List of Law & Order episodes

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Law & Order is an American police procedural and legal drama television series created by Dick Wolf that premiered on NBC on September 13, 1990. Set in New York City, where episodes were also filmed, the series ran for twenty seasons before it was cancelled on May 14, 2010, and aired its final episode ten days later, on May 24.[1] After its cancellation, AMC Network considered reviving Law & Order for a twenty-first season;[2] however, in July 2010, Dick Wolf indicated that attempts had failed and he declared that the series had now "moved to the history books".[3] The series was ultimately revived for a 21st season in February 2022. In May 2022, the series was renewed for a twenty-second season.[4] In April 2023, the series was renewed for a twenty-third season.[5] In March 2024, the series was renewed for a twenty-fourth season.[6]

As of April 18, 2024, 498 episodes of Law & Order have aired, currently in its twenty-third season.

Series overview[edit]

SeasonEpisodesOriginally airedRankAvg. rating[a]/
Avg. viewers[b]
First airedLast aired
122September 13, 1990 (1990-09-13)June 9, 1991 (1991-06-09)#46[7]12.1[7]
222September 17, 1991 (1991-09-17)May 12, 1992 (1992-05-12)#46[8]12.3[8]
322September 23, 1992 (1992-09-23)May 19, 1993 (1993-05-19)#56[9]10.2[9]
422September 15, 1993 (1993-09-15)May 25, 1994 (1994-05-25)#38[10]11.9[10]
523September 21, 1994 (1994-09-21)May 24, 1995 (1995-05-24)#27[11]11.6[11]
623September 20, 1995 (1995-09-20)May 22, 1996 (1996-05-22)#24[12]10.9[12]
723September 18, 1996 (1996-09-18)May 21, 1997 (1997-05-21)#27[13]10.5[13]
824September 24, 1997 (1997-09-24)May 20, 1998 (1998-05-20)#24[14]14.1[14]
924 + FilmSeptember 23, 1998 (1998-09-23)May 26, 1999 (1999-05-26)#20[15]13.8[15]
1024September 22, 1999 (1999-09-22)May 24, 2000 (2000-05-24)#13[16]16.3[16]
1124October 18, 2000 (2000-10-18)May 23, 2001 (2001-05-23)#11[17]17.7[17]
1224September 26, 2001 (2001-09-26)May 22, 2002 (2002-05-22)#7[18]18.7[18]
1324October 2, 2002 (2002-10-02)May 21, 2003 (2003-05-21)#10[19]17.3[19]
1424September 24, 2003 (2003-09-24)May 19, 2004 (2004-05-19)#14[20]15.9[20]
1524September 22, 2004 (2004-09-22)May 18, 2005 (2005-05-18)#25[21]13.0[21]
1622September 21, 2005 (2005-09-21)May 17, 2006 (2006-05-17)#35[22]11.2[22]
1722September 22, 2006 (2006-09-22)May 18, 2007 (2007-05-18)#54[23]9.4[23]
1818January 2, 2008 (2008-01-02)May 21, 2008 (2008-05-21)#38[24]9.7[24]
1922November 5, 2008 (2008-11-05)June 3, 2009 (2009-06-03)#62[25]8.2[25]
2023September 25, 2009 (2009-09-25)May 24, 2010 (2010-05-24)#60[26]7.2[26]
2110February 24, 2022 (2022-02-24)May 19, 2022 (2022-05-19)#39[27]5.9[27]
2222September 22, 2022 (2022-09-22)May 18, 2023 (2023-05-18)TBATBA
2313January 18, 2024 (2024-01-18)May 16, 2024 (2024-05-16)TBATBA
  1. ^ In households; seasons 1–7
  2. ^ In millions; seasons 8–20

Episodes[edit]

Season 1 (1990–1991)[edit]

  • The sixth episode "Everybody's Favorite Bagman" was the original pilot made by CBS in 1988. NBC decided to air "Prescription for Death" as the first episode of the series in 1990, before airing the original pilot later in the season.
  • It marks the only release of George Dzundza who left the cast at the end of the first season. He was replaced by Paul Sorvino.
  • S. Epatha Merkerson guest-stars as Denise Winters in the episode "Mushrooms". She then joins the main cast as Anita Van Buren three seasons later.
  • 13 episodes (excluding the CBS pilot) were filmed from the spring to the summer of 1990 before being broadcast. 13 episodes were already in can when the show premiered on NBC.
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
11"Prescription for Death"John P. Whitesell IIS : David Black;
S/T : Ed Zuckerman
September 13, 1990 (1990-09-13)6620914.0[28]
22"Subterranean Homeboy Blues"E. W. SwackhamerRobert PalmSeptember 20, 1990 (1990-09-20)6620515.5[29]
33"The Reaper's Helper"Vern GillumT : David Black & Robert Stuart Nathan;
S/T : Thomas Francis McElroy
October 4, 1990 (1990-10-04)6621514.6[30]
44"Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die"Charles CorrellS : Dick Wolf;
T : Robert Stuart Nathan
October 11, 1990 (1990-10-11)6621016.8[31]
55"Happily Ever After"Vern GillumS : Dick Wolf;
T : Robert Stuart Nathan;
S/T : David Black
October 23, 1990 (1990-10-23)6621619.4[32]
66"Everybody's Favorite Bagman"John PattersonDick WolfOctober 30, 1990 (1990-10-30)8354318.2[33]
77"By Hooker, By Crook"Martin DavidsonDavid BlackNovember 13, 1990 (1990-11-13)6620317.7[34]
88"Poison Ivy"E. W. SwackhamerS : Jack Richardson;
S/T : Jacob Brackman
November 20, 1990 (1990-11-20)6621115.0[35]
99"Indifference"James QuinnRobert PalmNovember 27, 1990 (1990-11-27)6620717.6[36]
1010"Prisoner of Love"Michael FrescoS : David Black;
S/T : Robert Stuart Nathan
December 4, 1990 (1990-12-04)6620816.8[37]
1111"Out of the Half-Light"E. W. SwackhamerMichael DugganDecember 11, 1990 (1990-12-11)6620219.8[38]
1212"Life Choice"Aaron LipstadtS : Dick Wolf;
T : David Black & Robert Stuart Nathan
January 8, 1991 (1991-01-08)6621319.2[39]
1313"A Death in the Family"Gwen ArnerT : David Black;
S/T : Joe Viola
January 15, 1991 (1991-01-15)6620417.8[40]
1414"The Violence of Summer"Don ScardinoMichael DugganFebruary 5, 1991 (1991-02-05)6621916.2[41]
1515"The Torrents of Greed"E. W. SwackhamerS : Michael Duggan;
S/T : Michael S. Chernuchin
February 12, 1991 (1991-02-12)6622216.6[42]
1616"The Torrents of Greed (Part II)"E. W. SwackhamerS : Michael Duggan;
S/T : Michael S. Chernuchin
February 19, 1991 (1991-02-19)6622513.6[43]
1717"Mushrooms"Daniel SackheimRobert PalmFebruary 26, 1991 (1991-02-26)6621815.6[44]
1818"The Secret Sharers"E. W. SwackhamerRobert Stuart NathanMarch 12, 1991 (1991-03-12)6622113.2[45]
1919"The Serpent's Tooth"Don ScardinoS : I.C. Rapoport & Joshua Stern;
T : René Balcer & Robert Stuart Nathan
March 19, 1991 (1991-03-19)6622419.3[46]
2020"The Troubles"John P. Whitesell IIS : Dick Wolf;
S/T : Robert Palm
March 26, 1991 (1991-03-26)6621417.4[47]
2121"Sonata for Solo Organ"Fred GerberS : Michael Duggan;
T : Michael S. Chernuchin;
S/T : Joe Morgenstern
April 2, 1991 (1991-04-02)6622618.0[48]
2222"The Blue Wall"Vern GillumS : Dick Wolf;
S/T : Robert Stuart Nathan
June 9, 1991 (1991-06-09)6622012.2[49]

Season 2 (1991–1992)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
231"Confession"Fred GerberMichael Duggan & Robert PalmSeptember 17, 1991 (1991-09-17)6741616.4[50]
242"The Wages of Love"Ed SherinS : Robert Stuart Nathan;
S/T : Ed Zuckerman
September 24, 1991 (1991-09-24)6740516.6[51]
253"Aria"Don ScardinoS : Michael S. Chernuchin;
T : Christine Roum
October 1, 1991 (1991-10-01)6741118.9[52]
264"Asylum"Kristoffer Siegel-TaboriS : Robert Palm;
T : Kathy McCormick
October 8, 1991 (1991-10-08)6740920.8[53]
275"God Bless the Child"E.W. SwackhamerDavid Black & Robert Stuart NathanOctober 22, 1991 (1991-10-22)6740415.1[54]
286"Misconception"Daniel SackheimS : Michael Duggan;
S/T : Michael S. Chernuchin
October 29, 1991 (1991-10-29)6741018.5[55]
297"In Memory Of"Ed SherinS : Siobhan Byrne;
T : Robert Stuart Nathan;
S/T : David Black
November 5, 1991 (1991-11-05)6741318.1[56]
308"Out of Control"John WhitesellS : David Black & Robert Stuart Nathan;
T : Jack Richardson
November 12, 1991 (1991-11-12)6740319.3[57]
319"Renunciation"Gwen ArnerMichael S. Chernuchin & Joe MorgensternNovember 19, 1991 (1991-11-19)6741416.0[58]
3210"Heaven"Ed SherinT : Nancy Ann Miller;
S/T : Robert Palm
November 26, 1991 (1991-11-26)6741519.1[59]
3311"His Hour Upon the Stage"Steve CohenRobert Nathan & Giles BluntDecember 10, 1991 (1991-12-10)6740718.3[60]
3412"Star Struck"Ed SherinS : David Black & Alan Gelb;
T : Robert Nathan & Sally Nemeth
January 7, 1992 (1992-01-07)6740621.3[61]
3513"Severance"Jim FrawleyS : Michael Duggan;
T : Michael S. Chernuchin;
S/T : William N. Fordes
January 14, 1992 (1992-01-14)6741817.4[62]
3614"Blood Is Thicker"Peter LevinS : Robert Nathan;
S/T : Ed Zuckerman
February 4, 1992 (1992-02-04)6742217.6[63]
3715"Trust"Daniel SackheimS : Michael Duggan;
S/T : René Balcer
February 11, 1992 (1992-02-11)6741717.6[64]
3816"Vengeance"Daniel SackheimS : Peter S. Greenberg;
T : René Balcer;
S/T : Michael S. Chernuchin
February 18, 1992 (1992-02-18)6742019.2[65]
3917"Sisters of Mercy"Fred GerberS : Robert Palm;
S/T : René Balcer
March 3, 1992 (1992-03-03)6742316.4[66]
4018"Cradle to Grave"James FrawleyRobert Nathan & Sally NemethMarch 31, 1992 (1992-03-31)6742418.1[67]
4119"The Fertile Fields"Ed SherinMichael S. Chernuchin & René BalcerApril 7, 1992 (1992-04-07)6742517.5[68]
4220"Intolerance"Steven RobmanRobert Nathan & Sally NemethApril 14, 1992 (1992-04-14)6742614.9[69]
4321"Silence"Ed SherinS : Michael Duggan;
T : Michael S. Chernuchin;
S/T : René Balcer
April 28, 1992 (1992-04-28)6742711.1[70]
4422"The Working Stiff"Daniel SackheimS : William N. Fordes;
S/T : Robert Palm
May 12, 1992 (1992-05-12)6742812.1[71]

