Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
“Hope in the darkness.”
Series Overview
In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.
Broadcast Schedule & Network Information
Airing status, episode counts, upcoming schedule, and network syndication.
28 Seasons • 598 Episodes
1999 – Present
Premiered: Mon, Sep 20, 1999
Dick WolfUpcoming Broadcast Premiere
Season 28, Episode 3: “Anonymity”
As SVU races to dismantle a dark web network exploiting young children, a conflict with federal investigators threatens the case. Bruno's determination to protect the victims pushes him to a breaking point.
Seasons & Episodes Breakdown
Season 1
22 Episodes →
Season 2
21 Episodes →
Season 3
23 Episodes →
Season 4
25 Episodes →
Season 5
25 Episodes →
Season 6
23 Episodes →
Season 7
22 Episodes →
Season 8
22 Episodes →
Season 9
19 Episodes →
Season 10
22 Episodes →
Season 11
24 Episodes →
Season 12
24 Episodes →
Season 13
23 Episodes →
Season 14
24 Episodes →
Season 15
24 Episodes →
Season 16
23 Episodes →
Season 17
23 Episodes →
Season 18
21 Episodes →
Season 19
24 Episodes →
Season 20
24 Episodes →
Season 21
20 Episodes →
Season 22
16 Episodes →
Season 23
22 Episodes →
Season 24
22 Episodes →
Season 25
13 Episodes →
Season 26
22 Episodes →
Season 27
21 Episodes →
Season 28
7 Episodes →
Trailers, Teasers & Extra Featurettes
Official promotional previews, behind-the-scenes footage, and exclusive clips.
Benson and Stabler: A Look Back at a 25-Year Partnership | Law & Order: SVU | NBCOfficial
Type: Featurette • Published 2023-12-22
Cast & Creators
Explore Star Directory →
Creative Leadership & Key Crew
Dick Wolf
Age Classification & Content Advisories
Official viewer rating standards and content warnings across international classification boards.
TV-14: Parents Strongly Cautioned — Contains material unsuitable for children under 14.
International Certification Matrix
Parents Strongly Cautioned — Contains material unsuitable for children under 14.
FSK 16 — Restricted to viewers aged 16 and older.
Universal Public Exhibition — Unrestricted family viewing.
Interdit aux moins de 12 ans — 12+ only.
14+ Parents Strongly Cautioned.
Suitable only for 15 years and over.
Production Stills & Gallery
Official cinematic photography and background stills for Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Key facts, seasons breakdown, and credits for search engines and AI assistants.
What is Law & Order: Special Victims Unit about?
In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.
How many seasons does Law & Order: Special Victims Unit have?
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit comprises 28 seasons available to explore.
Who stars in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?
Key cast members in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit include Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Aimé Donna Kelly.
Who created or directed Law & Order: Special Victims Unit?
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was developed and directed by Dick Wolf.