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 24, 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!
The SVU pursues a suspect when a child is discovered in the trunk of an abandoned car.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 477 votes.
Benson helps a teenaged exchange student after she's assaulted by a cab driver.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 418 votes.
Benson and the team investigate the death of a prostitute at a brothel. They wonder if there was foul play or if this could be a case of a junkie who relapsed, turned to tricking, got depressed and committed suicide.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 454 votes.
Benson tries to help two teenaged sisters after their father is killed. Meanwhile, Rollins goes into labor.
The episode was rated 7.67 from 462 votes.
Benson and the SVU investigate the death of a man they believe to be a pedophile. When they dig deeper, they realize things are not what they seem and that the case actually hits really close to home.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 455 votes.
Stone asks Benson to investigate a sexual encounter from his past that he feels guilt and uncertainty about; Rollins considers a proposal from Doctor Al.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 507 votes.
Stone takes up the unsolved cold case of a serial rapist that consumed his father’s career
The episode was rated 7.70 from 467 votes.
As a string of break-in assaults grows more violent, the cops investigate an online incel group to identify a suspect.
The episode was rated 7.72 from 538 votes.
A woman accuses a celebrity plastic surgeon and his girlfriend of rape.
The episode was rated 7.73 from 475 votes.
After the rescue of a young girl from a sex trafficker, Benson and Stone must take drastic measures to reunite her with her mother. Meanwhile, Rollins decides to give her rocky relationship another chance.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 569 votes.
The cops wrestle with an unthinkable crime when a family is murdered in their sleep.
The episode was rated 7.74 from 512 votes.
When defense attorney Nikki Staines is raped after a police charity event, Benson reluctantly looks to her own for a suspect.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 480 votes.
The investigation into a promising new author’s death leads to a decades-old secret kept between two reclusive brothers.
The episode was rated 7.76 from 489 votes.
In the conclusion to the season premiere, ADA Stone blames himself for the shocking verdict in Sam's case, and before Benson can offer help, Sam makes a tragic decision.
The episode was rated 7.86 from 295 votes.
When a teenager is found dead in the Hudson River, Lt. Benson suspects Rob Miller is behind the mysterious death but can't prove it. Despite having only circumstantial evidence, ADA Stone takes the case to court before Miller can destroy more lives.
The episode was rated 7.88 from 488 votes.