Season 3 (1992–1993)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
451"Skin Deep"Daniel SackheimRobert Nathan & Gordon RayfieldSeptember 23, 1992 (1992-09-23)6800914.9[72]
462"Conspiracy"Ed SherinMichael S. Chernuchin & René BalcerSeptember 30, 1992 (1992-09-30)6800612.8[73]
473"Forgiveness"Bill D'EliaS : Robert Nathan;
S/T : Ed Zuckerman
October 7, 1992 (1992-10-07)6800517.2[74]
484"The Corporate Veil"Don ScardinoMichael S. Chernuchin & Joe MorgensternOctober 14, 1992 (1992-10-14)6800714.8[75]
495"Wedded Bliss"Vern GillumRobert Nathan & Edward PomerantzOctober 21, 1992 (1992-10-21)6800414.8[76]
506"Helpless"James FrawleyMichael S. Chernuchin & Christine RoumNovember 4, 1992 (1992-11-04)6801117.5[77]
517"Self-Defense"Ed SherinRené Balcer & Hall PowellNovember 11, 1992 (1992-11-11)6800814.9[78]
528"Prince of Darkness"Gilbert ShiltonRobert Nathan & William N. FordesNovember 18, 1992 (1992-11-18)6800314.6[79]
539"Point of View"Gilbert MosesWalon Green & René BalcerNovember 25, 1992 (1992-11-25)6801216.4[80]
5410"Consultation"James HaymanMatt Kiene & Joseph ReinkemeyerDecember 9, 1992 (1992-12-09)6801413.4[81]
5511"Extended Family"Charles CorrellT : Robert Nathan;
S/T : Wendell Rawls
January 6, 1993 (1993-01-06)6801516.1[82]
5612"Right to Counsel"James FrawleyMichael S. Chernuchin & Barry M. SchkolnickJanuary 13, 1993 (1993-01-13)6801915.1[83]
5713"Night and Fog"Ed SherinMichael S. Chernuchin & René BalcerFebruary 3, 1993 (1993-02-03)6801814.6[84]
5814"Promises to Keep"Ed SherinS : William N. Fordes & Douglas Stark;
T : Robert Nathan & Joshua Stern
February 10, 1993 (1993-02-10)6802211.4[85]
5915"Mother Love"Daniel SackheimS : Walon Green;
S/T : Robert Nathan
February 24, 1993 (1993-02-24)6802414.6[86]
6016"Jurisdiction"Bruce Seth GreenWalon Green & René BalcerMarch 3, 1993 (1993-03-03)68017N/A
6117"Conduct Unbecoming"Arthur W. ForneyS : Walon Green & Peter S. Greenberg;
T : Michael S. Chernuchin & René Balcer
March 10, 1993 (1993-03-10)6802313.5[87]
6218"Animal Instinct"Ed SherinMichael S. Chernuchin & Sibyl GardnerMarch 17, 1993 (1993-03-17)6802112.7[88]
6319"Virus"Steven RobmanMichael S. Chernuchin & René BalcerApril 21, 1993 (1993-04-21)6801011.9[89]
6420"Securitate"James HaymanMatt Kiene & Joe ReinkemeyerMay 5, 1993 (1993-05-05)6802610.8[90]
6521"Manhood"Ed SherinS : Walon Green;
S/T : Robert Nathan
May 12, 1993 (1993-05-12)6802513.7[91]
6622"Benevolence"Ed SherinT : René Balcer;
S/T : Douglas Palau
May 19, 1993 (1993-05-19)6802815.4[92]

Season 4 (1993–1994)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
671"Sweeps"James FrawleyCraig McNeer & Robert NathanSeptember 15, 1993 (1993-09-15)6900913.6[93]
682"Volunteers"James QuinnRené BalcerSeptember 29, 1993 (1993-09-29)6901713.7[94]
693"Discord"Ed SherinMichael S. ChernuchinOctober 6, 1993 (1993-10-06)6901215.3[95]
704"Profile"E.W. SwackhamerT : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Gordon Rayfield
October 13, 1993 (1993-10-13)6901016.0[96]
715"Black Tie"Arthur W. ForneyWalon Green & Michael S. ChernuchinOctober 20, 1993 (1993-10-20)6900416.3[97]
726"Pride and Joy"Gilbert ShiltonEdward Pomerantz & Robert NathanOctober 27, 1993 (1993-10-27)6900616.2[98]
737"Apocrypha"Gabrielle BeaumontMichael S. ChernuchinNovember 3, 1993 (1993-11-03)6901314.9[99]
748"American Dream"Constantine MakrisSibyl GardnerNovember 9, 1993 (1993-11-09)6901814.4[100]
759"Born Bad"Fred GerberMichael S. Chernuchin & Sally NemethNovember 16, 1993 (1993-11-16)6902115.6[101]
7610"The Pursuit of Happiness"Dann FlorekMorgan Gendel & Robert NathanDecember 1, 1993 (1993-12-01)6900517.0[102]
7711"Golden Years"Helaine HeadT : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Doug Palau
January 5, 1994 (1994-01-05)6900815.2[103]
7812"Snatched"Constantine MakrisWalon Green & René BalcerJanuary 12, 1994 (1994-01-12)6902415.3[104]
7913"Breeder"Arthur W. ForneyMichael S. Chernuchin & René BalcerJanuary 19, 1994 (1994-01-19)6902319.3[105]
8014"Censure"Ed SherinWilliam N. FordesFebruary 2, 1994 (1994-02-02)6902619.0[106]
8115"Kids"Don ScardinoMichael Harbert & Robert NathanFebruary 9, 1994 (1994-02-09)6902816.3[107]
8216"Big Bang"Dann FlorekEd ZuckermanMarch 2, 1994 (1994-03-02)6902715.7[108]
8317"Mayhem"James QuinnS : Walon Green;
T : René Balcer;
S/T : Michael S. Chernuchin
March 9, 1994 (1994-03-09)6902916.6[109]
8418"Wager"Ed SherinS : Michael S. Chernuchin;
T : Kevin Arkadie;
S/T : Harvey Solomon
March 30, 1994 (1994-03-30)6900216.3[110]
8519"Sanctuary"Arthur W. ForneyMichael S. Chernuchin & William N. FordesApril 13, 1994 (1994-04-13)6903017.1[111]
8620"Nurture"Jace AlexanderParis Qualles & Ed ZuckermanMay 4, 1994 (1994-05-04)6901115.3[112]
8721"Doubles"Ed SherinMichael S. Chernuchin & René BalcerMay 18, 1994 (1994-05-18)6900115.7[113]
8822"Old Friends"James QuinnS : Robert Nathan;
S/T : Joshua Stern
May 25, 1994 (1994-05-25)6903115.3[114]

Season 5 (1994–1995)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
891"Second Opinion"Ed SherinMichael S. Chernuchin & Jeremy R. LittmanSeptember 21, 1994 (1994-09-21)6940818.3[115]
902"Coma"Jace AlexanderEd ZuckermanSeptember 28, 1994 (1994-09-28)6940619.5[116]
913"Blue Bamboo"Don ScardinoS : Hall Powell;
T : Morgan Gendel;
S/T : René Balcer
October 5, 1994 (1994-10-05)6940215.5[117]
924"Family Values"Constantine MakrisRené Balcer & William N. FordesOctober 12, 1994 (1994-10-12)6940117.7[118]
935"White Rabbit"Steven RobmanEd Zuckerman & Morgan GendelOctober 19, 1994 (1994-10-19)6941118.2[119]
946"Competence"Fred GerberMichael S. Chernuchin & Mark B. PerryNovember 2, 1994 (1994-11-02)6940917.9[120]
957"Precious"Constantine MakrisRené Balcer & I.C. RapoportNovember 9, 1994 (1994-11-09)6941017.5[121]
968"Virtue"Martha MitchellMark B. Perry & Jeremy R. LittmanNovember 23, 1994 (1994-11-23)6941218.7[122]
979"Scoundrels"Marc LaubEd Zuckerman & Charles C. MannNovember 30, 1994 (1994-11-30)6941518.3[123]
9810"House Counsel"James QuinnMichael S. Chernuchin & Barry M. SchkolnickJanuary 4, 1995 (1995-01-04)6941316.4[124]
9911"Guardian"Christopher MisianoS : Brad Markowitz;
T : William N. Fordes;
S/T : René Balcer
January 11, 1995 (1995-01-11)6940416.6[125]
10012"Progeny"Don ScardinoS : Mark B. Perry;
T : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Morgan Gendel
January 25, 1995 (1995-01-25)6941616.4[126]
10113"Rage"Arthur W. ForneyMichael S. ChernuchinFebruary 1, 1995 (1995-02-01)6941417.1[127]
10214"Performance"Martha MitchellS : René Balcer;
T : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Jeremy R. Littman
February 8, 1995 (1995-02-08)6941916.2[128]
10315"Seed"Don ScardinoMichael S. Chernuchin & Janis DiamondFebruary 15, 1995 (1995-02-15)6942016.8[129]
10416"Wannabe"Lewis H. GouldRené Balcer & I.C. RapoportMarch 15, 1995 (1995-03-15)6941716.0[130]
10517"Act of God"Constantine MakrisEd Zuckerman & Walter DallenbachMarch 22, 1995 (1995-03-22)6942216.0[131]
10618"Privileged"Vincent MisianoJeremy R. Littman & Suzanne O'MalleyApril 5, 1995 (1995-04-05)6941814.6[132]
10719"Cruel and Unusual"Matthew PennRené Balcer & Michael S. ChernuchinApril 19, 1995 (1995-04-19)6942315.5[133]
10820"Bad Faith"Dann FlorekRené BalcerApril 26, 1995 (1995-04-26)6942613.4[134]
10921"Purple Heart"Arthur W. ForneyMorgan Gendel & William N. FordesMay 3, 1995 (1995-05-03)6942114.1[135]
11022"Switch"Christopher MisianoJeremy R. Littman & Sibyl GardnerMay 17, 1995 (1995-05-17)6942514.1[136]
11123"Pride"Ed SherinEd Zuckerman & Gene RitchingsMay 24, 1995 (1995-05-24)6942713.4[137]

