50 Fun Facts About Law and Order

Who is the creator of the extensive 'Law & Order' television franchise?

Dick Wolf created the 'Law & Order' franchise, which began with the original series in 1990 and has since expanded to include numerous spin-offs and international adaptations.

In what year did the original 'Law & Order' series first premiere?

The original 'Law & Order' series, known for its iconic bifurcated format, debuted on September 13, 1990, on NBC.

Which 'Law & Order' spin-off is currently the longest-running live-action primetime series in American television history?

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) surpassed its predecessor and other shows to become the longest-running live-action primetime series in American television history.

The original 'Law & Order' series is known for its distinct two-part structure. What are these two parts?

Each episode of the original 'Law & Order' is divided into two segments: the first half focuses on the police investigation of a crime, and the second half follows the prosecution of the defendant by the district attorney's office.

What is the common nickname for the distinctive sound effect used to mark scene transitions in the 'Law & Order' franchise?

The iconic 'dun dun' sound effect, officially known as 'The Clang' or 'The Chime,' is a signature element that marks scene transitions in the 'Law & Order' series.

Which spin-off was the first to emerge from the original 'Law & Order' series?

'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' premiered on September 20, 1999, making it the first official spin-off of the original 'Law & Order' series.

Sam Waterston is well-known for his long-running role as which District Attorney character in the 'Law & Order' franchise?

Sam Waterston played Executive Assistant District Attorney and later District Attorney Jack McCoy for many seasons, becoming one of the longest-serving cast members on the original series.

Which actress has portrayed Captain Olivia Benson in 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' since its inception?

Mariska Hargitay has starred as Olivia Benson since 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' began, making her the longest-serving actress on a primetime live-action series.

Jerry Orbach famously played which veteran detective on the original 'Law & Order'?

Jerry Orbach portrayed the wise-cracking Detective Lennie Briscoe, a beloved character who was one of the longest-serving detectives on the original 'Law & Order'.

'Law & Order: Los Angeles' was notable for being the first U.S. spin-off to be set outside of which city?

'Law & Order: Los Angeles' (LOLA) was the first domestic 'Law & Order' spin-off to be set and produced outside of New York City, taking the franchise's format to the West Coast.

Which actor portrayed Detective Robert Goren, known for his eccentric but brilliant investigative style, in 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent'?

Vincent D'Onofrio starred as Detective Robert Goren, a highly intelligent but unconventional investigator in the Major Case Squad, from the series' premiere.

S. Epatha Merkerson holds the record for the longest-serving main cast member on the original 'Law & Order' series in which role?

S. Epatha Merkerson played Lieutenant Anita Van Buren for 17 seasons on the original 'Law & Order', making her the longest-serving main cast member of that particular series.

The opening narration for all 'Law & Order' series and spin-offs is famously voiced by which individual?

Steven Zirnkilton is the distinctive voice behind the opening narration that begins every episode of the 'Law & Order' franchise, stating the iconic line, 'In the criminal justice system...'.

Who created the highly successful 'Law & Order' television franchise?

Dick Wolf is the mastermind behind the 'Law & Order' universe, which includes the original series and numerous spin-offs.

What is the iconic sound effect frequently heard between scenes in 'Law & Order' episodes often called?

The distinctive sound effect, often referred to as 'The Clang' or 'Dun-dun,' was created by Mike Post, who also composed the theme music.

Which city serves as the primary setting and filming location for most of the 'Law & Order' series?

The entire 'Law & Order' franchise is set and primarily filmed in New York City, giving the shows a distinct urban feel.

Which actress holds the record for the longest-running character in an American primetime drama for her role in 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'?

Mariska Hargitay, who plays Captain Olivia Benson, has been a continuous presence on 'Law & Order: SVU' since its premiere in 1999, making her character the longest-running in primetime drama history.

What was the initial run length of the original 'Law & Order' series before its hiatus in 2010?

The original 'Law & Order' premiered on September 13, 1990, and ran for 20 seasons until May 24, 2010, before being revived in 2022.

Which character, portrayed by Christopher Meloni, was Olivia Benson's long-time partner for the first 12 seasons of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'?

Detective Elliot Stabler was Olivia Benson's original and longest-serving partner on 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' for 12 seasons.

The opening narration for the original 'Law & Order' states that the criminal justice system is represented by two groups: the police and whom else?

The iconic opening narration sets the premise of the show, highlighting the dual focus on police investigation and prosecution by district attorneys.

Which of the following was the first spin-off series in the 'Law & Order' franchise?

'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' premiered in 1999, making it the first and most successful spin-off of the original series.

Jerry Orbach was well-known for his portrayal of which cynical but beloved detective on the original 'Law & Order'?

Jerry Orbach played Detective Lennie Briscoe from 1994 until his death in 2004, becoming one of the show's most iconic characters.

Which veteran actor has portrayed Executive Assistant District Attorney and later District Attorney Jack McCoy for over two decades in the 'Law & Order' franchise?

Sam Waterston joined the original 'Law & Order' in 1994 as Jack McCoy and has continued in the role through its revival, making him a cornerstone of the franchise.

What kind of crimes does the Special Victims Unit primarily investigate?

As its name suggests, 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' focuses on crimes involving sexual assault, child molestation, and domestic violence.

Which rapper and actor has been a long-standing cast member of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' as Detective Odafin 'Fin' Tutuola?

Ice-T joined 'Law & Order: SVU' in its second season in 2000 and has since become one of the show's most recognizable and longest-serving characters.

Who composed the recognizable theme music for the 'Law & Order' franchise?

