Over two decades since its debut, Law & Order: SVU continues to captivate audiences. Premiering on September 20, 1999, this spinoff of the Law & Order franchise, focusing on the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit, quickly drew fans in with its compelling lead detectives, Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler, played by Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni. Fast forward 20 years, SVU has become the longest-running primetime drama in TV history and the sole surviving series from the Law & Order franchise. (Notably, Taylor Swift even named one of her cats after Benson.)
While Meloni eventually left the series, Hargitay, now 55, remains its star. She’s the only lead from the series to win an Emmy for her performance. Over time, she’s added executive producer and director to her résumé, paralleling her character’s rise from detective to lieutenant. Reflecting on her journey, Hargitay told The Hollywood Reporter, “I still get nervous, still get super excited. I’m directing; producing is a whole new world. I grew into boss lady, and I like it. I like it and I’m good at it.”
SVU has seen a revolving door of detectives, attorneys, perps, and victims over the years, including regulars like Ice-T and Stephanie March, and guest stars such as Brooke Shields, Cynthia Nixon, the late Robin Williams, Vice President Joe Biden, and even some real-life spouses of the stars. Hargitay’s husband, Peter Hermann, and Ice-T’s wife, Coco, have made appearances.
Behind-the-Scenes Secrets of SVU
- Origins: The idea for SVU was inspired by the infamous “Preppy Murder” case of 1986, where Robert Chambers strangled Jennifer Levin in Central Park. This case also inspired a season one episode of the original Law & Order.
- Casting: Before landing their iconic roles, Hargitay and Meloni were up against other notable actors. Hargitay competed with Samantha Mathis and Reiko Aylesworth, while Meloni beat out John Slattery, Tim Matheson, and Nick Chinlund. Their undeniable chemistry sealed the deal for creator Dick Wolf.
- On-Screen Chemistry: Hargitay and Meloni’s connection was evident from their final audition. Hargitay told Marie Claire, “I felt the part in my soul.”
- Unfulfilled Romance: Fans eagerly anticipated a romantic relationship between Benson and Stabler, but it never materialized. Meloni believed this would have been “the death knell of that relationship.”
- Veteran Cast: Dann Florek, who played Captain Don Craegen, was the first actor cast for SVU. He had previously appeared in the original Law & Order series.
- Richard Belzer’s Detective John Munch: Belzer played Munch not only on SVU but also on seven other shows, including The X-Files and The Wire. Munch retired in season 15 due to NYPD’s mandatory retirement policy.
- Meloni’s Departure: After 12 seasons, Meloni left the show, much to the dismay of fans. Despite many off-screen reunions with Hargitay, he has never returned to the show.
- Ice-T’s Longevity: Initially cast for a four-episode arc, Ice-T’s Detective Fin Tutuola has become a staple of the series since season two. Despite his hit song “Cop Killer,” Ice-T embraced the role for the paycheck.
- Recasting Regulars: Several regulars initially appeared on the show as different characters. Diane Neal and Kellie Giddish are notable examples.
- B.D. Wong’s Character: Just before leaving in season 12, Wong’s character was revealed to be gay, a decision Wong found a bit contrived.
- Ice-T’s Arrest: Ironically, Ice-T was arrested in 2018 for a traffic violation on his way to set.
- Rooney Mara’s Debut: Rooney Mara described her acting debut on SVU as “so awful,” though she later clarified it was a cherished experience.
- Zoe Saldana’s Missed Opportunity: Initially considered for an ADA role, scheduling conflicts due to her rising fame led to a change in plans.
- Paul Wesley’s Role: Before becoming a heartthrob on The Vampire Diaries, Paul Wesley starred in an episode, beating out Channing Tatum and Penn Badgley for the role.
- Unaired Episode: Only one episode of SVU has never aired: “Unstoppable,” featuring Gary Cole as a Trump-like character accused of sexual assault, shelved indefinitely after Trump’s election win.
- Original Title: The show was initially titled Sex Crimes, but was changed to Special Victims Unit at Barry Diller’s request.
- Catchphrase Disappearance: Ice-T’s character’s catchphrase “that’s messed up” was dropped after it became part of an online drinking game.
- Paula Patton’s Departure: Set to join as the new ADA in 2010, Patton left after one episode to star in Mission Impossible 4.
- Positive Impact: A 2015 study found SVU positively influenced viewers, reducing rape-myth acceptance and increasing intentions to seek and respect sexual consent.
- Hargitay’s Advocacy: Inspired by her role, Hargitay founded the Joyful Heart Foundation and produced the HBO documentary I Am Evidence, addressing untested rape kits.
Reflecting on her career-defining role, Hargitay told E! News, “The character has taught me so much and obviously changed my life. It’s been nothing but a privilege to play her.”
