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After 16 years and two spin-off series, you’d think viewers would get tired of watching Law & Order, a show about what they can see happening outside their own window.
But they haven’t.
Entering its 17th season this year, the program currently holds the titles of longest-running crime series, second longest-running drama series and most consecutive nominations (11) for the Emmy awards.
“I really like Law & Order,” said junior English major Jess Smith. “I’ve learned a lot about the judicial system by watching it.”
Split into two 30-minute segments, Law & Order focuses its first half on the NYPD and the pursuit of a criminal or band of thugs.
Detectives Edward Green (Jesse L. Martin) and his new partner Nina Cassady (Milena Govich) investigate and interrogate criminals under precinct Lieutenant Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson.)
As the first half hour ends, Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) and his new Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) take the stage as they prosecute the criminals for their heinous acts.
Along with the original Law & Order, two spin off series have been created. They concentrate on a more focused subject area.
Law & Order: Criminal Intent centers on criminally heinous acts, including serial killings and cult activities. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit highlights crimes of a sexual nature, such as rape, molestation or abuse.
“Law & Order: SVU is my favorite because the episodes are more interesting and dramatic than the others,” said freshman biology major Michael Oghia.
All three Law & Order programs appear on NBC. The original show airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m., premiering Sept. 22 at 9 p.m. Criminal Intent is featured Sundays at 9 p.m., and begins this season Sept. 19 at 9 p.m. Special Victims Unit airs Tuesdays at 10 p.m., and starts this season Sept. 19 at 10 p.m.