Season 6 (1995–1996)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
1121"Bitter Fruit"Constantine MakrisRené Balcer & Jeremy R. LittmanSeptember 20, 1995 (1995-09-20)K010517.3[138]
1132"Rebels"Ed SherinT : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Suzanne O'Malley
September 27, 1995 (1995-09-27)K010613.7[139]
1143"Savages"Jace AlexanderMorgan Gendal & Barry M. Schkolnick & Michael S. ChernuchinOctober 18, 1995 (1995-10-18)K010314.7[140]
1154"Jeopardy"Christopher MisianoRené Balcer & Jeremy R. LittmanNovember 1, 1995 (1995-11-01)K010715.0[141]
1165"Hot Pursuit"Lewis H. GouldEd Zuckerman & Morgan GendelNovember 8, 1995 (1995-11-08)K011017.1[142]
1176"Paranoia"Fred GerberMichael S. ChernuchinNovember 15, 1995 (1995-11-15)K010416.7[143]
1187"Humiliation"Matthew PennMichael S. Chernuchin & Barry M. SchkolnickNovember 22, 1995 (1995-11-22)K011119.2[144]
1198"Angel"Arthur W. ForneyMichael S. Chernuchin & Janis DiamondNovember 29, 1995 (1995-11-29)K011417.0[145]
1209"Blood Libel"Constantine MakrisS : René Balcer;
S/T : I.C. Rapoport
January 3, 1996 (1996-01-03)K010918.7[146]
12110"Remand"Jace AlexanderRené Balcer & Elaine LoeserJanuary 10, 1996 (1996-01-10)K011315.6[147]
12211"Corpus Delicti"Christopher MisianoEd Zuckerman & Barry M. SchkolnickJanuary 17, 1996 (1996-01-17)K011517.4[148]
12312"Trophy"Martha MitchellS : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Jeremy R. Littman
January 31, 1996 (1996-01-31)K011417.3[149]
12413"Charm City"Ed SherinMichael S. Chernuchin & Jorge ZamaconaFebruary 7, 1996 (1996-02-07)K011619.4[150]
12514"Custody"Constantine MakrisS : René Balcer;
S/T : Morgan Gendel
February 21, 1996 (1996-02-21)K011714.7[151]
12615"Encore"Matthew PennEd Zuckerman & Jeremy R. LittmanFebruary 28, 1996 (1996-02-28)K012015.1[152]
12716"Savior"David PlattMichael S. Chernuchin & Barry M. SchkolnickMarch 13, 1996 (1996-03-13)K012115.9[153]
12817"Deceit"Vincent MisianoRené Balcer & Eddie FeldmannMarch 27, 1996 (1996-03-27)K011815.3[154]
12918"Atonement"Martha MitchellS : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Morgan Gendel
April 10, 1996 (1996-04-10)K012316.2[155]
13019"Slave"Jace AlexanderRené Balcer & Elaine LoeserApril 21, 1996 (1996-04-21)K012212.7[156]
13120"Girlfriends"Christopher MisianoS : Jeremy R. Littman;
T : Suzanne O'Malley;
S/T : Ed Zuckerman
May 1, 1996 (1996-05-01)K012413.6[157]
13221"Pro Se"Lewis H. GouldRené Balcer & I.C. RapoportMay 8, 1996 (1996-05-08)K011914.6[158]
13322"Homesick"Matthew PennS : Michael S. Chernuchin;
T : Elaine Loeser;
S/T : Barry M. Schkolnick
May 15, 1996 (1996-05-15)K012617.3[159]
13423"Aftershock"Martha MitchellS : Michael S. Chernuchin;
S/T : Janis Diamond
May 22, 1996 (1996-05-22)K012515.0[160]

Season 7 (1996–1997)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
1351"Causa Mortis"Ed SherinRené BalcerSeptember 18, 1996 (1996-09-18)K110615.7[161]
1362"I.D."Constantine MakrisEd ZuckermanSeptember 25, 1996 (1996-09-25)K110716.5[162]
1373"Good Girl"Jace AlexanderJeremy R. LittmanOctober 2, 1996 (1996-10-02)K110314.5[163]
1384"Survivor"Vincent MisianoBarry M. SchkolnickOctober 23, 1996 (1996-10-23)K110415.5[164]
1395"Corruption"Matthew PennS : René Balcer;
S/T : Gardner Stern
October 30, 1996 (1996-10-30)K110116.2[165]
1406"Double Blind"Christopher MisianoJeremy R. Littman & William N. FordesNovember 6, 1996 (1996-11-06)K110515.22[166]
1417"Deadbeat"Constantine MakrisEd Zuckerman & I.C. RapoportNovember 13, 1996 (1996-11-13)K110814.9[167]
1428"Family Business"Lewis H. GouldGardner Stern & Barry M. SchkolnickNovember 20, 1996 (1996-11-20)K111114.0[168]
1439"Entrapment"Matthew PennRené Balcer & Richard SwerenJanuary 8, 1997 (1997-01-08)K110913.23[169]
14410"Legacy"Brian MertesEd Zuckerman & Jeremy R. LittmanJanuary 15, 1997 (1997-01-15)K111315.06[170]
14511"Menace"Constantine MakrisS : Barry M. Schkolnick;
S/T : I.C. Rapoport
February 5, 1997 (1997-02-05)K111414.97[171]
14612"Barter"Dan KarlokRené Balcer & Eddie FeldmannFebruary 12, 1997 (1997-02-12)K111014.80[172]
14713"Matrimony"Lewis H. GouldEd Zuckerman & Richard SwerenFebruary 19, 1997 (1997-02-19)K111513.14[173]
14814"Working Mom"Jace AlexanderJeremy R. Littman & I.C. RapoportFebruary 26, 1997 (1997-02-26)K111815.02[174]
14915"D-Girl"Ed SherinRené Balcer & Ed Zuckerman & Gardner SternMarch 13, 1997 (1997-03-13)K111919.76[175]
15016"Turnaround"Ed SherinRené Balcer & Ed Zuckerman & Gardner SternMarch 20, 1997 (1997-03-20)K112018.08[176]
15117"Showtime"Ed SherinRené Balcer & Ed Zuckerman & Gardner SternMarch 27, 1997 (1997-03-27)K112117.07[177]
15218"Mad Dog"Christopher MisianoRené BalcerApril 2, 1997 (1997-04-02)K111614.88[178]
15319"Double Down"Arthur W. ForneyS : Richard Sweren;
T : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : Shimon Wincelberg
April 16, 1997 (1997-04-16)K112214.62[179]
15420"We Like Mike"David PlattGardner Stern & I.C. RapoportApril 30, 1997 (1997-04-30)K112513.37[180]
15521"Passion"Constantine MakrisS : Richard Sweren;
S/T : Barry M. Schkolnick
May 7, 1997 (1997-05-07)K112413.06[181]
15622"Past Imperfect"Christopher MisianoJanis DiamondMay 14, 1997 (1997-05-14)K111213.42[182]
15723"Terminal"Constantine MakrisRené Balcer & Ed ZuckermanMay 21, 1997 (1997-05-21)K110214.88[183]

Season 8 (1997–1998)[edit]

  • This was the first of five different seasons in the series that had an unchanged cast from the previous season.
  • This is the first season to feature 24 episodes.
  • This is the final season to feature Carey Lowell in the main cast as Jamie Ross. She made a guest appearance in an episode in the next two seasons, as well as becoming a judge on the series' third spin-off, Law & Order: Trial by Jury.
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
1581"Thrill"Martha MitchellRené BalcerSeptember 24, 1997 (1997-09-24)K250817.58[184]
1592"Denial"Christopher MisianoS : René Balcer;
S/T : David Shore
October 8, 1997 (1997-10-08)K250414.28[185]
1603"Navy Blues"Jace AlexanderS : Dick Wolf;
S/T : Kathy McCormick
October 15, 1997 (1997-10-15)K251011.79[186]
1614"Harvest"Matthew PennS : René Balcer;
S/T : I.C. Rapoport
October 29, 1997 (1997-10-29)K250614.18[187]
1625"Nullification"Constantine MakrisDavid BlackNovember 5, 1997 (1997-11-05)K250712.98[188]
1636"Baby, It's You"Ed SherinJorge ZamaconaNovember 12, 1997 (1997-11-12)K251116.01[189]
1647"Blood"Jace AlexanderS : René Balcer;
S/T : Craig Tepper
November 19, 1997 (1997-11-19)K250215.13[190]
1658"Shadow"Matthew PennRichard SwerenNovember 26, 1997 (1997-11-26)K250514.81[191]
1669"Burned"Constantine MakrisSiobhan ByrneDecember 10, 1997 (1997-12-10)K250114.24[192]
16710"Ritual"Brian MertesKathy McCormick & Richard SwerenDecember 17, 1997 (1997-12-17)K251613.88[193]
16811"Under the Influence"Adam DavidsonRené BalcerJanuary 7, 1998 (1998-01-07)K251716.98[194]
16912"Expert"Lewis H. GouldDavid Shore & I.C. RapoportJanuary 21, 1998 (1998-01-21)K251813.55[195]
17013"Castoff"Gloria MuzioDavid Black & Harold SchechterJanuary 28, 1998 (1998-01-28)K251215.59[196]
17114"Grief"Christopher MisianoSuzanne OshryFebruary 4, 1998 (1998-02-04)K251414.56[197]
17215"Faccia a Faccia"Martha MitchellRené Balcer & Eddie FeldmannFebruary 25, 1998 (1998-02-25)K251913.78[198]
17316"Divorce"Constantine MakrisBarry M. SchkolnickMarch 4, 1998 (1998-03-04)K252014.71[199]
17417"Carrier"J. RanelliDavid BlackApril 1, 1998 (1998-04-01)K252512.73[200]
17518"Stalker"Richard DobbsKathy McCormickApril 15, 1998 (1998-04-15)K252316.38[201]
17619"Disappeared"David PlattRichard Sweren & William N. FordesApril 22, 1998 (1998-04-22)K252814.20[202]
17720"Burden"Constantine MakrisDavid Shore & I.C. RapoportApril 24, 1998 (1998-04-24)K252611.34[202]
17821"Bad Girl"Jace AlexanderRené Balcer & Richard SwerenApril 29, 1998 (1998-04-29)K252414.26[203]
17922"Damaged"Constantine MakrisJanis DiamondMay 6, 1998 (1998-05-06)K252214.27[204]
18023"Tabloid"Brian MertesS : Alec Baldwin;
S/T : David Black
May 13, 1998 (1998-05-13)K251513.28[205]
18124"Monster"Ed SherinRené Balcer & Richard SwerenMay 20, 1998 (1998-05-20)K252714.80[206]

