation follows the basic format of the original but is set in the United Kingdom.
If you're already familiar with the franchise, you might prefer to dive into a later season of the original series. Seasons 6 onwards are available on Amazon Prime, and you won't miss too much backstory by starting here. The show's format of introducing a crime and showing its prosecution remains consistent throughout, so it's easy to pick up partway through.
Additionally, the Law & Order: Organized Crime spin-off is another option, with episodes like "Everybody Knows the Dice Are Loaded" providing an accessible entry point to the series without requiring extensive prior knowledge.
So, while starting with season 1 of the original series is an option, it's not the only way to get into Law & Order. With its various spin-offs and accessible episodes later in the original run, you can find a starting point that suits your preferences.
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The show is episodic, with each episode mostly standalone
The original Law & Order series is an episodic show, with each episode mostly standalone. The series revolves around two NYPD detectives assigned to solve crimes, with the first half of each episode depicting the investigation and the second half portraying the legal trial in court. The criminal cases featured on the show were often taken from real-life headlines, which gives the show a sense of authenticity.
The series was created by Dick Wolf and premiered on NBC on September 13, 1990. Set in New York City, where the episodes were also filmed, the series ran for twenty seasons before it was cancelled on May 14, 2010, with the final episode airing ten days later, on May 24.
Despite the remarkable cast, creative differences between the writers and original star Skeet Ulrich led to his untimely departure from the show, which many attribute to its cancellation. However, Law & Order's legacy continued through its various spin-offs, including Criminal Intent, Trial by Jury, LA, True Crime, and Organized Crime.
The show's primary appeal is depicting a crime at the start of each episode and working towards a legal resolution in court at the end. The episodic nature of the show allows for a new criminal to be arrested each week, with the squad of detectives and attorneys handling cases within the NYPD's 27th Precinct. The cast of the show has changed over the years, with some characters leaving and joining other shows within the franchise, while new actors have joined the main cast as the series progressed.
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The original 1990 series is a good starting point
If you want to watch the entire Law & Order franchise from beginning to end, it is recommended to start with the original series from 1990. This is where you will be introduced to iconic characters such as Jack McCoy and Lennie Briscoe. The show follows a crime-first, prosecution-second format, with each episode focusing on a specific crime and its resolution in court. This episodic nature means that you can watch random episodes from various seasons, in no particular order. However, the second-to-last season is an exception, as it features an antagonistic relationship between Governor Shalvoy and Jack McCoy that develops over multiple episodes.
The original Law & Order series has a total of 22 seasons, with some episodes considered better than others. For example, fans of the show have expressed a preference for episodes featuring Lennie Briscoe, regardless of who his partner is. If you want to narrow your focus, it is recommended to start with Season 5 and go up to Season 20, encompassing the Lennie years (seasons 5-14). This will give you the "best overall flavour" of the show.
If you want to own the seasons of Law & Order and watch them at your leisure, you can purchase specific seasons through digital on-demand libraries like Prime Video and Vudu (Fandango at Home). Prime Video offers Seasons 1, 2, and 16 through 20, while Fandango at Home includes Seasons 1, 2, and 16 through 23. Each season typically costs around $19.99, but prices may vary depending on the platform and any available discounts.
Alternatively, you can stream the original Law & Order series on DirecTV. Peacock also offers a large selection of Law & Order franchise content, including the original series, for $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. Hulu is another streaming option, although it may not have the most recent seasons available immediately.
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You can watch Law & Order: SVU on Peacock or Hulu
If you're a fan of crime and legal drama, then "Law & Order: SVU" is definitely worth watching. The show revolves around the NYPD's elite Special Victims Unit, led by the courageous and compassionate veteran Captain Olivia Benson, who investigates crimes that are often ripped from the headlines. With 26 seasons and counting, it's the longest-running primetime drama in the history of American television.
You can easily watch "Law & Order: SVU" on Peacock, an affordable streaming service with over 80,000 hours of entertainment. For just $7.99/month, you can stream "Law & Order: SVU" and many other NBC favourites. Simply sign up for a Peacock account and start streaming. New episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" air on Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and are available to stream the next day on Peacock.
Alternatively, you can also watch "Law & Order: SVU" on Hulu. Hulu offers a vast content library and is known for providing access to popular TV shows, including "Law & Order: SVU". With Hulu, you can enjoy binge-watching your favourite legal drama at your own pace.
It's important to note that while Peacock offers full episodes of "Law & Order: SVU," some users have reported issues with the streaming service not updating new episodes promptly. However, this may vary depending on your location and streaming device.
Whether you choose to watch on Peacock or Hulu, "Law & Order: SVU" is an engaging and compelling series that will keep you entertained for many seasons. The show's success has led to its longevity, and it continues to be a favourite among fans of crime and legal dramas.
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The show is also available to buy on Prime Video
The popular police procedural and legal drama television series Law & Order has been airing since 1990, with 24 seasons and 523 episodes as of May 2025. The show revolves around two NYPD detectives assigned to solve crimes, with each episode depicting a crime and its legal resolution in court. The show's success has led to the creation of a franchise, including spin-offs, a television film, video games, and international adaptations.
For those interested in watching the show, Law & Order is available on various streaming platforms. The show can be streamed on Spectrum, Freevee, and Prime Video. While the availability may vary by region, viewers can purchase Law & Order: Trial by Jury on Prime Video. This spin-off stars Jerry Orbach as Lennie Briscoe, a character from the original series, and provides a glimpse into courtroom proceedings.
Prime Video is a convenient option for viewers who wish to start watching Law & Order. While some streaming platforms may offer only select seasons, purchasing episodes or seasons through Prime Video can ensure access to the desired content. This is especially useful for viewers who want to start from the beginning, as the original 1990 season is essential to introducing iconic characters and understanding the show's formula.
By buying Law & Order on Prime Video, viewers can enjoy the convenience of streaming the show on-demand. This option provides flexibility, allowing viewers to watch at their own pace and create a personalised viewing experience. Buying the show also grants access to special features and bonus content that may not be available through standard streaming services.
In addition to purchasing individual seasons or episodes, Prime Video may offer the option to buy the complete series of Law & Order. This option can be cost-effective and provide the convenience of having the entire show readily available. With the complete series, viewers can easily re-watch their favourite episodes, revisit iconic moments, and share the experience with friends who are new to the show.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need to watch the original series first. The beauty of *Law & Order* is that each episode is mostly standalone, with no seasonal arcs. You can turn on any episode and enjoy it.
Yes, the second-to-last season should be watched in order, as it features an antagonistic relationship between Governor Shalvoy and Jack McCoy.
Many fans enjoy the Lennie Briscoe years, which are seasons 5-14.
You can watch *Law & Order* on Peacock, Hulu, DirecTV, Prime Video, or Vudu (Fandango at Home).
There are 22 seasons of the original series, with a 23rd season due in February 2024.
