Unlock the Untold Secrets of the ‘Law & Order’ Empire: Your Ultimate Guide to Binge-Worthy Police Procedurals and How to Stream Them Now!

If you think jumping into the vast world of the Law & Order franchise feels like walking into a labyrinth without a map, you’re not alone. Since 1990, when the legendary Dick Wolf unleashed the original Law & Order, this universe has blossomed into a sprawling saga with nine different shows—some sprinted off and vanished after a season, while others are practically TV institutions, dangling on the brink of three decades. Whether you’re baffled by the sheer volume or wondering where on earth to start, I totally get that swirl of “Where do I even begin?” Well, buckle up—this ultimate Law & Order spinoff guide is your shortcut to decoding the franchise, so you can binge smarter, not harder. Ready to solve your own mystery of which show to watch first? LEARN MORE

The Law & Order universe has been expanding since 1990, when the first series was created by Dick Wolf. Over the years, nine different shows have launched within the franchise, some lasting for just one season, while others are approaching 30 seasons.

If you’re new to the Law & Order universe, it may seem overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure where to dive into the storyline. Take a look at our ultimate Law & Order spinoff guide and find out how to start watching.

Law & Order (1990-2010; 2022-present)

The original series that sparked the beginning of the Dick Wolf universe is Law & Order. The show is a two-part drama, with the first half focused on the investigation of a crime and the second following the court trial.

The show made its debut in 1990 and is about to begin its 25th season. While the series went on hiatus in 2010 after two decades, it returned in 2022 for its 21st season.

Watch Law & Order on Hulu now!

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999-present)

Nine years after the initial series, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit premiered in 1999. Starring Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni, the series follows a specially trained group of detectives who investigate sex crimes.

The 27th season of the series is about to premiere, so while you definitely won’t be able to catch up on all of the episodes by then, you can watch a few in the meantime—and the beauty of the L&O mostly non-serialized storylines, you can pop in at almost any point.

Watch Law & Order: SVU on Hulu now!

Law & Order: Criminal Intent (2001-2011)

In 2001, Law & Order: Criminal Intent began and ran for 10 seasons until 2011. As the third series created for the universe, Criminal Intent follows a group of detectives who specialize in investigating high profile murder cases.

The show stars Kathryn Erbe and Vincent D’Onofrio for a majority of the run prior to cancellation.

Watch Law & Order: Criminal Intent on Peacock

Law & Order: Trial By Jury (2005-2006)

In 2005, a short-lived spinoff called Law & Order: Trial By Jury began airing. The series follows the inner workings of the judicial system, including the arraignment and the process of building the case. However, the show only aired for a total of 13 episodes before cancellation.

Watch Law & Order: Trial By Jury on Prime Video

Conviction (2006)

Another spinoff that only lasted a single season is the show Conviction, which aired in 2006. The series stars Stephanie March, who reprised herSVU role of Alexandra Cabot, who is now leading a team of prosecutors. The series follows their personal lives as they professionally deal with major cases.

Watch Conviction on Fandango

Law & Order: UK (2009-2014)

Law & Order: UK began airing in 2009 and ran for 8 seasons. The series is the UK version of the original Law & Order series and stars Bradley Walsh and Robert Glenister.

Watch Law & Order: UK on Prime Video

Law & Order: LA (2010-2011)

In 2010, fans got to see the (literally) sunny version of Law & Order as they headed west for Law & Order: LA. Starring Corey Stoll and Rachel Ticotin, the spinoff follows detectives as they investigate crimes in Los Angeles.

Watch Law & Order: LA on Prime Video

Law & Order: True Crime (2017)

In 2017, Dick Wolf tried to venture into true crime with their next series. The miniseries follows the story of the Menendez brothers, who murdered their parents, and chronicles their case.

Watch Law & Order: True Crime on Prime Video

Law & Order: Organized Crime (2021-present)

Elliot Stabler is back following his departure from Special Victims Unit and joins the Organized Crime Control Bureau, a taskforce designed to dismantle illegal criminal enterprises. The series began airing in 2021 and recently wrapped its 5th season.

Watch Law & Order: Organized Crime on Peacock