Season 9 (1998–1999)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
1821"Cherished"Ed SherinS : Carl Nelson & Scott Tobin;
S/T : Kathy McCormick
September 23, 1998 (1998-09-23)E020315.56[207]
1832"DWB"Constantine MakrisRené BalcerOctober 7, 1998 (1998-10-07)E020513.01[208]
1843"Bait"Lewis H. GouldS : I.C. Rapoport;
S/T : David Shore
October 14, 1998 (1998-10-14)E020411.84[209]
1854"Flight"David PlattRichard Sweren & William N. FordesOctober 21, 1998 (1998-10-21)E020912.22[210]
1865"Agony"Constantine MakrisKathy McCormickNovember 4, 1998 (1998-11-04)E021615.62[211]
N–AN–A"Exiled: A Law & Order Movie"Jean de SegonzacS : Chris Noth;
S/T : Charles Kipps
November 8, 1998 (1998-11-08)N/A17.86[211]
1876"Scrambled"Martha MitchellS : Judith Hooper & Dick Teresi;
T : Ed Zuckerman
November 11, 1998 (1998-11-11)E020813.78[212]
1887"Venom"Jace AlexanderS : David Shore;
S/T : I.C. Rapoport
November 18, 1998 (1998-11-18)E020615.91[213]
1898"Punk"Matthew PennS : Richard Sweren;
S/T : Matt Witten
November 25, 1998 (1998-11-25)E021513.43[214]
1909"True North"Arthur W. ForneyEd ZuckermanDecember 9, 1998 (1998-12-09)E020713.49[215]
19110"Hate"Constantine MakrisRené BalcerJanuary 6, 1999 (1999-01-06)E021416.38[216]
19211"Ramparts"Matthew PennKathy McCormick & Lynne LittJanuary 13, 1999 (1999-01-13)E021116.62[217]
19312"Haven"David PlattDavid Shore & I.C. RapoportFebruary 10, 1999 (1999-02-10)E021913.55[218]
19413"Hunters"Richard DobbsS : William N. Fordes;
S/T : Gerry Conway
February 10, 1999 (1999-02-10)E021815.29[218]
19514"Sideshow"Ed SherinRené BalcerFebruary 17, 1999 (1999-02-17)E021015.63[219]
19615"Disciple"Martha MitchellS : Kathy McCormick;
T : Richard Sweren;
S/T : Lynne Litt
February 24, 1999 (1999-02-24)E022013.55[220]
19716"Harm"Richard DobbsRené Balcer & Eddie FeldmannMarch 3, 1999 (1999-03-03)E021312.93[221]
19817"Shield"Stephen WertimerT : René Balcer;
S/T : David Shore & I.C. Rapoport
March 24, 1999 (1999-03-24)E020215.24[222]
19918"Juvenile"Lewis H. GouldRichard Sweren & Lynne LittApril 14, 1999 (1999-04-14)E022314.87[223]
20019"Tabula Rasa"Richard DobbsKathy McCormick & William N. FordesApril 21, 1999 (1999-04-21)E022216.45[224]
20120"Empire"Matthew PennS : René Balcer;
S/T : Robert Palm
May 5, 1999 (1999-05-05)E021718.40[225]
20221"Ambitious"Christopher MisianoS : Richard Sweren;
S/T : Barry M. Schkolnick
May 12, 1999 (1999-05-12)E022115.06[226]
20322"Admissions"Jace AlexanderS : William N. Fordes;
T : Kathy McCormick;
S/T : Lynne E. Litt
May 19, 1999 (1999-05-19)E022414.96[227]
20423"Refuge (Part I)"Constantine MakrisRené BalcerMay 26, 1999 (1999-05-26)E021216.31[228]
20524"Refuge (Part II)"Constantine MakrisRené BalcerMay 26, 1999 (1999-05-26)E022519.29[228]

Season 10 (1999–2000)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
2061"Gunshow"Ed SherinRené BalcerSeptember 22, 1999 (1999-09-22)E110618.63[229]
2072"Killerz"Constantine MakrisRichard SwerenSeptember 29, 1999 (1999-09-29)E110318.66[230]
2083"DNR"David PlattS : William N. Fordes;
T : Kathy McCormick
October 6, 1999 (1999-10-06)E110917.90[231]
2094"Merger"Stephen WertimerLynn MametOctober 13, 1999 (1999-10-13)E110116.84[232]
2105"Justice"Matthew PennS : William N. Fordes;
S/T : Gerry Conway
November 10, 1999 (1999-11-10)E110417.70[233]
2116"Marathon"Jace AlexanderRichard Sweren & Matt WittenNovember 17, 1999 (1999-11-17)E110517.69[234]
2127"Patsy"David PlattRené Balcer & Lynne E. LittNovember 24, 1999 (1999-11-24)E110217.64[235]
2138"Blood Money"Matthew PennBarry SchindelDecember 1, 1999 (1999-12-01)E111115.24[236]
2149"Sundown"Jace AlexanderS : William N. Fordes;
S/T : Krista Vernoff
December 15, 1999 (1999-12-15)E110719.29[237]
21510"Loco Parentis"Constantine MakrisRichard Sweren & Matt WittenJanuary 5, 2000 (2000-01-05)E111518.28[238]
21611"Collision"David PlattS : William N. Fordes;
S/T : Gerry Conway
January 26, 2000 (2000-01-26)E111618.13[239]
21712"Mother's Milk"Richard DobbsLynn Mamet & Barry SchindelFebruary 9, 2000 (2000-02-09)E111018.38[240]
21813"Panic"Constantine MakrisS : Kathy McCormick & Matt Witten;
T : William N. Fordes & Lynn Mamet
February 16, 2000 (2000-02-16)E111717.92[241]
21914"Entitled"Ed SherinS : Dick Wolf, René Balcer & Robert Palm;
T : Richard Sweren
February 18, 2000 (2000-02-18)E111218.92[241]
22015"Fools for Love"Christopher MisianoKathy McCormick & Lynne E. LittFebruary 23, 2000 (2000-02-23)E111315.11[242]
22116"Trade This"Jace AlexanderS : René Balcer;
S/T : Barry Schindel
March 1, 2000 (2000-03-01)E111818.32[243]
22217"Black, White and Blue"Constantine MakrisS : Richard Sweren;
T : Matt Witten;
S/T : Lynne E. Litt
March 22, 2000 (2000-03-22)E112018.67[244]
22318"Mega"David PlattLynn MametApril 5, 2000 (2000-04-05)E112117.99[245]
22419"Surrender Dorothy"Martha MitchellBarry Schindel & Matt WittenApril 26, 2000 (2000-04-26)E112518.46[246]
22520"Untitled"Jace AlexanderS : Richard Sweren;
S/T : Barry M. Schkolnick
May 3, 2000 (2000-05-03)E112416.42[247]
22621"Narcosis"Constantine MakrisKathy McCormick & Lynne E. LittMay 10, 2000 (2000-05-10)E112318.64[248]
22722"High & Low"Richard DobbsS : William N. Fordes;
S/T : Gerry Conway
May 17, 2000 (2000-05-17)E112217.49[249]
22823"Stiff"Jace AlexanderS : René Balcer;
S/T : Hall Powell
May 24, 2000 (2000-05-24)E111915.12[250]
22924"Vaya Con Dios"Christopher MisianoRené Balcer & Richard SwerenMay 24, 2000 (2000-05-24)E110819.48[250]

Season 11 (2000–2001)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
2301"Endurance"Constantine MakrisMatt WittenOctober 18, 2000 (2000-10-18)E130417.77[251]
2312"Turnstile Justice"Richard DobbsBarry SchindelOctober 25, 2000 (2000-10-25)E130316.67[252]
2323"Dissonance"Lewis H. GouldWendy BattlesNovember 1, 2000 (2000-11-01)E130717.60[253]
2334"Standoff"Jace AlexanderP.K. ToddNovember 8, 2000 (2000-11-08)E130819.03[254]
2345"Return"Stephen WertimerAaron ZelmanNovember 15, 2000 (2000-11-15)E130918.69[255]
2356"Burn Baby Burn"David PlattRichard SwerenNovember 22, 2000 (2000-11-22)E130618.29[256]
2367"Amends"Matthew PennWilliam N. FordesNovember 29, 2000 (2000-11-29)E130219.41[257]
2378"Thin Ice"Jace AlexanderS : Bernard Goldberg;
T : Barry Schindel & Matt Witten
December 20, 2000 (2000-12-20)E131018.22[258]
2389"Hubris"Constantine MakrisKathy McCormick & Wendy BattlesJanuary 10, 2001 (2001-01-10)E131120.34[259]
23910"Whose Monkey Is It Anyway?"Vincent MisianoWilliam M. FinkelsteinJanuary 17, 2001 (2001-01-17)E131818.19[260]
24011"Sunday in the Park with Jorge"James QuinnWilliam M. FinkelsteinJanuary 24, 2001 (2001-01-24)E130118.54[261]
24112"Teenage Wasteland"Constantine MakrisBarry Schindel & Aaron ZelmanFebruary 7, 2001 (2001-02-07)E131519.31[262]
24213"Phobia"David PlattKathy McCormick & Lynn Mamet & Wendy BattlesFebruary 14, 2001 (2001-02-14)E131320.07[263]
24314"A Losing Season"Jace AlexanderBarry Schindel & Wendy BattlesFebruary 21, 2001 (2001-02-21)E132218.25[264]
24415"Swept Away"James QuinnWilliam M. FinkelsteinFebruary 28, 2001 (2001-02-28)E131918.88[265]
24516"Bronx Cheer"Richard DobbsS : Wendy Battles;
S/T : Richard Sweren
March 14, 2001 (2001-03-14)E131618.70[266]
24617"Ego"James QuinnWilliam N. Fordes & Wendy BattlesMarch 21, 2001 (2001-03-21)E132418.14[267]
24718"White Lie"Don ScardinoRichard Sweren & Aaron ZelmanApril 4, 2001 (2001-04-04)E131217.96[268]
24819"Whiplash"Richard DobbsMatt Witten & Aaron ZelmanApril 18, 2001 (2001-04-18)E132316.28[269]
24920"All My Children"David PlattBarry Schindel & Noah BaylinMay 2, 2001 (2001-05-02)E132619.67[270]
25021"Brother's Keeper"Constantine MakrisRené Balcer & Joe GannonMay 9, 2001 (2001-05-09)E132518.82[271]
25122"School Daze"Richard DobbsS : Dick Wolf;
T : Barry Schindel & Eric Overmyer
May 16, 2001 (2001-05-16)E132921.55[272]
25223"Judge Dread"David PlattRichard Sweren & Aaron ZelmanMay 23, 2001 (2001-05-23)E132716.96[273]
25324"Deep Vote"Jace AlexanderWilliam N. Fordes & Matt WittenMay 23, 2001 (2001-05-23)E133120.03[273]

