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 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!
When a graduate student is found dead, Cosgrove and Shaw follow the evidence to a suspect with no clear motive. Price and Maroun uncover a money-grabbing scheme within a church. McCoy warns them to focus on the suspects and not the institution.
The episode was rated 7.54 from 140 votes.
When the young author of a tell-all book is found dead, Cosgrove asks a former mentor for help with the case. Price has an uphill battle in court when a search and seizure is deemed illegal.
The episode was rated 7.55 from 172 votes.
When a homeless migrant is murdered, evidence leads Cosgrove and Shaw to a mysterious cover-up at a construction site. Price and Maroun push a key witness to testify, knowing that speaking out could lead to legal consequences.
The episode was rated 7.57 from 141 votes.
When a young woman dies a slow and painful death from an untreated infection, Cosgrove and Shaw suspect she was under the influence of a powerful cult; Price and Maroun put pressure on its members to find the cult's true mastermind.
The episode was rated 7.57 from 143 votes.
When a respected businessman is found murdered, his surprising connection to Cosgrove’s daughter helps the police make a break in the case. Price and Maroun disagree on how to proceed at trial when the defendant’s age brings up legal precedent they must follow.
The episode was rated 7.58 from 139 votes.
A crisis consultant who’s made many enemies on behalf of her clients is murdered. Price and Maroun must set aside the potential damage to a witness’s reputation in order to strengthen their case.
The episode was rated 7.61 from 175 votes.
After a teenager is killed, Cosgrove and Shaw discover what lengths kids will go to become internet famous; Price and Maroun take a risk to go after whom they believe to be the real criminal in the case, but they wind up back where they started.
The episode was rated 7.64 from 137 votes.
A deadly shooting has Cosgrove and Shaw racing to find the culprit before another attack is orchestrated. Price struggles to put his ethical principles aside when the US Attorney’s office pushes for the death penalty in the case.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 182 votes.
Cosgrove and Shaw investigate the murder of a family physician whose outspoken politician wife suspects she was the intended target. Price and Maroun's case hangs in the balance when the defense calls one of the doctor's young patients to testify as a witness.
The episode was rated 7.65 from 147 votes.
When a celebrated journalist is killed, Cosgrove and Shaw explore an unpublished report involving a prominent politician; Price and Maroun fight an uphill battle when their only credible witness is currently awaiting trial for another heinous crime.
The episode was rated 7.66 from 138 votes.
A young girl is shot and Cosgrove teams with Det. Jalen Shaw to track down her killer. Benson and Stabler assist and realize it's more than a typical homicide. McCoy and Price seek justice against an international crime ring, but complications threaten the case. The crossover starts on Law & Order: Organized Crime S03E01 Gimme Shelter (I) and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit S24E01 Gimme Shelter (II).
The episode was rated 7.67 from 243 votes.
When a public defender is murdered, Cosgrove and Shaw are surprised to find Price at the scene; his involvement in the trial compromises the case.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 149 votes.
Things aren't what they seem when a politician's daughter is found dead after an apparent mugging.
The episode was rated 7.68 from 198 votes.
When a senator is gunned down at his daughter’s wedding, McCoy pushes for a severe sentence and squares up against a formidable defense attorney — his own daughter. Price aims to stay neutral but can’t help but empathize with the defendant over a shared trauma.
The episode was rated 7.81 from 149 votes.
In the gripping episode "Appraisal" of Law & Order, Detectives Cosgrove and Shaw find themselves entangled in a complex case involving a missing body and a wealthy art dealer. The tension rises as they struggle to make an arrest without crucial evidence. Meanwhile, Price and Maroun are faced with the daunting task of presenting a circumstantial case against a suspect with seemingly endless resources. The legal team must navigate this challenging trial with precision and skill.
As the investigation unfolds, viewers are taken on a thrilling ride, questioning the motives and actions of the characters involved. The episode delves into themes of power, manipulation, and the lengths people will go to in the pursuit of justice. With twists and turns at every corner, "Appraisal" keeps audiences on the edge of their seats, eager to uncover the truth behind the mysterious disappearance and its shocking implications.
Amidst the intense legal drama, the squad takes a moment to celebrate a birthday, offering a brief respite from the high-stakes case at hand. The personal dynamics within the team add a layer of depth to the storyline, showcasing the human side of those dedicated to upholding the law. "Appraisal" is a riveting episode that combines thrilling investigative work with moments of camaraderie, making it a must-watch for fans of Law & Order and crime procedural dramas alike.
The episode was rated 7.83 from 133 votes.
