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Law & Order 1990

“Truth matters.”

★ 7.3/10 · 696 votes TV-14 CrimeDrama 26 seasons · 545 eps Returning Series
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Quick answer

What is Law & Order?

Law and Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series created by Dick Wolf. The program focuses on the New York criminal justice system and explores the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes.

Type
TV series
Year
1990
Status
Returning Series
Episodes
545
First aired
Sep 13, 1990
Last aired
May 14, 2026
Original language
EN
Origin
US
Networks
NBC
Genres
Crime, Drama
Updated
Availability by region

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How long to binge?

Estimate the schedule using 545 episodes and an average 45-minute runtime.

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Overview

Law and Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series created by Dick Wolf. The program focuses on the New York criminal justice system and explores the investigation and prosecution of serious crimes. Each episode is structured as a two-part drama. In the first half, police detectives investigate violent crimes, weigh evidence, and question suspects until an individual is taken into custody. The second half shifts to the district attorney office, where prosecutors build a case to convict the perpetrator by proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. By navigating the complex criminal justice system, these expert teams work to make New York a safer place. The series, which launched the Law and Order franchise, was produced by Wolf Entertainment and Universal Television. It aired its entire run on NBC, premiering on September 13, 1990, and completing its 20th season on May 24, 2010. The show is known for featuring cases ripped from the headlines and involves the collaboration of police and prosecutors to uphold the law.

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Should you watch it?

“Police detectives investigate violent crimes followed by the legal prosecution of suspects in New York City.”

Reasons to watch
  • balanced focus on investigation and trial
  • inspired by real world events
Keep in mind
  • follows a rigid episodic structure

Watch it if you enjoy watching the step-by-step process of the criminal justice system in action.

The series depicts violent crimes and serious legal proceedings within the criminal justice system.

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Cast

Episode guide

Season 1 · 22 episodes Open the complete Season 1 guide →
Season 2 · 22 episodes
Season 3 · 22 episodes
Season 4 · 22 episodes
Season 5 · 23 episodes

Frequently asked questions

What is the show about?

The series focuses on the New York criminal justice system by showing police investigations followed by courtroom trials.

Who created the series?

The series was created by Dick Wolf and Rick Eid.

What is the format?

It is a two-part drama that splits its focus between police detectives and prosecutors.

Where is the show set?

The series is set in New York.

What is the genre?

It is an American police procedural and legal drama television series.