Season 12 (2001–2002)[edit]

  • Elisabeth Röhm joined the cast as Serena Southerlyn (character named after Dick Wolf’s daughter). Dianne Wiest (Nora Lewin) left the cast at the end of the season.
  • In the aftermath of 9/11, the main title voiceover by Steven Zirnkilton was changed for the first few episodes to include the following dedication: "On September 11, 2001, New York City was ruthlessly and criminally attacked. While no tribute can ever heal the pain of that day, the producers of Law & Order dedicate this season to the victims & their families and to the firefighters & police officers who remind us with their lives & courage what it truly means to be an American".
  • This voiceover was also heard at the beginning of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, whose series premiere was suitably altered to reflect the events; the latter became L&O’s second spin-off.
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
2541"Who Let the Dogs Out?"Don ScardinoKathy McCormick & Douglas StarkSeptember 26, 2001 (2001-09-26)E220820.68[274]
2552"Armed Forces"Martha MitchellRichard Sweren & Sean JablonskiOctober 3, 2001 (2001-10-03)E221022.55[275]
2563"For Love or Money"Constantine MakrisWendy Battles & Sean JablonskiOctober 10, 2001 (2001-10-10)E220722.07[276]
2574"Soldier of Fortune"Richard DobbsBarry SchindelOctober 24, 2001 (2001-10-24)E220621.39[277]
2585"Possession"James QuinnRobert PalmOctober 31, 2001 (2001-10-31)E220218.07[278]
2596"Formerly Famous"Richard DobbsWendy Battles & Marc GuggenheimNovember 7, 2001 (2001-11-07)E220118.96[279]
2607"Myth of Fingerprints"David PlattS : Eric Overmyer;
T : Terri Kopp & Aaron Zelman
November 14, 2001 (2001-11-14)E220920.42[280]
2618"The Fire This Time"David PlattDavid BlackNovember 21, 2001 (2001-11-21)E220517.77[281]
2629"3 Dawg Night"Stephen WertimerS : Aaron Zelman;
S/T : Richard Sweren
November 28, 2001 (2001-11-28)E220320.22[282]
26310"Prejudice"Ed SherinJill GoldsmithDecember 12, 2001 (2001-12-12)E221319.39[283]
26411"The Collar"Matthew PennRichard SwerenJanuary 9, 2002 (2002-01-09)E221419.95[284]
26512"Undercovered"Jace AlexanderWendy Battles & Noah BaylinJanuary 16, 2002 (2002-01-16)E222021.17[285]
26613"DR 1-102"Richard DobbsMarc Guggenheim & Aaron ZelmanJanuary 30, 2002 (2002-01-30)E221620.56[286]
26714"Missing"David PlattS : Barry Schindel;
T : Eric Overmyer & Matt Witten
February 6, 2002 (2002-02-06)E221218.95[287]
26815"Access Nation"Constantine MakrisSean Jablonski & Terri KoppFebruary 27, 2002 (2002-02-27)E221517.90[288]
26916"Born Again"Jace AlexanderS : William N. Fordes;
T : Jill Goldsmith & Matt Witten
March 6, 2002 (2002-03-06)E220420.09[289]
27017"Girl Most Likely"Steve ShillLynn MametMarch 27, 2002 (2002-03-27)E222719.25[290]
27118"Equal Rights"James QuinnTerri KoppApril 3, 2002 (2002-04-03)E222118.93[291]
27219"Slaughter"Constantine MakrisRob WrightApril 10, 2002 (2002-04-10)E221819.54[292]
27320"Dazzled"Lewis H. GouldEric Overmyer & Matt WittenApril 24, 2002 (2002-04-24)E222419.15[293]
27421"Foul Play"Richard DobbsRichard Sweren & Stuart FeldmanMay 1, 2002 (2002-05-01)E222219.30[294]
27522"Attorney Client"Matthew PennJill GoldsmithMay 8, 2002 (2002-05-08)E222519.77[295]
27623"Oxymoron"Constantine MakrisMichael HarbertMay 15, 2002 (2002-05-15)E221718.30[296]
27724"Patriot"David PlattWilliam N. Fordes & Sean JablonskiMay 22, 2002 (2002-05-22)E222619.51[297]

Season 13 (2002–2003)[edit]

  • Dianne Wiest (Nora Lewin) was replaced by Fred Dalton Thompson (Arthur Branch) this season.
  • This is the second season not to premiere in September.
  • "Absentia" was the first episode in the series to have more than 1 director listed.
  • With the October 9, 2002 telecast of its 279th episode, "Shangri-La," Law & Order surpassed the original Hawaii Five-O as TV's longest-running crime drama in prime-time, breaking a record that stood for 22 years.
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
2781"American Jihad"Constantine MakrisAaron Zelman & Marc GuggenheimOctober 2, 2002 (2002-10-02)E330419.13[298]
2792"Shangri-La"Constantine MakrisMichael S. ChernuchinOctober 9, 2002 (2002-10-09)E330120.25[299]
2803"True Crime"Martha MitchellWendy Battles & Noah BaylinOctober 16, 2002 (2002-10-16)E330519.29[300]
2814"Tragedy on Rye"David PlattWilliam N. FordesOctober 30, 2002 (2002-10-30)E330320.16[301]
2825"The Ring"Richard DobbsMichael S. ChernuchinNovember 6, 2002 (2002-11-06)E330918.44[302]
2836"Hitman"Richard DobbsEric OvermyerNovember 13, 2002 (2002-11-13)E330219.02[303]
2847"Open Season"Matthew PennRichard SwerenNovember 20, 2002 (2002-11-20)E330617.98[304]
2858"Asterisk"Steve ShillTerri KoppNovember 27, 2002 (2002-11-27)E330815.84[305]
2869"The Wheel"Richard DobbsJill GoldsmithDecember 11, 2002 (2002-12-11)E330719.62[306]
28710"Mother's Day"Jace AlexanderJanis DiamondJanuary 8, 2003 (2003-01-08)E331119.55[307]
28811"Chosen"Ed SherinMichael S. ChernuchinJanuary 15, 2003 (2003-01-15)E331019.03[308]
28912"Under God"Gloria MuzioMarc Guggenheim & Noah BaylinFebruary 5, 2003 (2003-02-05)E331318.33[309]
29013"Absentia"Martha Mitchell & Darnell MartinEric OvermyerFebruary 12, 2003 (2003-02-12)E331418.38[310]
29114"Star Crossed"David PlattRichard SwerenFebruary 19, 2003 (2003-02-19)E331519.81[311]
29215"Bitch"Constantine MakrisMichael S. Chernuchin & Roz WeinmanFebruary 26, 2003 (2003-02-26)E332015.63[312]
29316"Suicide Box"Matthew PennAaron ZelmanMarch 26, 2003 (2003-03-26)E331216.48[313]
29417"Genius"Jace AlexanderWilliam N. FordesApril 2, 2003 (2003-04-02)E331815.47[314]
29518"Maritime"Gloria MuzioWendy BattlesApril 17, 2003 (2003-04-17)E331915.48[315]
29619"Seer"James QuinnJill GoldsmithApril 23, 2003 (2003-04-23)E331618.09[316]
29720"Kid Pro Quo"David PlattEric Overmyer & Roz WeinmanApril 30, 2003 (2003-04-30)E332518.09[317]
29821"House Calls"Jace AlexanderJanis DiamondMay 7, 2003 (2003-05-07)E332317.46[318]
29922"Sheltered"Richard DobbsTerri KoppMay 14, 2003 (2003-05-14)E332418.33[319]
30023"Couples"David PlattLorenzo CarcaterraMay 21, 2003 (2003-05-21)E331716.01[320]
30124"Smoke"Constantine MakrisS : Dick Wolf;
T : Michael S. Chernuchin
May 21, 2003 (2003-05-21)E332219.02[320]

Season 14 (2003–2004)[edit]

  • This is the second of five seasons in the series that had an unchanged cast from the previous season.
  • Jerry Orbach (Lennie Briscoe) left the cast at the end of the season. The character Lennie Briscoe retired from the 27th Precinct and was transferred to the series' third spin-off, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, which premiered with L&O next season.
Law & Order season 14 episodes
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
3021"Bodies"Constantine MakrisS : Michael S. Chernuchin;
S/T : William N. Fordes
September 24, 2003 (2003-09-24)E430220.86[321]
3032"Bounty"Matthew PennMichael S. ChernuchinOctober 1, 2003 (2003-10-01)E430417.50[322]
3043"Patient Zero"David PlattWendy BattlesOctober 8, 2003 (2003-10-08)E430116.47[323]
3054"Shrunk"Jace AlexanderRichard SwerenOctober 22, 2003 (2003-10-22)E430516.60[324]
3065"Blaze"Gloria MuzioMarc Guggenheim & Aaron Zelman & Michael S. ChernuchinOctober 29, 2003 (2003-10-29)E430916.17[325]
3076"Identity"Jace AlexanderJanis DiamondNovember 5, 2003 (2003-11-05)E431116.38[326]
3087"Floater"Richard DobbsEric OvermyerNovember 12, 2003 (2003-11-12)E430718.93[327]
3098"Embedded"Ed SherinCraig TurkNovember 19, 2003 (2003-11-19)E430317.53[328]
3109"Compassion"Constantine MakrisRoz WeinmanNovember 26, 2003 (2003-11-26)E430814.74[329]
31110"Ill-Conceived"David PlattAaron Zelman & Noah Baylin & Michael S. ChernuchinDecember 3, 2003 (2003-12-03)E430616.61[330]
31211"Darwinian"Jace AlexanderMarc GuggenheimJanuary 7, 2004 (2004-01-07)E431317.99[331]
31312"Payback"Constantine MakrisLorenzo CarcaterraJanuary 14, 2004 (2004-01-14)E431017.23[332]
31413"Married with Children"Richard DobbsWendy Battles & William N. FordesFebruary 4, 2004 (2004-02-04)E431517.33[333]
31514"City Hall"Gloria MuzioRichard Sweren & Marc GuggenheimFebruary 11, 2004 (2004-02-11)E431816.96[334]
31615"Veteran's Day"David PlattNoah BaylinFebruary 18, 2004 (2004-02-18)E431418.04[335]
31716"Can I Get a Witness?"Don ScardinoAaron ZelmanFebruary 25, 2004 (2004-02-25)E432016.73[336]
31817"Hands Free"Gloria MuzioJanis DiamondMarch 3, 2004 (2004-03-03)E431614.61[337]
31918"Evil Breeds"Constantine MakrisS : Barry Schindel;
S/T : Noah Baylin
March 24, 2004 (2004-03-24)E432615.05[338]
32019"Nowhere Man"Martha MitchellWilliam N. FordesMarch 31, 2004 (2004-03-31)E432417.86[339]
32120"Everybody Loves Raimondo's"Richard DobbsS : Richard Sweren;
S/T : Lorenzo Carcaterra
April 14, 2004 (2004-04-14)E432716.16[340]
32221"Vendetta"David PlattS : Michael S. Chernuchin;
S/T : David Nahmod
April 21, 2004 (2004-04-21)E431717.21[341]
32322"Gaijin"Jace AlexanderWendy BattlesApril 28, 2004 (2004-04-28)E432517.19[342]
32423"Caviar Emptor"Richard DobbsRoz WeinmanMay 12, 2004 (2004-05-12)E432115.86[343]
32524"C.O.D."Matthew PennRichard Sweren & Marc GuggenheimMay 19, 2004 (2004-05-19)E431919.46[344]

