Law & Order
A two-part drama of police investigation and legal prosecution.
**Law & Order** is an American television series that blends police procedural and legal drama, created by Dick Wolf and produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television. It served as the original entry in the broader Law & Order franchise. The show aired exclusively on NBC, debuting on September 13, 1990, and concluding its initial 20-season run on May 24, 2010. After an 11-year break, NBC announced a revival on September 28, 2021, with the 21st season premiering on February 24, 2022. This revival introduced new regular cast members while bringing back two series veterans: District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) and Detective Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson). The series was subsequently renewed for three more seasons. Its 25th season premiered on September 25, 2025, and in May 2026, a 26th season was ordered, set to premiere on October 8 of that year.
Set and filmed in New York City, the series follows a distinctive two-part structure: the first half-hour covers the investigation of a crime—typically a murder—and the arrest of a suspect by NYPD homicide detectives, while the second half focuses on the prosecution of the defendant by the Manhattan district attorney’s office. Plots are inspired by real cases that recently made headlines, though the motives and perpetrators often differ significantly from the actual events.
The show adopted a revolving-door casting approach starting in season two. The longest-serving main cast members in the series’ history are Jerry Orbach as Detective Lennie Briscoe, S. Epatha Merkerson as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, and Sam Waterston as Executive Assistant District Attorney/District Attorney Jack McCoy.
With 25 seasons, *Law & Order* ranks second among live-action scripted American primetime series in longevity, behind only its spin-off *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (1999–present). The show’s success spawned a franchise, including additional series, a television film, video games, and international adaptations. It has received numerous awards and nominations, including several Primetime Emmy Awards.
**Plot**
Episodes follow a consistent two-part format separated by a midpoint transition. The first half centers on the police investigation; the second half follows the prosecution as the case moves through the criminal justice system. Character backstories and personal lives are kept minimal, keeping eac
- creator
- Dick Wolf
- network
- NBC
- premiere_date
- September 13, 1990
- finale_date_of_original_run
- May 24, 2010
- revival_premiere
- February 24, 2022
- number_of_seasons_as_of_2026
- 26
- setting
- New York City
Lore & Background
Law & Order aired its entire run on NBC, premiering on September 13, 1990, and completing its 20th season on May 24, 2010. After an 11-year hiatus, NBC announced a revival for a 21st season, which premiered on February 24, 2022. The revival saw new regular cast members and the return of series veterans Sam Waterston as District Attorney Jack McCoy and Anthony Anderson as Detective Kevin Bernard. The series was subsequently renewed for three additional seasons, with the twenty-fifth season premiering on September 25, 2025, and a twenty-sixth season announced for October 8, 2026.
Set and filmed in New York City, the series follows a two-part approach: the first half hour is the investigation of a crime (usually murder) and apprehension of a suspect by NYPD homicide detectives, while the second half is the prosecution by the Manhattan district attorney's office. Plots are based on real cases that recently made headlines, though the motivation for the crime and the perpetrator may differ. The show began using revolving door casting in season two, with the longest-serving main cast members including Jerry Orbach as Detective Lennie Briscoe, S. Epatha Merkerson as Lieutenant Anita Van Buren, and Sam Waterston as Executive Assistant District Attorney/District Attorney Jack McCoy.
Reader's Guide
Law & Order's twenty-five seasons are second only to its spin-off Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for the longest-running live action scripted American primetime series. The success of the series led to the creation of additional shows, making Law & Order a franchise, including a television film, several video games, and international adaptations. It has won and been nominated for numerous awards, including a number of Primetime Emmy Awards.
The series is notable for its distinctive two-part format, with episodes following a police investigation and then legal proceedings. Most episodes begin with a cold open in which a crime, usually a homicide, is discovered. The police portion follows detectives assigned to the NYPD's 27th Precinct Homicide Unit, while the legal half shifts to the New York County District Attorney's Office. Episodes often conclude with a jury verdict or plea agreement, and many close with a reflective conversation exploring legal, moral, or ethical questions. The franchise's practice of conceiving stories 'ripped from the headlines' has become a hallmark of the series.
Did You Know?
- Law & Order premiered on September 13, 1990, and completed its 20th season on May 24, 2010.
- The series was revived after an 11-year hiatus, with its 21st season premiering on February 24, 2022.
- The longest-serving main cast members include Jerry Orbach, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Sam Waterston.
- Law & Order's twenty-five seasons are second only to its spin-off Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for the longest-running live action scripted American primetime series.
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