Common Sense Media Review
By Liz Perle
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Grisly, sensationalized sex crimes; not meant for kids.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Law & Order: SVU
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 34 parent reviews
Based on 52 kid reviews
Kids say the show is both compelling and educational, offering strong role models and real-world topics, but it's not suitable for younger audiences due to its graphic content that explores sexual violence and crime. While many viewers praise the acting and storylines, they recommend parental guidance for those under 14, as the mature themes can be disturbing.
- mature content
- strong role models
- parental guidance recommended
- educational value
- appropriate for teens
- graphic violence
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
LAW & ORDER: SVU centers on "the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes" -- known as the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department. Detectives Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and Olivia Benson are seasoned cops who investigate some of the city's most difficult and perverse crimes. Also assigned to their department is Detective John Munch (Richard Belzer) and his partner, Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (played by rapper Ice-T). Headed up by Captain Donald Cragen (Dan Florek), the detectives work hard to solve an endless array of disturbing and violent sex crimes with the help of Assistant district attorney Casey Novak (Diane Neal), forensic psychiatrist George Huang (B.D. Wong), and medical examiner Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie).
Is It Any Good?
After 17+ seasons, the sensational series consistently combines the suspense of the investigative process with the graphic details of disconcerting and sinister sex crimes to create narratives that are entertainingly disturbing. Unlike other installments of the Law & Order franchise, many of the stories are somehow connected to the characters' personal lives, which serves to heighten the emotional nature of the show. Adding to the drama are the performances delivered by a lengthy roster of guest stars over the years, including Robin Williams, Kathy Griffin, Sarah Hyland, and Serena Williams.
Law & Order: SVU has seen its fair share of cast members come and go. But despite the changing characters (played by folks like Michelle Hurd, Stephanie March, Adam Beach, Peter Scanavino, Dean Winters, and Kelli Giddish), the integrity of the show remains intact thanks to its commitment to telling a good story. Whether you tune in to the early seasons, or find yourself watching later ones, the overall series is consistently compelling.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the natures of the crimes featured on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. What are some of the psychological consequences of some of the show's frequent themes? Are these crimes common? Who do they impact the most?
TV procedurals like Law & Order: SVU feature a range of criminal behaviors that range from being disturbing to extremely violent. Is featuring these crimes in a fictional series bringing attention to them, or just sensationalizing them? Why?
TV Details
- Premiere date : September 20, 1999
- Cast : Christopher Meloni , Mariska Hargitay , Richard Belzer
- Networks : NBC , Syndicated
- Genre : Drama
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 8, 2022
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