Veteran composer Mike Post is responsible for the iconic and minimalist theme music that has become synonymous with the 'Law & Order' franchise.

Which actress played Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot in 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' and later reprised her role in the spin-off 'Conviction'?

Stephanie March portrayed ADA Alexandra Cabot, a fan-favorite character who later became the lead in the short-lived spin-off 'Conviction.'

In what year did 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' first premiere?

'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' debuted on September 20, 1999, becoming the first and most successful spin-off of the original series.

Before joining 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,' Christopher Meloni was known for playing the character Chris Keller in which HBO prison drama?

Christopher Meloni played the complex and often disturbing character of Chris Keller on HBO's 'Oz' concurrently with his early years on 'SVU.'

What was the name of Detective Elliot Stabler's wife, who appeared in several episodes of 'Law & Order: SVU' and 'Organized Crime'?

Kathy Stabler was Elliot Stabler's wife and the mother of their five children. She was tragically killed in a car bombing in 'Law & Order: Organized Crime.'

Which Law & Order series focused on high-profile cases investigated by the Major Case Squad, often from the criminal's perspective?

'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' stood out from other spin-offs by often showing the crime unfold from the perspective of the perpetrator, with detectives Goren and Eames then unraveling it.

S. Epatha Merkerson played which long-serving police lieutenant in the original 'Law & Order'?

S. Epatha Merkerson portrayed Lieutenant Anita Van Buren for 17 seasons on the original 'Law & Order,' making her one of the longest-serving characters in television history.

The original 'Law & Order' series first premiered on what date?

The flagship series, 'Law & Order,' debuted on NBC on September 13, 1990, laying the groundwork for the entire franchise.

Which of the following actors played Detective John Munch across multiple 'Law & Order' series and other shows?

Richard Belzer originated the role of Detective John Munch on 'Homicide: Life on the Street' and then brought the character to 'Law & Order: SVU' and other shows, making him a unique cross-over character.

How many Primetime Emmy Awards did the original 'Law & Order' series win for Outstanding Drama Series?

Despite numerous nominations, the original 'Law & Order' won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series only once, in 1997.

The first half of a typical 'Law & Order' episode traditionally focuses on the investigation of a crime by which group?

The show's signature two-part format dedicates its first half to the police procedural aspect, following detectives as they investigate the crime.

The second half of a typical 'Law & Order' episode traditionally focuses on the prosecution of the defendant by which group?

The latter half of each episode shifts focus to the legal drama, showcasing the efforts of the District Attorney's office to prosecute the accused.

Which of the following actors was part of the original 'Law & Order' cast as Detective Mike Logan?

Chris Noth played Detective Mike Logan in the early seasons of 'Law & Order' and later reprised the role in 'Law & Order: Criminal Intent' and a TV movie.

Which original 'Law & Order' detective was partnered with Mike Logan in the very first season?

Detective Max Greevey, portrayed by George Dzundza, was Mike Logan's partner in the first season of 'Law & Order' before his character was killed off.

Which 'Law & Order' character, played by Dann Florek, served as Captain of the Special Victims Unit for many seasons after being a captain in the original series?

Captain Donald Cragen, played by Dann Florek, was a key figure in both the original 'Law & Order' and 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,' providing leadership to both precincts.

Before becoming an Assistant District Attorney, Jo Marlowe was a former partner to which detective in the NYPD?

Jo Marlowe, played by Sharon Stone, was introduced as a temporary ADA but had a past connection as a former partner to Elliot Stabler in the NYPD.

In what year was the original 'Law & Order' revived for its 21st season after an 11-year hiatus?

After an 11-year break, the original 'Law & Order' returned for its 21st season, premiering on February 24, 2022.

Which spin-off series in the 'Law & Order' franchise was the first to be canceled due to low ratings, as well as the death of a prominent actor?

'Law & Order: Trial by Jury' had a single season run and was affected by low ratings and the untimely death of Jerry Orbach, who was a main cast member.

Mariska Hargitay received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Olivia Benson in what year?

Mariska Hargitay won her Emmy in 2006, making her the first and only regular cast member across all 'Law & Order' series to win an Emmy for acting.

Which character did Dann Florek portray as a captain in both the original 'Law & Order' and 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'?

Dann Florek's character, Captain Donald Cragen, is unique for his significant roles in both the flagship series and 'SVU,' serving as a consistent leadership figure.

How many total television series are officially part of the 'Law & Order' franchise, including the original and spin-offs?

The 'Law & Order' franchise consists of seven main television series: 'Law & Order,' 'Special Victims Unit,' 'Criminal Intent,' 'Trial by Jury,' 'LA,' 'True Crime,' and 'Organized Crime.'

Which 'Law & Order' spin-off ran for only one season in 2010-2011 and was set in California?

'Law & Order: Los Angeles' was a brief attempt to expand the franchise outside of New York, but it was canceled after a single season.

The fictional newspaper, the New York Ledger, often featured in 'Law & Order' episodes, also served as the basis for which other Dick Wolf-produced series?

The 'New York Ledger' was a shared fictional element across the 'Law & Order' universe, and it was central to the short-lived series 'Deadline,' which focused on reporters.

In the 'Law & Order' universe, which fictional university is often referenced?

Hudson University is a frequently mentioned fictional institution that serves as a connecting link and common setting across various 'Law & Order' shows.

Which of the following actors played Detective Rey Curtis in the original 'Law & Order'?

Benjamin Bratt joined the cast of 'Law & Order' in 1995 as Detective Rey Curtis, partnering with Jerry Orbach's Lennie Briscoe.