Law & Order (1990)
Dick Wolf's landmark NBC crime procedural, following New York detectives and prosecutors as they tackle serious crimes across more than three decades on air.
Law & Order - Series Information
- Original Title: Law & Order
- First Air Year: 1990
- Last Air Year: 2026
- Created by: Dick Wolf
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Content Rating (US): TV-14
- Number of Seasons: 25
- Number of Episodes: 536
- Status: Returning Series
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- First Air Date: September 13, 1990 (United States - TV-14), September 13, 1990 (Canada - 14+), September 13, 1990 (Germany - 16), September 13, 1990 (France - 10), September 13, 1990 (Australia - MA 15+), September 13, 1990 (Brazil - 14), September 13, 1990 (Mexico - AA), September 13, 1990 (Spain - 16), September 13, 1990 (South Korea - 19)
- Networks: NBC
- Alternative Titles: قانون و نظم (IR), La loi et l'ordre : Police judiciaire (CA), 로앤오더 리부트 (KR), Law & Order: Lei e Ordem (BR), ロー・アンド・オーダー (JP), Law & Order - I due volti della giustizia (IT), 法网游龙 (CN), New York, police judiciaire (FR)
- Production Companies: Wolf Entertainment, Universal Television, Universal Media Studios
- Production Countries: United States of America, Canada, Singapore
Law & Order - Plot
In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing the evidence and questioning the suspects until someone is taken into custody. The district attorney's office then builds a case to convict the perpetrator by proving the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Working together, these expert teams navigate all sides of the complex criminal justice system to make New York a safer place.
Law & Order - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and see the drama unfold on the streets and in the courtrooms of New York City.
Truth matters.
Where to Watch Law & Order
Looking for where to watch Law & Order?
Compare all viewing options available in your region on JustWatch ↗
Law & Order - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Dick Wolf
Main Cast
- Sam Waterston
- S. Epatha Merkerson
- Jerry Orbach
- Steven Hill
- Jesse L. Martin
- Leslie Hendrix
- Fred Thompson
- Chris Noth
- Benjamin Bratt
- Michael Moriarty
Writers
- René Balcer
- Kathy McCormick
- Rick Eid
- David Black
- Pamela J. Wechsler
Executive Producers
- William M. Finkelstein
- Dick Wolf
- Arthur Penn
- Arthur W. Forney
- Peter Jankowski
Law & Order - FAQs
Where can you stream Law & Order online?
Law & Order is available to stream on Hulu, Peacock Premium, and Peacock Premium Plus. It is also accessible through YouTube TV and Philo. For purchase or rental, episodes are available on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and Fandango At Home. Spectrum On Demand offers free access as well.
Will Law & Order get a Season 26?
As of 2025, Law & Order remains a returning series on NBC and is currently in production. NBC has not officially announced a cancellation, and the show's long-running status and strong ratings make renewal for additional seasons beyond Season 25 a realistic prospect for fans.
Is Law & Order based on real criminal cases?
Law & Order is famously inspired by real headlines and actual criminal cases, a tradition the show has maintained since its 1990 premiere. Each episode typically draws on high-profile or culturally resonant crimes, adapting them into fictional narratives while exploring the legal and moral complexities involved.
Who are the main actors in Law & Order?
Law & Order has featured a rotating cast over its 25 seasons. Prominent cast members include Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jerry Orbach, Steven Hill, Jesse L. Martin, Chris Noth, Benjamin Bratt, Michael Moriarty, Fred Thompson, Hugh Dancy, and Odelya Halevi, among many others.
How many seasons and episodes does Law & Order have?
Law & Order has 25 seasons and 536 episodes in total, making it one of the longest-running primetime dramas in American television history. The show premiered on NBC on September 13, 1990, ran until 2010, then was revived in 2022 and continues to produce new episodes.
What is Law & Order about?
Law & Order follows two distinct phases of the criminal justice system in New York City: police detectives investigating serious crimes and gathering evidence, followed by prosecutors building courtroom cases to secure convictions. The series is praised for its procedural realism, moral ambiguity, and ripped-from-the-headlines storytelling.
When did Law & Order first air on NBC?
Law & Order first aired on NBC on September 13, 1990. Created by Dick Wolf, the series ran continuously for 20 seasons before ending in 2010. It was then revived in 2022 for Season 21 and has continued producing new seasons, currently in its 25th season.
Did Law & Order win any major awards?
Law & Order has earned numerous accolades over its long run, including Emmy Awards for Outstanding Drama Series and wins for individual cast and crew members. The show's cultural impact is immense, having influenced countless procedural dramas and spawning a franchise that includes multiple successful spin-offs.
More About Law & Order
Explore further details about Law & Order on these authoritative resources.