Law & Order has become a staple in the world of television, captivating audiences with its gripping storylines and compelling characters. Since its debut in 1990, this crime drama has kept viewers on the edge of their seats with its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system. With a whopping 25 seasons under its belt, Law & Order has produced some unforgettable episodes that have left a lasting impact on fans.
What sets Law & Order apart is its unique format, which combines police procedural and courtroom drama. Each episode follows a similar structure: a crime is committed, the police investigate, and the district attorney's office prosecutes the suspect. This formula allows for a fast-paced narrative that keeps viewers engaged from start to finish.
One of the reasons why Law & Order has stood the test of time is its ability to draw inspiration from real-life events. Many episodes are "ripped from the headlines," meaning they are based on actual crimes that have made headlines in the news. This approach adds a layer of authenticity to the show and allows viewers to see the criminal justice system in action.
Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the series, Law & Order has something for everyone. From intense interrogations to dramatic courtroom showdowns, this show has consistently delivered high-quality episodes that keep viewers coming back for more. So grab some popcorn, settle in, and get ready to be captivated by the best that Law & Order has to offer.
Written by Sophie and last updated on feb 14, 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 body of a young war veteran is found in a parking garage and the murder is connected to a law professor who used to work for the Department of Justice.
The episode was rated 7.45 from 164 votes.
A deadly drunk-driving car accident brings Detectives Cyrus Lupo and Kevin Bernard to the scene when a suspicious nasal spray is found. After the medical examiner realizes the nasal spray is a powerful anesthetic that could easily disorient its user, the detectives become suspicious of the victim's boss, Zach Marshall
The episode was rated 7.47 from 106 votes.
When the body of a model is found burning in an alley, Detectives Lupo and Bernard search for her killer.
The episode was rated 7.47 from 74 votes.
A crime scene investigator is murdered in her apartment. Her fiance is suspected, but then a journalist is attacked and DNA is found at the scene that links this crime to the murder.
The episode was rated 7.49 from 141 votes.
A mother of ten adopted special needs children is murdered. The day after her murder, her husband appears on reality TV.
The episode was rated 7.50 from 108 votes.
When a family of four is found murdered in their home, Detectives Cyrus Lupo and Kevin Bernard discover that the deaths may be related to the deceased teenage daughter's troubled friend, Bonnie.
The episode was rated 7.53 from 97 votes.
When an elderly man defends his shop from an armed robbery, Detectives Kevin Bernard and Cyrus Lupo suspect that this incident could have been an inside job. After further investigation, the detectives discover that the mugging might have been a scare tactic for a shakedown.
The episode was rated 7.53 from 90 votes.
When detectives Cyrus Lupo and Kevin Bernard come upon the burning body of Cesar, a sixteen-year-old charter school student from a bad neighborhood, they begin to question his young mentee Moses, who was the last person to see him alive.
The episode was rated 7.57 from 82 votes.
When an environmental scientist, Dr. Oscar Silva, is poisoned during a global warming symposium, Detectives Cyrus Lupo and Kevin Bernard initially suspect competitors from Dr. Silva's field of study. It is soon discovered that Dr. Silva is involved in a messy custody battle with his wife’s ex-husband, Phillip Shoemaker and the focus of the investigation quickly shifts to the victim’s family. Meanwhile, the case becomes personal for Cutter as it stirs up unpleasant memories from his own past.
The episode was rated 7.58 from 80 votes.
The debate rages over how to treat an informant who shot and killed four police officers. However, did one of the officers try to put undue pressure on him to help catch a dangerous criminal?
The episode was rated 7.59 from 80 votes.
A man is convicted of a hate crime for allegedly killing a gay man, but a group called the Innocence Coalition is determined to clear his name.
The episode was rated 7.59 from 83 votes.
A case that begins as a search for a missing witness spirals into a murder conspiracy with ADA Connie Rubirosa caught in the middle.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 113 votes.
Blackmail is the twelfth episode of the twentieth season of the television series Law & Order. It aired on NBC January 15, 2010.
The episode was rated 7.62 from 87 votes.
Detectives search for an anonymous blogger who has posted plans to blow up a school. Lt. Van Buren struggles to keep her personal issues private.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 114 votes.
Lupo and Bernard uncover a possible conspiracy to kill off wealthy cancer patients, so their inheritors don't have to pay an estate tax. However, legal roadblocks make the case difficult to prosecute.
The episode was rated 7.69 from 74 votes.
