The brainchild of creator Dick Wolf, Law & Order is arguably the most successful series in primetime television. It is the 1997 Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Drama Series and the record holder for the most consecutive nominations for a drama series. It has also turned into one of entertainment's preeminent brands, with its successful spinoffs Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
Filmed entirely on location in New York, the realistic program looks at crime and justice from a dual perspective. In the first half-hour, Detective Cyrus Lupo (Jeremy Sisto) and his new partner, Detective Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson), investigate crimes and apprehend suspects under the supervision of their precinct lieutenant, Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson).
In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts as Chief Assistant District Attorney Michael Cutter (Linus Roache) and the Executive Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the accused under the guidance of the newly appointed District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston).