Special Unit 2 (2001)
A secret Chicago police unit battles paranormal creatures called Links in this cult sci-fi comedy action series from UPN.
Special Unit 2 - Series Information
- Original Title: Special Unit 2
- First Air Year: 2001
- Last Air Year: 2002
- Created by: Evan Katz
- Type: TV Series
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Comedy, Action, Adventure
- Episode Runtime: Average runtime per episode (53 minutes)
- Number of Seasons: 2
- Number of Episodes: 19
- Status: Canceled
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Networks: UPN
- Alternative Titles: Rémvadászok (HU)
Special Unit 2 - Plot
Detectives Nick O'Malley and Kate Benson work in Special Unit 2, a secret precinct of the Chicago Police Department whose sole charge is to protect the city's citizens from Links, a malicious paranormal species that is the missing link between man and beast.
Special Unit 2 - Trailer
See the action unfold in the official Special Unit 2 trailer below.
Monsters are real. Deal with it!
Special Unit 2 - Cast & Crew
Creator(s)
- Evan Katz
Main Cast
- Michael Landes
- Alexondra Lee
- Danny Woodburn
- Richard Gant
- Jonathan Togo
- Sean Whalen
- Ping Wu
- Mike Rad
- Pauley Perrette
- Kurt Carley
Writers
- Joel Surnow
- Jim Krieg
- Evan Katz
- Scott Nimerfro
- Paul Bernbaum
Special Unit 2 - FAQs
What is Special Unit 2 about?
Special Unit 2 follows Chicago detectives Nick O'Malley and Kate Benson, members of a covert police precinct dedicated to hunting Links — dangerous paranormal creatures that represent the missing evolutionary link between humans and animals. The show blends supernatural action with sharp comedy.
Who are the main actors in Special Unit 2?
The series stars Michael Landes as Detective Nicholas O'Malley and Alexondra Lee as Detective Kate Benson. The supporting cast includes Danny Woodburn as Carl the Gnome, Richard Gant as Captain Richard Page, Jonathan Togo, Sean Whalen, Ping Wu, Mike Rad, Pauley Perrette, and Kurt Carley.
How many seasons does Special Unit 2 have?
Special Unit 2 ran for two seasons on UPN. Season 1 contained 6 episodes and Season 2 expanded to 13 episodes, bringing the total to 19 episodes across the series, plus one special episode collected under Season 0.
Was Special Unit 2 cancelled or renewed?
Special Unit 2 was cancelled after its second season in 2002. UPN did not renew the show, ending its run after 19 episodes. The series has not been revived since its cancellation, though it retains a cult following among fans of early 2000s supernatural procedurals.
What genre is Special Unit 2?
Special Unit 2 blends several genres — it's primarily a sci-fi and fantasy series with strong comedic and action-adventure elements. Think monster-of-the-week procedural wrapped in buddy-cop humor, set against a supernatural Chicago underworld filled with creatures called Links.
Did Pauley Perrette appear in Special Unit 2?
Yes, Pauley Perrette — best known for her long-running role as Abby Sciuto on NCIS — appeared in Special Unit 2 as Alice Cramer. Her appearance predates her NCIS fame and is a fun piece of trivia for fans who discovered her through the later hit procedural.
What network aired Special Unit 2?
Special Unit 2 aired on UPN, the United Paramount Network, which was known in the early 2000s for programming that leaned into genre entertainment and cult appeal. The show ran from 2001 to 2002 before UPN ultimately cancelled it after two seasons.
What are shows similar to Special Unit 2?
If you enjoyed Special Unit 2, you might like Angel (1999) and Dark Angel (2000) for their supernatural action blend, or Brimstone (1998) for its paranormal procedural feel. For something with a similar comedic genre-bending spirit, Goosebumps (2023) and Monarch: Legacy of Monsters (2023) are worth exploring.
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