This hard-hitting and emotional companion series to NBC's "Law & Order" chronicles the life and crimes of the elite Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department. "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" was created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, whose critically acclaimed "Law & Order" won the 1997 Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama series.
Although "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" enables characters from the "Law & Order" franchise to migrate between the two series and also features some storyline crossovers, the newer program has created a strong identity and is quickly establishing itself as a hit in its own right.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" finished its rookie season as one of the top-rated freshman series and the only new series from the 1999-2000 season to receive a multi-year renewal (through May 2002). The drama averaged a 4.3 rating and 12 share in adults 18-49 and 12.2 million viewers overall. In January 2000, the show moved into its current Friday (10-11 p.m. ET) time period and quickly became the first NBC series to win that hour in adults 18-49 (4.5/14) and total viewers (12.7 million) on a regular basis since "Miami Vice" in 1988-89. The series' popularity has been recognized by both the People's Choice Awards and the TV Guide Awards with nominations for Favorite New Series.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" follows Det. Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni, "Runaway Bride," "Oz"), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay, NBC's "ER"), whose difficult past is the reason she joined the unit. In her first season as Detective Benson, Hargitay received a nomination from the Viewers for Quality Television for Best Actress and from the TV Guide Awards for Favorite Actress in a New Series.
Overseeing the unit is Capt. Donald Cragen (Dann Florek, reprising the role he played on the first three seasons of "Law & Order"). Cragen's tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases guides the squad through the challenges they face every day. Also featured is Det. John Munch (Richard Belzer, "Homicide: Life on the Street"), a transfer from Baltimore's homicide unit, who brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills. Joining Munch this season is new partner Det. Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T, "Players," "New Jack City"), whose unique wit and investigative experience make him a formidable match for Munch. Rounding out the squad is street-savvy Det. Monique Jeffries (Michelle Hurd, "The Practice"). This season, the detectives have a new ally in bringing criminals to justice. Stephanie March (Broadway's "Death of a Salesman") joins the cast as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot, whose efforts to bring closure to the intense investigations will add a legal component to the series.
"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is a Wolf Films production in association with Studios USA Television. Dick Wolf ("Law & Order"), Ted Kotcheff ("Fun with Dick and Jane," "Weekend at Bernie's") and Neal Baer ("ER") are executive producers; Peter Jankowski and Arthur Forney are co-executive producers.