Season 15 (2004–2005)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
3261"Paradigm"Matthew PennS : Dick Wolf;
T : Richard Sweren
September 22, 2004 (2004-09-22)1500118.86[345]
3272"The Dead Wives Club"David PlattNick SantoraSeptember 22, 2004 (2004-09-22)1500715.39[345]
3283"The Brotherhood"Jean de SegonzacS : Wendy Battles;
S/T : Alfredo Barrios, Jr.
September 29, 2004 (2004-09-29)1500412.94[346]
3294"Coming Down Hard"Richard DobbsDavey HolmesOctober 6, 2004 (2004-10-06)1500812.51[347]
3305"Gunplay"Constantine MakrisWilliam N. Fordes & Lois JohnsonOctober 20, 2004 (2004-10-20)1500613.07[348]
3316"Cut"Richard DobbsWendy BattlesOctober 27, 2004 (2004-10-27)1500213.23[349]
3327"Gov Love"Michael PressmanRichard Sweren & Ross BergerNovember 10, 2004 (2004-11-10)1501315.15[350]
3338"Cry Wolf"Don ScardinoNick Santora & Lorenzo CarcaterraNovember 17, 2004 (2004-11-17)1501213.80[351]
3349"All in the Family"Jace AlexanderWilliam N. FordesNovember 24, 2004 (2004-11-24)1500312.62[352]
33510"Enemy"Richard DobbsAlfredo Barrios, Jr.December 1, 2004 (2004-12-01)1501414.71[353]
33611"Fixed"Ed SherinRoz Weinman & Eric OvermyerDecember 8, 2004 (2004-12-08)1501115.69[354]
33712"Mammon"Jace AlexanderWilliam N. Fordes & Douglas StarkJanuary 5, 2005 (2005-01-05)1501614.28[355]
33813"Ain't No Love"Paris BarclayRichard Sweren & Lois JohnsonJanuary 12, 2005 (2005-01-12)1501514.69[356]
33914"Fluency"Matthew PennNick SantoraJanuary 19, 2005 (2005-01-19)1501815.12[357]
34015"Obsession"Constantine MakrisWendy Battles & Alfredo Barrios, Jr.February 9, 2005 (2005-02-09)1501913.16[358]
34116"The Sixth Man"David PlattS : Richard Sweren;
S/T : Lois Johnson
February 16, 2005 (2005-02-16)1502113.74[359]
34217"License to Kill"Constantine MakrisRichard Sweren & Stuart FeldmanFebruary 23, 2005 (2005-02-23)1502214.54[360]
34318"Dining Out"Jean de SegonzacDavey HolmesMarch 2, 2005 (2005-03-02)1501714.66[361]
34419"Sects"Richard DobbsFrank PuglieseMarch 30, 2005 (2005-03-30)1502413.49[362]
34520"Tombstone"Eric StoltzRick EidApril 13, 2005 (2005-04-13)1502516.85[363]
34621"Publish and Perish"Constantine MakrisTom SzentgyorgiApril 20, 2005 (2005-04-20)1502814.33[364]
34722"Sport of Kings"Michael PressmanS : Nick Santora;
S/T : Richard Sweren & Wendy Battles
May 4, 2005 (2005-05-04)1502311.70[365]
34823"In God We Trust"David PlattRichard SwerenMay 11, 2005 (2005-05-11)1502612.22[366]
34924"Locomotion"Matthew PennS : Roz Weinman;
T : Eric Overmyer
May 18, 2005 (2005-05-18)1502912.41[367]

Season 16 (2005–2006)[edit]

  • This is the third season that had an unchanged cast in between seasons, as every principal cast member who finished season 15 returned.
    • This is Annie Parisse's first full season in the role of ADA Alexandra Borgia. She joined the cast in the 14th episode of the previous season. In the season finale episode 'Invaders', ADA Alexandra Borgia is brutally murdered. Annie Parisse wanted out of her contract, so she quit the show.
  • Parisse and Dennis Farina (Joe Fontana) leave the cast after the season finale.
  • Michael Imperioli (Nick Falco) reprises his role in the episode "Hindsight".
  • Law & Order: Trial by Jury was canceled by the end of the 2005–06 season, only lasting one season. The real-life death of Jerry Orbach had done irreparable damage to the series.
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
3501"Red Ball"Matthew PennDavid WilcoxSeptember 21, 2005 (2005-09-21)1600113.04[368]
3512"Flaw"Jean de SegonzacChris LevinsonSeptember 28, 2005 (2005-09-28)1600215.06[369]
3523"Ghosts"Constantine MakrisRick EidOctober 5, 2005 (2005-10-05)1600312.60[370]
3534"Age of Innocence"David PlattDavey HolmesOctober 12, 2005 (2005-10-12)1600510.92[371]
3545"Lifeline"Rosemary RodriguezGreg PlagemanOctober 19, 2005 (2005-10-19)1600612.33[372]
3556"Birthright"Constantine MakrisDavid SlackNovember 2, 2005 (2005-11-02)1600712.57[373]
3567"House of Cards"Michael PressmanWendy BattlesNovember 9, 2005 (2005-11-09)1600810.86[374]
3578"New York Minute"Don ScardinoNicholas WoottonNovember 16, 2005 (2005-11-16)1600911.44[375]
3589"Criminal Law"Ed SherinDavid WilcoxNovember 23, 2005 (2005-11-23)1601011.93[376]
35910"Acid"Michael PressmanRichard SwerenNovember 30, 2005 (2005-11-30)1601112.87[377]
36011"Bible Story"Rick WallaceRichard SwerenDecember 7, 2005 (2005-12-07)1600412.13[378]
36112"Family Friend"Jean de SegonzacPhilippe BrowningJanuary 11, 2006 (2006-01-11)1601212.83[379]
36213"Heart of Darkness"Richard DobbsCarter HarrisJanuary 18, 2006 (2006-01-18)1601312.38[380]
36314"Magnet"Adam BernsteinDavid BlackFebruary 8, 2006 (2006-02-08)1601414.53[381]
36415"Choice of Evils"Michael PressmanDavid WilcoxMarch 1, 2006 (2006-03-01)1601612.39[382]
36516"Cost of Capital"Michael WatkinsS : Rick Eid;
T : Tom Smuts
March 8, 2006 (2006-03-08)1601511.79[383]
36617"America, Inc."Jean de SegonzacRichard SwerenMarch 22, 2006 (2006-03-22)160179.00[384]
36718"Thinking Makes It So"Tony GoldwynMichael S. ChernuchinMarch 29, 2006 (2006-03-29)160199.35[385]
36819"Positive"Richard DobbsSonny PostiglioneApril 5, 2006 (2006-04-05)1602010.84[386]
36920"Kingmaker"Don ScardinoDavid SlackMay 3, 2006 (2006-05-03)1601810.66[387]
37021"Hindsight"Jean de SegonzacChris LevinsonMay 10, 2006 (2006-05-10)1602112.68[388]
37122"Invaders"Matthew PennRichard Sweren & David WilcoxMay 17, 2006 (2006-05-17)1602213.59[389]

Season 17 (2006–2007)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
3721"Fame"Jean de SegonzacNicholas WoottonSeptember 22, 2006 (2006-09-22)1700111.07[390]
3732"Avatar"Vincent MisianoDavid SlackSeptember 29, 2006 (2006-09-29)1700210.03[391]
3743"Home Sweet"Richard DobbsMichael S. ChernuchinOctober 6, 2006 (2006-10-06)170039.64[392]
3754"Fear America"Constantine MakrisSonny Postiglione & Robert NathanOctober 13, 2006 (2006-10-13)170049.43[393]
3765"Public Service Homicide"Constantine MakrisChris LevinsonOctober 20, 2006 (2006-10-20)1700510.20[394]
3776"Profiteer"Arthur W. ForneyDavid WilcoxOctober 27, 2006 (2006-10-27)170079.02[395]
3787"In Vino Veritas"Tim HunterDavid WilcoxNovember 3, 2006 (2006-11-03)1700610.87[396]
3798"Release"Michael PressmanRick Eid & Nicholas WoottonNovember 10, 2006 (2006-11-10)170089.57[397]
3809"Deadlock"Alex ChappleDavid SlackNovember 17, 2006 (2006-11-17)170099.94[398]
38110"Corner Office"Joan Stein SchimkeRick Eid & Richard SwerenDecember 8, 2006 (2006-12-08)1701010.23[399]
38211"Remains of the Day"Constantine MakrisS : Shiya Ribowsky;
S/T : David Wilcox
January 5, 2007 (2007-01-05)170119.77[400]
38312"Charity Case"Michael PressmanNicholas WoottonJanuary 12, 2007 (2007-01-12)170129.02[401]
38413"Talking Points"Matthew PennMichael S. ChernuchinFebruary 2, 2007 (2007-02-02)170139.53[402]
38514"Church"Constantine MakrisRick EidFebruary 9, 2007 (2007-02-09)170149.63[403]
38615"Melting Pot"Jean de SegonzacRichard SwerenFebruary 16, 2007 (2007-02-16)170159.01[404]
38716"Murder Book"Constantine MakrisDavid WilcoxFebruary 23, 2007 (2007-02-23)170168.67[405]
38817"Good Faith"Sam WeismanDavid SlackMarch 30, 2007 (2007-03-30)170177.47[406]
38918"Bling"Karen GaviolaMatthew McGoughApril 6, 2007 (2007-04-06)170188.22[407]
39019"Fallout"Constantine MakrisSonny PostiglioneApril 27, 2007 (2007-04-27)170197.52[408]
39120"Captive"Michael WatkinsRichard SwerenMay 4, 2007 (2007-05-04)170208.88[409]
39221"Over Here"Constantine MakrisWilliam N. FordesMay 11, 2007 (2007-05-11)170218.30[410]
39322"The Family Hour"Matthew PennRichard Sweren & David SlackMay 18, 2007 (2007-05-18)170229.23[411]

