| This hard-hitting and emotional companion series from NBC's Law & Order franchise chronicles the life and crimes of the elite Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf. SVU celebrated its 100th episode in November 2003, and is now entering it's seventh season. Although Law & Order: Special Victims Unit carries the brand name, Law & Order, the newer program has established a strong unique identity and has proven itself a hit in its own right. Last season (2002-03) the series broke into the Top 10 and garnered an Emmy nomination for guest star Barbara Barrie Law & Order: Special Victims Unit achieved the highest adult 18-49 ratings average for any Friday series on any network for each of the last four seasons. In fact, SVU deliverd NBC's biggest advantage with regular programs in that time period in the history of Nielsen's Current People Meter technology. Additionally the series' popularity was recognized in its debut season by both the People's Choice Awards and the TV Guide Awards with nominations for Favorite New Series. The drama follows Det. Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni, Runaway Bride, Oz), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Det. Olivia Benson (Emmy nominated Mariska Hargitay, NBC's ER), whose difficult past is the reason she joined the unit. Overseeing the team is Capt. Donald Cragen (reprising the role he played on the first three seasons of Law & Order). Cragen's tough but supportive approach to the team's complex cases guides the squad through the challenges they face everyday. Also featured is Det. John Munch (Richard Belzer, Homicide: Life on the Street), a transfer from Baltimore's homicide unit, who brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories, and street-honed investigative skills. Munch is partnered with Det. Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T, Players, New Jack City), whose unique sense of humor and investigative experinces make him a formidable match for Munch. Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak (new cast regular, Diane Neal, Hack and Ed) adds a legal componet to the series through her efforts to bring closure to the intense investigations. Also aiding the detecives is forensic psychiatrist George Huang (B.D. Wong, Oz), whose insight into the minds of the accused often provide significant clues that lead to the resolution of a case. |
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