Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

10 Worst Episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

It's no surprise that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has remained one of the most popular police dramas since its debut in 1999. With 25 seasons, it's one of the longest-running shows in television history. Even with such a long run, however, the show has seen some episodes that have fallen short of its usual high standards. Many fans have ranked the worst episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and here we will take a look at some of the lowest-ranked episodes.

Each episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is different and focuses on a different case. Some of the worst episodes, however, have focused on cases that have been unoriginal or have failed to live up to the high standards set by the show. Many fans have also noted that some episodes have featured an over-simplified view of the criminal justice system and have not accurately depicted how the system works.

In this article, we will take a look at some of the worst episodes of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, ranked according to fan reviews. We will examine the cases presented in these episodes, the writing, and the performances of the actors involved. We will also consider how these episodes compare to the show's usual standards and why they have been ranked so low.

Warning: the following content contains spoilers!

This page was generated using automation technology and thoroughly edited and fact-checked by an editor on our editorial staff.

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S20E14

#1 - Part 33 (Season 20 - Episode 14)

As Stone prosecutes the case of a woman who killed her abusive husband, Benson and her squad wrestle with the duty of testifying against her.

The episode was rated 7.28 from 445 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S16E14

#2 - Intimidation Game (Season 16 - Episode 14)

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A female videogame developer is harassed and threatened by a group of misogynistic cyber terrorists.

The episode was rated 7.28 from 271 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S9E2

#3 - Avatar (Season 9 - Episode 2)

Detectives are troubled to learn that someone has taken an online game too far when a girl goes missing.

The episode was rated 7.31 from 214 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S9E10

#4 - Snitch (Season 9 - Episode 10)

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When a polygamist's wife is murdered, he believes it's related to a recent criminal case he was testifying in, but detectives believe it may be connected to his culture.

The episode was rated 7.32 from 182 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S1E6

#5 - Sophomore Jinx (Season 1 - Episode 6)

A female student at an upper-class university is raped and murdered, and two of the collegeโ€™s basketball stars are suspected. However, the college blocks their investigation at every turn because they are not willing to risk the negative publicity that the investigation could bring to the school and the upcoming championship.

The episode was rated 7.36 from 370 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S22E1

#6 - Guardians and Gladiators (Season 22 - Episode 1)

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When the squad tries to solve an assault in Central Park, they are hampered by their own blind spots and a community that is losing trust in the police.

The episode was rated 7.36 from 372 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S23E21

#7 - Confess Your Sins To Be Free (Season 23 - Episode 21)

When the only evidence in a crime is a church confession, Carisi must find another way to prove his suspect guilty. Benson agrees to meet with Burton, who seeks to make amends for past transgressions.

The episode was rated 7.38 from 238 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S24E16

#8 - The Presence Of Absence (Season 24 - Episode 16)

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An internet dating site becomes the source of terror for a young widow. Muncy struggles with Velasco's absence.

The episode was rated 7.39 from 122 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S1E12

#9 - Russian Love Poem (Season 1 - Episode 12)

When a multi-millionaire is found strangled in his home, Benson and Stabler turn their suspicion to his long list of lovers, which includes both men and women. Detectives discover he was involved with a group of beautiful Russian women that came to the U.S. to take advantage of wealthy Americans.

The episode was rated 7.41 from 286 votes.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit - S11E1

#10 - Unstable (Season 11 - Episode 1)

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Officer Nate Kendall aids a woman in trouble and becomes roped into solving a rape case. While Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson believe that Kendall is not right for the case due to his unstable personality, Executive ADA Sonya Paxton joins the team, bringing evidence of a common thread among three other rape cases. With Paxtonโ€™s help, the team might expose a serial rapist.

The episode was rated 7.41 from 246 votes.

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    Last updated: mar 28, 2023

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