Season 18 (2008)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
3941"Called Home"Allen CoulterRené BalcerJanuary 2, 2008 (2008-01-02)1800113.46[412]
3952"Darkness"Michael DinnerWilliam N. Fordes & David SlackJanuary 2, 2008 (2008-01-02)1800613.46[412]
3963"Misbegotten"Michael WatkinsDavid Wilcox & Stephanie SenguptaJanuary 9, 2008 (2008-01-09)1800211.02[413]
3974"Bottomless"Alex ChappleEd ZuckermanJanuary 16, 2008 (2008-01-16)1800411.59[414]
3985"Driven"Alan TaylorRichard Sweren & Gina GionfriddoJanuary 23, 2008 (2008-01-23)1800910.35[415]
3996"Political Animal"Jean de SegonzacEd Zuckerman & David SlackJanuary 30, 2008 (2008-01-30)1801111.10[416]
4007"Quit Claim"Jim McKayWilliam N. Fordes & David WilcoxFebruary 6, 2008 (2008-02-06)1801010.06[417]
4018"Illegal"Constantine MakrisWilliam N. Fordes & David SlackFebruary 13, 2008 (2008-02-13)1800310.23[418]
4029"Executioner"Constantine MakrisRichard Sweren & Gina GionfriddoFebruary 20, 2008 (2008-02-20)1801210.86[419]
40310"Tango"Dean WhiteStephanie SenguptaFebruary 27, 2008 (2008-02-27)1801311.42[420]
40411"Betrayal"Marc LevinRichard Sweren & Gina GionfriddoMarch 5, 2008 (2008-03-05)180059.63[421]
40512"Submission"Constantine MakrisEd ZuckermanMarch 12, 2008 (2008-03-12)1800711.85[422]
40613"Angelgrove"Darnell MartinDavid Wilcox & Stephanie SenguptaMarch 19, 2008 (2008-03-19)1800810.49[423]
40714"Burn Card"Mario Van PeeblesEd Zuckerman & David WilcoxApril 23, 2008 (2008-04-23)1801412.75[424]
40815"Bogeyman"Tim HunterS : Gina Gionfriddo;
S/T : Richard Sweren
April 30, 2008 (2008-04-30)180159.65[425]
40916"Strike"Marisol TorresWilliam N. Fordes & David SlackMay 7, 2008 (2008-05-07)180168.85[426]
41017"Personae Non Gratae"John ColesStephanie Sengupta & Matthew McGoughMay 14, 2008 (2008-05-14)180178.46[427]
41118"Excalibur"Jim McKayRené Balcer & Ed ZuckermanMay 21, 2008 (2008-05-21)180188.57[428]

Season 19 (2008–2009)[edit]

  • This was the fourth season that had an unchanged cast from the end of the previous season, and it was the first season to start in November.
  • During this season, Law & Order: UK made its debut in the United Kingdom on ITV1.
No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
4121"Rumble"Constantine MakrisRichard Sweren & Christopher AmbroseNovember 5, 2008 (2008-11-05)190037.94[429]
4132"Challenged"Fred BernerRené Balcer & Ed ZuckermanNovember 12, 2008 (2008-11-12)190017.93[430]
4143"Lost Boys"Christopher ZallaRichard Sweren & Gina GionfriddoNovember 19, 2008 (2008-11-19)190047.62[431]
4154"Falling"Michael WatkinsStephanie Sengupta & Keith EisnerNovember 26, 2008 (2008-11-26)190056.33[432]
4165"Knock Off"Constantine MakrisS : Jonathan Rintels;
T : William N. Fordes & Matthew McGough
December 3, 2008 (2008-12-03)1900611.31[433]
4176"Sweetie"Mario Van PeeblesEd Zuckerman & Luke SchelhaasDecember 10, 2008 (2008-12-10)190077.51[434]
4187"Zero"Marisol TorresEd Zuckerman & Luke SchelhaasDecember 17, 2008 (2008-12-17)190027.02[435]
4198"Chattel"Jim McKayWilliam N. Fordes & Matthew McGoughJanuary 7, 2009 (2009-01-07)1900910.26[436]
4209"By Perjury"Darnell MartinRichard Sweren & Christopher AmbroseJanuary 14, 2009 (2009-01-14)190108.26[437]
42110"Pledge"Alex ChappleRichard Sweren & Gina GionfriddoJanuary 21, 2009 (2009-01-21)190088.27[438]
42211"Lucky Stiff"Marc LevinEd Zuckerman & Matthew McGoughJanuary 28, 2009 (2009-01-28)190128.96[439]
42312"Illegitimate"Josh MarstonStephanie Sengupta & Keith EisnerFebruary 4, 2009 (2009-02-04)190118.64[440]
42413"Crimebusters"Alex ChappleRichard Sweren & Gina GionfriddoFebruary 11, 2009 (2009-02-11)190137.44[441]
42514"Rapture"Fred BernerEd Zuckerman & Luke SchelhaasFebruary 18, 2009 (2009-02-18)190147.23[442]
42615"Bailout"Jean de SegonzacRichard Sweren & Christopher AmbroseMarch 11, 2009 (2009-03-11)190157.64[443]
42716"Take-Out"Jim McKayWilliam N. Fordes & Keith EisnerMarch 18, 2009 (2009-03-18)190167.14[444]
42817"Anchors Away"Alex ChappleEd Zuckerman & Matthew McGoughMarch 25, 2009 (2009-03-25)190177.33[445]
42918"Promote This!"Michael WatkinsRichard Sweren & Christopher AmbroseApril 29, 2009 (2009-04-29)190197.83[446]
43019"All New"Roger YoungWilliam N. Fordes & Keith EisnerMay 6, 2009 (2009-05-06)190208.14[447]
43120"Exchange"Ernest DickersonStephanie SenguptaMay 13, 2009 (2009-05-13)190187.90[448]
43221"Skate or Die"Norberto BarbaEd Zuckerman & Luke SchelhaasMay 20, 2009 (2009-05-20)190216.67[449]
43322"The Drowned and the Saved"Fred BernerRichard Sweren & Gina GionfriddoJune 3, 2009 (2009-06-03)190228.87[450]

Season 20 (2009–2010)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S. viewers
(millions)
4341"Memo from the Dark Side"Fred BernerRené Balcer & Keith EisnerSeptember 25, 2009 (2009-09-25)200016.25[452]
4352"Just a Girl in the World"M.T. AdlerRichard Sweren & Christopher AmbroseOctober 2, 2009 (2009-10-02)200026.79[453]
4363"Great Satan"Michael DinnerEd Zuckerman & Luke SchelhaasOctober 9, 2009 (2009-10-09)200037.22[454]
4374"Reality Bites"Constantine MakrisEd Zuckerman & Luke SchelhaasOctober 16, 2009 (2009-10-16)200047.73[455]
4385"Dignity"Jim McKayRichard Sweren & Julie MartinOctober 23, 2009 (2009-10-23)200057.24[456]
4396"Human Flesh Search Engine"Darnell MartinEd Zuckerman & Matthew McGoughOctober 30, 2009 (2009-10-30)200067.07[457]
4407"Boy Gone Astray"Rose TrocheS : René Balcer;
S/T : Keith Eisner
November 6, 2009 (2009-11-06)200077.98[458]
4418"Doped"Mario Van PeeblesRichard Sweren & Christopher AmbroseNovember 6, 2009 (2009-11-06)200088.29[458]
4429"For the Defense"William KlayerEd Zuckerman & Luke SchelhaasNovember 13, 2009 (2009-11-13)200097.42[459]
44310"Shotgun"Roger YoungRichard Sweren & Julie MartinNovember 20, 2009 (2009-11-20)200107.52[460]
44411"Fed"Alex ChappleS : René Balcer;
S/T : Keith Eisner
December 11, 2009 (2009-12-11)200118.81[461]
44512"Blackmail"Marc LevinEd Zuckerman & Matthew McGoughJanuary 15, 2010 (2010-01-15)200127.21[462]
44613"Steel-Eyed Death"Michael PressmanRichard Sweren & Christopher Ambrose & Julie MartinMarch 1, 2010 (2010-03-01)200137.76[463]
44714"Boy on Fire"Rose TrocheS : Ed Zuckerman;
T : Luke Schelhaas;
S/T : Matthew McGough
March 1, 2010 (2010-03-01)200147.76[463]
44815"Brilliant Disguise"Alex ChappleS : René Balcer;
S/T : Keith Eisner
March 8, 2010 (2010-03-08)200155.21[464]
44916"Innocence"Fred BernerRichard Sweren & Julie MartinMarch 15, 2010 (2010-03-15)200166.95[465]
45017"Four Cops Shot"Jim McKayEd Zuckerman & Luke Schelhaas & Matthew McGoughMarch 22, 2010 (2010-03-22)200176.02[466]
45118"Brazil"Jean de SegonzacS : René Balcer;
S/T : Keith Eisner
March 29, 2010 (2010-03-29)200186.01[467]
45219"Crashers"Darnell MartinRichard Sweren & Christopher Ambrose & Julie MartinMay 3, 2010 (2010-05-03)200196.18[468]
45320"The Taxman Cometh"Fred BernerS : Ed Zuckerman;
S/T : William N. Fordes
May 10, 2010 (2010-05-10)200206.22[469]
45421"Immortal"Jim McKayRichard Sweren & Julie MartinMay 17, 2010 (2010-05-17)200216.12[470]
45522"Love Eternal"William KlayerEd ZuckermanMay 17, 2010 (2010-05-17)200226.12[470]
45623"Rubber Room"René BalcerRené BalcerMay 24, 2010 (2010-05-24)200237.84[471]

Season 21 (2022)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S viewers
(millions)
4571"The Right Thing"Jean de SegonzacDick Wolf & Rick EidFebruary 24, 2022 (2022-02-24)21015.80[472]
4582"Impossible Dream"Michael PressmanTeleplay by : Rick Eid
Story by : Pamela Wechsler & Rick Eid
March 3, 2022 (2022-03-03)21024.46[473]
4593"Filtered Life"Milena GovichArt Alamo & Pamela WechslerMarch 10, 2022 (2022-03-10)21034.21[474]
4604"Fault Lines"Heather CappielloPamela Wechsler & Art AlamoMarch 17, 2022 (2022-03-17)21044.62[475]
4615"Free Speech"Alex HallRick EidApril 7, 2022 (2022-04-07)21053.91[476]
4626"Wicked Game"Alex HallTeleplay by : Rick Eid
Story by : Pamela Wechsler & Art Alamo
April 14, 2022 (2022-04-14)21064.02[477]
4637"Legacy"Sarah BoydPamela WechslerApril 28, 2022 (2022-04-28)21074.15[478]
4648"Severance"Yangzom BrauenArt AlamoMay 5, 2022 (2022-05-05)21084.23[479]
4659"The Great Pretender"Alex HallRick Eid & Pamela WechslerMay 12, 2022 (2022-05-12)21093.83[480]
46610"Black and Blue"Eriq La SalleRick EidMay 19, 2022 (2022-05-19)21103.94[481]

