Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

10 Best Episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - Season 23

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!

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E9

#15 - People vs. Richard Wheatley (I) (Season 23 - Episode 9)

Carisi tries Richard Wheatley for the murder of Kathy Stabler. Benson finds herself at odds with a friend when Barba agrees to take the case. The crossover continues on Law & Order: Organized Crime S02E09 The Christmas Episode (II).

The episode was rated 7.56 from 309 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E8

#14 - Nightmares in Drill City (Season 23 - Episode 8)

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Carisi asks the SVU for help with a murder investigation when one of the witnesses shows signs of abuse.

The episode was rated 7.56 from 309 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E3

#13 - I Thought You Were on My Side (Season 23 - Episode 3)

Benson and Rollins must contend with the FBI and the Organized Crime bureau when a rape victim identifies a dangerous mobster as her assailant.

The episode was rated 7.58 from 309 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E17

#12 - Once Upon a Time in El Barrio (Season 23 - Episode 17)

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Velasco asks Benson for help finding three girls who were trafficked from his hometown to New York City.

The episode was rated 7.61 from 289 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E10

#11 - Silent Night, Hateful Night (Season 23 - Episode 10)

The SVU is called in to help investigate a wave of hate crimes on Christmas Eve. Rollins catches up with an old flame.

The episode was rated 7.64 from 296 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E18

#10 - Eighteen Wheels a Predator (Season 23 - Episode 18)

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Rollins and Fin investigate an assault in Kentucky that has striking similarities to a victim found in Central Park. Benson receives intel that turns the case upside down.

The episode was rated 7.64 from 282 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E19

#9 - Tangled Strands of Justice (Season 23 - Episode 19)

Garland asks Benson to reopen a missing persons case he worked as a rookie officer. A victim in one of Carisi's recent cases is arrested.

The episode was rated 7.64 from 284 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E5

#8 - Fast Times @TheWheelHouse (Season 23 - Episode 5)

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The SVU faces the fury of social media fans when they arrest two popular influencer brothers.

The episode was rated 7.65 from 307 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E2

#7 - Never Turn Your Back on Them (Season 23 - Episode 2)

The search for a missing witness leads Fin and Kat down a dangerous path. Chief McGrath puts pressure on Garland and Benson to get a conviction.

The episode was rated 7.66 from 322 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E15

#6 - Promising Young Gentleman (Season 23 - Episode 15)

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Carisi's niece helps a friend report a sexual assault. Benson investigates a college's secret society that preys on female students.

The episode was rated 7.67 from 275 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E6

#5 - The Five Hundredth Episode (Season 23 - Episode 6)

Amaro returns to ask the SVU for help in clearing a convicted man's name and brings a figure from Benson's past back into her life.

The episode was rated 7.68 from 324 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E22

#4 - A Final Call at Forlini's Bar (Season 23 - Episode 22)

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The SVU provides help and protection for a longtime domestic violence victim, but when she winds up at the defendant's table in court, Rollins surprises Carisi with a formidable opponent at trial.

The episode was rated 7.71 from 279 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E7

#3 - They'd Already Disappeared (Season 23 - Episode 7)

When a teenage sex worker disappears, Rollins and Velasco find a key clue in a pile of neglected missing persons reports.

The episode was rated 7.73 from 312 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E1

#2 - And the Empire Strikes Back (Season 23 - Episode 1)

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Benson's loyalty to Garland is tested. Rollins and Carisi try to keep their witnesses on board when a powerful congressman is identified as a suspect.

The episode was rated 7.74 from 335 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E4

#1 - One More Tale of Two Victims (Season 23 - Episode 4)

The SVU searches for a serial rapist who preys on mothers with young children. Benson and Fin struggle under the tightened reins of Chief McGrath.

The episode was rated 7.79 from 299 votes.

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