Law & Order (franchise)

The Law & Order franchise is a long-running American media franchise created by Dick Wolf, primarily focusing on crime procedural and legal drama television series. The original Law & Order premiered in 1990 and established a formula that has been replicated in numerous spin-offs and international adaptations.

The core concept typically involves a two-part structure: the first half focuses on the investigation of a crime by police detectives, and the second half depicts the prosecution of the alleged perpetrators by district attorneys in court. This "ripped from the headlines" approach, often drawing inspiration from real-life events, has become a signature element of the franchise.

Common themes explored within the franchise include issues of criminal justice, ethics, morality, and the complexities of the legal system. While each series within the franchise maintains a degree of autonomy, they often feature crossover episodes and shared characters, further connecting the various iterations.

The Law & Order franchise has been praised for its gritty realism, compelling narratives, and exploration of contemporary social issues. It has also been subject to criticism for its perceived "prosecutorial bias" and its representation of the criminal justice system.

The franchise has expanded beyond television to include video games, books, and international adaptations, demonstrating its enduring popularity and cultural impact. Series within the franchise include (but are not limited to) Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Law & Order: Trial by Jury, Law & Order: LA, Law & Order: UK, Law & Order: True Crime, and Law & Order: Organized Crime.