Law & Order: Special Victims Unit premiered on NBC, marking the start of the long-running series focusing on crimes of a sexual nature.
Mariska Hargitay won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series Drama for her role as Detective Olivia Benson.
Christopher Meloni, who played Detective Elliot Stabler, left the show after the 12th season, marking a major cast change.
Following Meloni's departure, Mariska Hargitay’s character Olivia Benson was promoted to captain, changing the show's dynamic.
The show was renewed for its 20th season, making it one of the longest-running primetime television series.
Special Victims Unit is established in the NYPD to investigate sexual crimes, child abuse and related offenses.
Olivia Benson starts her career in the SVU, eventually becoming the lead detective and later the unit's commanding officer.
Detective Stabler becomes Olivia Benson's partner, forming a dynamic duo investigating special victims cases.
Benson and Stabler investigate a case where a young woman is brutally attacked by students in a fraternity, highlighting campus sexual assault issues.
Detective Elliot Stabler is shot while on duty investigating a case, putting his life in jeopardy and affecting the SVU team.
Olivia Benson confronts her background of being the child of a rape, which influences her passion for justice in SVU cases.
Captain Donald Cragen commands the Special Victims Unit, guiding the detectives and managing the unit’s investigations.
After decades of service, Elliot Stabler retires from the Special Victims Unit due to personal reasons and trauma linked to cases.
Olivia Benson is promoted and takes command of the Special Victims Unit, continuing to lead and transform the unit.
Amanda Rollins joins SVU bringing a background from Atlanta PD and adds a new dynamic to the team.
SVU investigates a case involving a serial rapist targeting women across New York City, testing the team’s resolve and skills.
Detective Tutuola transfers from Narcotics to SVU, adding street smarts and new perspectives to the unit.
