Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

10 Best Episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Season 17

Since its premiere on NBC in 1999, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has aired 25 seasons of gripping, suspenseful, and often emotionally charged investigations into some of the most heinous felonies. This long-running series has built a reputation as one of the best crime dramas on television, captivating audiences with its intense, realistic storylines. With so many incredible episodes to choose from, it's no wonder that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has remained a fan favorite for so long. In this article, we'll be ranking the best episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, looking at some of the show's most memorable and memorable moments.

From the heartbreaking cases to the intense and dramatic courtroom scenes, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has been responsible for some of the most gripping television of all time. From the show's earliest days to its most recent season, there have been some truly incredible episodes that have stood out from the rest. We'll be looking at some of the most memorable and impactful episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ranked from best to worst.

From the iconic characters to the intense investigations, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has made its mark on television as one of the best crime dramas ever. With so many great episodes to choose from, it can be difficult to pick out the best of the best. We'll be looking at some of the most acclaimed episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ranking the best episodes from the show's 25 season run.

Written by Sophie and last updated on apr 18, 2024.

PS: The following content contains spoilers!

PPS: I will admit that parts of this page was written with the help of AI - it makes my work so much easier to not start from a blank page!

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E7

#15 - Patrimonial Burden (Season 17 - Episode 7)

When a pious TV family's reputation is shattered by a teen pregnancy scandal, SVU uncovers the reality behind the reality show.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 485 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E13

#14 - Forty-One Witnesses (Season 17 - Episode 13)

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A woman is followed home and raped outside her building, where several neighbors witness the crime but fail to call for help.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 481 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E19

#13 - Sheltered Outcasts (Season 17 - Episode 19)

Detective Carisi lives undercover at a homeless shelter to determine if one of its sex offender residents is the suspect in a string of neighborhood rapes.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 607 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E4

#12 - Institutional Fail (Season 17 - Episode 4)

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A malnourished toddler is found wandering and leads police to another ill child from the same home. The investigation eventually lands the Department of Child Services in hot water. Meanwhile, Chief Dodds tells Benson to expect some changes at her squad.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 472 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E2

#11 - Criminal Pathology (2) (Season 17 - Episode 2)

A serial killer reveals shocking new info and problems in the case mount as Barba faces slick lawyers in court.

The episode was rated 7.75 from 255 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E16

#10 - Star-Struck Victims (Season 17 - Episode 16)

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When a lack of evidence leads Barba to drop rape charges against a popular actor; Rollins takes matters into her own hands.

The episode was rated 7.78 from 453 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E1

#9 - Devil's Dissections (1) (Season 17 - Episode 1)

The squad revisit a crime scene where bodies were buried by a serial killer. Rollins tries to get a confession, but the killer reveals shocking new info instead.

The episode was rated 7.81 from 572 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E14

#8 - Nationwide Manhunt (I) (Season 17 - Episode 14)

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Chicago P.D. detectives Lindsay and Dawson join the SVU in the hunt for two escaped murderers they helped to convict. The crossover continues on Chicago P.D. S03E14 The Song of Gregory Williams Yates (II).

The episode was rated 7.83 from 596 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E15

#7 - Collateral Damages (Season 17 - Episode 15)

Two high-profile suspects are arrested in the takedown of an online pedophile ring following a sting operation.

The episode was rated 7.84 from 486 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E17

#6 - Manhattan Transfer (Season 17 - Episode 17)

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A sexual exploitation case involving Catholic schoolgirls results in surprising charges against people in esteemed leadership positions, including judges, lawmakers, lawyers and cops.

The episode was rated 7.88 from 483 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E18

#5 - Unholiest Alliance (Season 17 - Episode 18)

When one of their own is implicated in a cover-up, the SVU struggles to unravel a sex trafficking operation deeply-rooted in government offices, the police department, and the Catholic Church.

The episode was rated 7.89 from 524 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E3

#4 - Transgender Bridge (Season 17 - Episode 3)

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When a transgender teen is assaulted by high school bullies, the case quickly escalates to tragedy, and the squad agonizes over whether the punishment fits the crime.

The episode was rated 7.91 from 466 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E11

#3 - Townhouse Incident (Season 17 - Episode 11)

In the gripping episode "Townhouse Incident" from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, viewers are taken on an intense journey as Detective Benson finds herself in a life-threatening situation. When she bravely intervenes in a home invasion, she ends up becoming a hostage herself, showcasing her unwavering dedication to justice and protection of others.

Fans of the show have praised this episode as one of the most captivating in the series, even after 17 seasons. The high stakes and adrenaline-pumping storyline keep viewers on the edge of their seats, proving that SVU continues to deliver compelling narratives that leave a lasting impact. With each twist and turn, the tension rises, making it a standout moment in the show's extensive history.

Notably, the presence of Tucker adds an extra layer of complexity to the episode. Known for his conflicted character dynamics, Tucker's unexpected role in the events of "Townhouse Incident" adds intrigue and depth to the storyline. This fresh perspective on his character's motivations and actions provides a unique twist, further engaging audiences and solidifying this episode as a standout favorite among fans.

The episode was rated 7.98 from 482 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E22

#2 - Intersecting Lives (1) (Season 17 - Episode 22)

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In the episode Intersecting Lives (1) of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, a corrections officer is arrested for sexually assaulting female inmates in and out of prison. As the union that supports him targets Barba and the SVU, Barba is unphased and stands his ground even when he is in a terrifying situation. Even when Barba is scared, he still has a sassy demeanor and doesn't back down from the fight.

The episode follows the team as they take on the case against the corrections officer. Despite the union's opposition, the SVU is determined to get justice for the female inmates and prove that the union cannot stop the law. As the investigation continues, Barba is prepared to face any obstacles that come his way and stands firm in his position. As the case moves forward, the team attempts to get to the bottom of the case and prove that the corrections officer is guilty.

The episode was rated 8.00 from 640 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S17E23

#1 - Heartfelt Passages (2) (Season 17 - Episode 23)

The Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episode Heartfelt Passages (2) is an intense episode that captures the audience's attention and ultimately leaves them with tears in their eyes. The episode follows the SVU squad as they investigate Corrections Officer Gary Munson. After the investigation deepens, Munson and his union take drastic actions that put ADA Barba and the SVU squad in danger.

Mike Dodds, the son of Captain Donal Dodds, enters the UVE and proves to be a great asset to the team. His presence quickly wins over the hearts of the viewers, making his sudden death more shocking and heartbreaking. This is the first time the unit loses one of their own and it is a difficult moment for them. The episode is certainly one that will make viewers cry.

The episode was rated 8.13 from 669 votes.

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