As ‘Law & Order’ starts its 25th season, the case isn’t closed yet for Dick Wolf

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No matter how chaotic things get, some things never change: people will always die, taxes will always be collected, and “Law & Order” will always be on TV.

The incredibly successful “Law & Order” franchise, created by Dick Wolf, is still going strong over 30 years after it first aired in September 1990. The original series and its long-running spin-off, “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” are launching new seasons this Thursday on NBC. They’ll be followed by the fifth season of “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” which first appeared on Peacock in April.

Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Christopher Meloni, Tony Goldwyn, and S. Epatha Merkerson recently honored television dramas at the Emmys. After the ceremony, photos of Hargitay (as Captain Olivia Benson) and Meloni (as Detective Elliot Stabler) sparked a lot of excitement among fans. For years, viewers of “SVU” have hoped the two characters would become a couple on the show.

Fans of “Law & Order” now have a dedicated, free streaming channel! NBCUniversal and Wolf Entertainment have teamed up to launch it on platforms like Prime Video and Roku. You can also catch frequent “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: SVU” marathons on the USA Network and Sundance TV.

For months, people have been sharing videos online of themselves dancing to the theme song from the show, which was created by composer Mike Post. Mariska Hargitay, along with her “SVU” co-star Kelli Giddish, recently joined in and posted their own dance video to the song’s upbeat, jazzy rhythm.

Wolf expressed his gratitude, saying, ‘I thank God for this.’ He described the opportunity as life-changing and a wonderful gift. While he was proud of his previous work on other television shows, he said that ‘Law & Order’ completely surpassed it all.

Television

This long-running crime show is back for a 21st season after a ten-year break, and it still has the same strengths and weaknesses it always has.

As a big fan, I see this show as the absolute highlight of everything Dick Wolf creates. He’s behind those popular Chicago dramas on NBC – like “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Chicago Med” – and also the “FBI” series and the newer “CIA” show on CBS. It really feels like the best of his work!

Dick Wolf, 78, expressed his excitement that “Law & Order” is beginning its 25th season and “Law & Order: SVU” its 27th. He attributes the shows’ long-running success not only to the talented cast and crew, but also to the experienced writing and production teams led by showrunner Rick Eid and executive producer Peter Jankowski.

Wolf recently shared his vision for an ideal “Law & Order” episode, talked about the possibility of a new spin-off set in Los Angeles, and addressed the long-awaited question of whether Benson and Stabler will ever become a couple. This interview has been shortened and clarified for readability.

Hugh Dancy and Odelya Halevi star in “Street Justice,” the premiere episode of the 25th season of “Law & Order.” (Photo: Peter Kramer / NBC)

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Scanavino star in the first episode of Season 27 of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.” This photo is from NBC, taken by Virginia Sherwood.

How are you feeling about having two of the longest–running shows in TV history?

The other day, I realized it had been 35 years since ‘Law & Order’ first aired. I vividly remember the day after the premiere and reading the reviews – there were about 22 national ones, and they were all incredibly positive, mostly four-star ratings. It was an amazing feeling. I went into my office, closed the door, and told myself to savor the moment, because I knew I might never experience something like that again. And I was right. I’ve been incredibly fortunate throughout my career, and that early success was both a surprise and deeply rewarding.

What do you attribute it to?

In every interview, I emphasize that success isn’t a solo effort. I’m incredibly lucky to work with the most talented people in the industry. We’ve become remarkably efficient – with just four people in the office, we manage to produce 192 episodes. Honestly, the sheer volume and quality of what we create feels like a small miracle. Everyone regularly puts in long hours – 50-hour weeks are typical, and 60 isn’t uncommon. While I might be the public face, it’s truly the dedication and skill of this team that drives everything. My partner, Peter, and I have worked together for three decades, and many of our producers and writers have been with us for over 20 years.

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After 30 years, 19 seasons, and 405 episodes, Sam Waterston has played his last episode as District Attorney Jack McCoy on “Law & Order.” He said goodbye to the iconic role on Thursday.

How long do you think the franchise can last?

Did you watch the Emmys? It felt like nothing new or exciting was being presented. People keep asking me how long TV shows like these can continue, and my answer is always the same: it all comes down to the quality of the writing. Even the best actors can’t save a show if the script isn’t good. A show needs a strong story and substance, and that’s what “Law & Order” provides – maybe not a lot of complex plots, but consistently solid writing.

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These photos feature cast members from the television show “Law & Order.” The first shows Jerry Orbach and Benjamin Bratt in their roles as detectives. The second features Jerry Orbach, S. Epatha Merkerson, and Jesse L. Martin, also as detectives and a lieutenant. The third photo shows Carey Lowell and Sam Waterston, who appeared in over 400 episodes of the show.

Is there a ”secret sauce” to that ”meat”?

Jerry Orbach, best known as Detective Lennie Briscoe on “Law & Order,” famously described the show as being like a Catholic High Mass each week. He explained that just like religious teachings, the show always clearly defines the difference between right and wrong, even when characters make bad choices. The core idea of “Law & Order” – understood by everyone involved – is that almost any wrongdoing can be forgiven, but murder is never acceptable. The recent incident involving Charlie Kirk perfectly illustrates this point; political beliefs never justify taking someone’s life. For decades, “Law & Order” has skillfully explored these boundaries, and the need for such stories will always exist. Unfortunately, people will continue to find new ways to commit violence, so there will never be a shortage of material.

Following the death of George Floyd, many people wondered if TV shows and movies featuring police would need to be revised or reconsidered.

We keep coming back to this because of the writing. It’s not about giving a lecture or teaching a lesson. I’m always striving for that perfect “Law & Order” episode – one where all six main characters have unique, valid perspectives on the same problem, and you come to understand that they’re *all* right.

Back in 2000, you created a “Law & Order” series for Los Angeles, nicknamed “LOLA,” starring Corey Stoll and Skeet Ulrich. Unfortunately, it didn’t stay on air for very long. With the franchise doing so well now, are you considering another “Law & Order” series set in Los Angeles?

Yes. You know what my sign-out phrase is. Stay tuned.

The shows are successful, but you’ve worked in television long enough to understand how much it’s changed over time.

We’re doing well with traditional television right now – we’re well-supported and have everything we need. However, the truth is that traditional TV is declining. While some shows, like ours, will likely continue until the very end of broadcast television, everything is ultimately moving to streaming. We plan to keep going as long as traditional TV remains an option. I even joked with Mariska that I’d get her a comfortable wheelchair for when that time comes.

A lot of viewers are really hoping to see Benson and Stabler become a couple. While I know you can’t reveal any plot details, is there any possibility that might happen on the show?

People have been asking about this for 25 years! I don’t rule anything out, but I do pay attention to the past. What made the show ‘Moonlighting’ lose its appeal?

When Maddie (Cybill Shepherd) and Dave (Bruce Willis) got together?

Exactly. Once they did it, it was over.

So be careful what you wish for?

Exactly.

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2025-09-25 13:34