Season 22 (2022–2023)[edit]

No.
overall
No. in
season
TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code
U.S viewers
(millions)
4671"Gimme Shelter – Part Three"Alex HallRick Eid & Gwen SiganSeptember 22, 2022 (2022-09-22)22014.69[482]
4682"Battle Lines"Milena GovichArt AlamoSeptember 29, 2022 (2022-09-29)22024.40[483]
4693"Camouflage"John BehringPamela WechslerOctober 6, 2022 (2022-10-06)22034.06[484]
4704"Benefit of the Doubt"Carl WeathersPeter BlaunerOctober 13, 2022 (2022-10-13)22044.09[485]
4715"12 Seconds"David GrossmanJonathan CollierOctober 27, 2022 (2022-10-27)22054.18[486]
4726"Vicious Cycle"Bethany RooneyTeleplay by : Pamela Wechsler & Rick Eid
Story by : Pamela Wechsler
November 3, 2022 (2022-11-03)22063.73[487]
4737"Only the Lonely"Elisabeth RöhmPamela Wechsler & Jennifer VanderbesNovember 10, 2022 (2022-11-10)22074.07[488]
4748"Chain of Command"Carlos BernardArt Alamo & Gia GordonNovember 17, 2022 (2022-11-17)22084.56[489]
4759"The System"Alex HallRick Eid & Pamela WechslerDecember 8, 2022 (2022-12-08)22094.41[490]
47610"Land of Opportunity"Timothy BusfieldArt AlamoJanuary 5, 2023 (2023-01-05)22104.73[491]
47711"Second Chance"Rachel LeitermanPamela Wechsler & Jonathan CollierJanuary 12, 2023 (2023-01-12)22114.64[492]
47812"Almost Famous"Bethany RooneyPamela Wechsler & Jennifer VanderbesJanuary 26, 2023 (2023-01-26)22125.38[493]
47913"Mammon"Joy LaneKeith EisnerFebruary 2, 2023 (2023-02-02)22134.98[494]
48014"Heroes"Alex HallRick EidFebruary 16, 2023 (2023-02-16)22144.75[495]
48115"Fear and Loathing"Yangzom BrauenTeleplay by : Pamela Wechsler
Story by : Pamela Wechsler & Ajani Jackson
February 23, 2023 (2023-02-23)22154.71[496]
48216"Deadline"Martha MitchellArt Alamo & Gia GordonMarch 23, 2023 (2023-03-23)22164.41[497]
48317"Bias"Alex HallKeith EisnerMarch 30, 2023 (2023-03-30)22174.22[498]
48418"Collateral Damage"Jean de SegonzacPamela WechslerApril 6, 2023 (2023-04-06)22184.40[499]
48519"Private Lives"Néstor CarbonellArt AlamoApril 27, 2023 (2023-04-27)22193.92[500]
48620"Class Retreat"Milena GovichTeleplay by : Rick Eid & Keith Eisner
Story by : Rick Eid
May 4, 2023 (2023-05-04)22204.18[501]
48721"Appraisal"Michael PressmanPamela Wechsler & Jennifer VanderbesMay 11, 2023 (2023-05-11)22213.93[502]
48822"Open Wounds"Alex HallTeleplay by : Rick Eid & Pamela Wechsler
Story by : Gia Gordon & Ajani Jackson
May 18, 2023 (2023-05-18)22223.96[503]

Season 23 (2024)[edit]

  • Reid Scott joins the season as Detective Vincent Riley.
  • Tony Goldwyn joins the season as DA Nicholas Baxter.
  • The series' milestone 500th episode will air this season.
  • Sam Waterston (Jack McCoy) departed the series in the fifth episode, "Last Dance".
No.
overall
No. in
season
Title [504][505]Directed byWritten byOriginal air date [504][505]Prod.
code
U.S viewers
(millions)
4891"Freedom of Expression"Alex HallTeleplay by : Rick Eid & Pamela Wechsler
Story by : Dick Wolf & Rick Eid
January 18, 2024 (2024-01-18)23015.32[506]
4902"Human Innovations"Rachel LeitermanArt AlamoJanuary 25, 2024 (2024-01-25)23024.60[507]
4913"Turn the Page"Michael SmithRick EidFebruary 1, 2024 (2024-02-01)23044.85[508]
4924"Unintended Consequences"Martha MitchellPamela Wechsler & Gia GordonFebruary 8, 2024 (2024-02-08)23034.56[509]
4935"Last Dance"Alex HallRick Eid & Pamela WechslerFebruary 22, 2024 (2024-02-22)23054.87[510]
4946"On the Ledge"David GrossmanPamela Wechsler and Jennifer VanderbesFebruary 29, 2024 (2024-02-29)23064.70[511]
4957"Balance of Power"Carlos BernardArt Alamo and Ted MalawerMarch 7, 2024 (2024-03-07)23074.19[512]
4968"Facade"Michael SmithArt Alamo & Ajani JacksonMarch 21, 2024 (2024-03-21)23083.99[513]
4979"Family Ties"Michael PressmanPamela Wechsler & Ted MalawerApril 11, 2024 (2024-04-11)23093.85[514]
49810"Inconvenient Truth"Alex HallTeleplay by : Rick Eid & Pamela Wechsler
Story by : Gia Gordon & Rick Eid & Pamela Wechsler
April 18, 2024 (2024-04-18)23104.51[515]
49911"Castle in the Sky"Milena GovichArt AlamoMay 2, 2024 (2024-05-02)2311TBD
50012"No Good Deed"TBATBAMay 9, 2024 (2024-05-09)2312TBD
50113TBATBATBAMay 16, 2024 (2024-05-16)2313TBD

Home video releases[edit]

Season Episodes DVD release dates Bonus features
Region 1 Region 2 Region 4 Discs
1 22 October 15, 2002 (2002-10-15)[516] June 16, 2003 (2003-06-16)[517] April 14, 2003 (2003-04-14) 6
  • "The Creation of Law & Order"
  • Preview of New Law & Order Interactive Game
2 22 May 4, 2004 (2004-05-04)[518] February 28, 2004 (2004-02-28)[519] January 19, 2005 (2005-01-19) 3 Law & Order: The First Three Years
3 22 May 24, 2005 (2005-05-24)[520] November 21, 2005 (2005-11-21)[521] March 8, 2006 (2006-03-08) 3
  • A Tribute to Jerry Orbach
  • Jerry Orbach Profile
  • Deleted Scenes
4 22 December 6, 2005 (2005-12-06)[522] July 17, 2006 (2006-07-17)[523] September 19, 2006 (2006-09-19) 3 Deleted and Extended Scenes
5 23 April 3, 2007 (2007-04-03)[524] July 23, 2007 (2007-07-23)[525] July 30, 2007 (2007-07-30) 5 America's Top Sleuths
6 23 December 2, 2008 (2008-12-02)[526] February 16, 2009 (2009-02-16)[527] March 4, 2009 (2009-03-04) 5 Homicide: Life on the Street Crossover Episode "For God and Country"
7 23 January 19, 2010 (2010-01-19)[528] April 12, 2010 (2010-04-12)[529] April 21, 2010 (2010-04-21)[530] 5
8 24 December 7, 2010 (2010-12-07)[531] TBA August 4, 2011 (2011-08-04)[532] 5 Homicide: Life on the Street Crossover Episode "Baby It's You, Part 2"
9 24 December 6, 2011 (2011-12-06)[533] TBA August 3, 2016 (2016-08-03)[534] 5 Homicide: Life on the Street Crossover Episode "Sideshow: Part Two"
Film June 12, 2012 (2012-06-12)[535] March 21, 2011 (2011-03-21)[536] TBA 1
10 24 February 23, 2012 (2012-02-23)[537] TBA August 3, 2016 (2016-08-03)[538] 5
11 24 November 6, 2012 (2012-11-06)[539] TBA August 3, 2016 (2016-08-03)[540] 5
12 24 February 26, 2013 (2013-02-26)[541] TBA October 5, 2016 (2016-10-05)[542] 5
13 24 November 5, 2013 (2013-11-05)[543] TBA October 5, 2016 (2016-10-05)[544] 5
14 24 September 14, 2004 (2004-09-14)[545] TBA October 5, 2016 (2016-10-05)[546] 6
  • Profile: Jesse L. Martin
  • Profile: Fred Dalton Thompson
  • Set Tour with Jerry Orbach
  • Interview with Park Dietz
  • Profiles Teaser
15 24 November 4, 2014 (2014-11-04)[547] TBA March 2, 2017 (2017-03-02)[548] 5
16 22 November 4, 2014 (2014-11-04)[547] TBA March 2, 2017 (2017-03-02)[549] 5
17 22 November 4, 2014 (2014-11-04)[547] TBA March 2, 2017 (2017-03-02)[550] 5
18 18 May 5, 2015 (2015-05-05)[551] TBA April 5, 2017 (2017-04-05)[552] 4
19 22 May 5, 2015 (2015-05-05)[551] TBA April 5, 2017 (2017-04-05)[553] 5
20 23 May 5, 2015 (2015-05-05)[551] TBA April 5, 2017 (2017-04-05)[554] 5
21 10 TBA TBA TBA TBA
22 22 TBA TBA TBA TBA

See also[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Law & Order cancelled". The Spy Report. Media Spy. May 15, 2010. Archived from the original on May 29, 2010. Retrieved May 15, 2010.
  2. ^ AMC Investigates Reviving Law & Order -- Vulture Archived July 10, 2010, at the Wayback Machine (2010-07-06)
  3. ^ "Law & Order is dead, says Wolf". The Spy Report. Media Spy. July 31, 2010. Archived from the original on August 3, 2010. Retrieved September 12, 2010.
  4. ^ Hailu, Selome (May 10, 2022). "'Law & Order' and 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Renewed for New Seasons at NBC". Variety. Retrieved May 20, 2022.
  5. ^ Cordero, Rosy (April 10, 2023). "NBC Renews All Six Dick Wolf Series Including 'One Chicago' Franchise & Law & Order Trio". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 24, 2024.
  6. ^ White, Peter (March 21, 2024). "Law & Order & Law & Order: SVU Renewed At NBC, Law & Order: Organized Crime In Limbo". Deadline Hollywood.
  7. ^ a b "Nielsen ratings". The Tampa Tribune. April 17, 1991. p. 4.
  8. ^ a b Gable, Donna (April 15, 1992). "CBS' historic jump". USA Today. p. 3D.
  9. ^ a b "By the numbers: Year-end ratings". USA TODAY. April 21, 1993. pp. 3D.
  10. ^ a b Moore, Frazier (July 8, 1994). "Newsmagazines crowd into top of ratings". Sun Sentinel. p. 4E.