The Television Show “Law and Order: SVU” Essay

Exclusively available on Available only on IvyPanda® Made by Human No AI

Introduction

I love television. There are hundreds of thousands of shows, movies, and other types of programs that are available to any cable subscriber in America. I especially enjoy vintage TV shows that are often rerun during daytime, news and movie channels. My absolute favorite genre is suspense. Seeing a mystery unravel with twists and turns is one of my favorite ways to relax. I enjoy it in both reality show format, like Ghost Adventures, and drama format, like Law and Order Special Victim’s Unit. In fact, Law and Order are one of my favorite TV shows because the investigations are very suspenseful and involve memorable characters.

The Winning Formula

Certainly, “Law and Order: SVU” is one of the most successful spinoff television shows in history. It began as a part of the Law and Order franchise in 1999 and has been running for 19 seasons since. Over the years, the show developed a distinct formula that almost every episode follows. Each episode includes a crime loosely based on a real event that recently happened, which leads to the investigation. Investigations often become complicated due to an unexpected crisis like the suspected perpetrator being revealed as innocent. However, in the end, the real perpetrator is found and put to justice. Despite the consistent use of the formula, the show creators often find ways to outwit the viewers, making each episode as engrossing as the last. The pacing of the show supports the formula and leads to a suspenseful hour of television.

Memorable Characters

Equally important are the characters of the show. Over 19 seasons, SVU had dozens of characters change and develop, with certain effects slightly changing their personality. Perhaps my favorite character was Detective John Munch that was portrayed by Richard Belzer. His interest in older conspiracy theories contrasts well with his older age and belief in justice. Also, his interactions with fellow colleagues, such as sergeant Fin Tutuola who is played by the rapper Ice-T, are entertaining, funny, and sometimes touching. The mix of very serious subject matter and lighter interactions between characters allows the show to keep the viewer’s attention while also not becoming too emotionally difficult to watch. However, when characters leave the show, it always feels like a great loss for the program. Due to the amount of time that viewers spend with them, they become attached and such loses lead to distress for the fans of the show.

Legacy

Finally, the legacy of the show should not be understated. While the original Law and Order ran for 20 seasons, SVU is fast approaching its number of episodes and has already become the longest currently running prime-time scripted television series. The show has been ingrained into the public consciousness to the point that people who do not watch the show are aware of its existence and tropes. Its success has spawned a line of Law and Order spin-offs and even a Russian adaptation of the show in 2007. The show’s formula has been replicated numerous times, and it has defined the genre of procedural suspense dramas.

Conclusion

Law and Order: SVU is my favorite television show because its characters and formula always make me immersed in its mysteries. Out of hundreds of thousands of shows, I chose this one because no matter when I put it on I can be sure that I will feel relaxed, immersed and interested. Unfortunately, my favorite character has left the show, but I do not intend to stop watching because it is still a very entertaining and suspenseful program.

More related papers Related Essay Examples
Cite This paper
You're welcome to use this sample in your assignment. Be sure to cite it correctly

Reference

IvyPanda. (2021, May 28). The Television Show "Law and Order: SVU". https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-television-show-law-and-order-svu/

Work Cited

"The Television Show "Law and Order: SVU"." IvyPanda, 28 May 2021, ivypanda.com/essays/the-television-show-law-and-order-svu/.

References

IvyPanda. (2021) 'The Television Show "Law and Order: SVU"'. 28 May.

References

IvyPanda. 2021. "The Television Show "Law and Order: SVU"." May 28, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-television-show-law-and-order-svu/.

1. IvyPanda. "The Television Show "Law and Order: SVU"." May 28, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-television-show-law-and-order-svu/.


Bibliography


IvyPanda. "The Television Show "Law and Order: SVU"." May 28, 2021. https://ivypanda.com/essays/the-television-show-law-and-order-svu/.

If, for any reason, you believe that this content should not be published on our website, please request its removal.
Updated:
This academic paper example has been carefully picked, checked and refined by our editorial team.
No AI was involved: only quilified experts contributed.
You are free to use it for the following purposes:
  • To find inspiration for your paper and overcome writer’s block
  • As a source of information (ensure proper referencing)
  • As a template for you assignment
Privacy Settings

IvyPanda uses cookies and similar technologies to enhance your experience, enabling functionalities such as:

  • Basic site functions
  • Ensuring secure, safe transactions
  • Secure account login
  • Remembering account, browser, and regional preferences
  • Remembering privacy and security settings
  • Analyzing site traffic and usage
  • Personalized search, content, and recommendations
  • Displaying relevant, targeted ads on and off IvyPanda

Please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy for detailed information.

Required Cookies & Technologies
Always active

Certain technologies we use are essential for critical functions such as security and site integrity, account authentication, security and privacy preferences, internal site usage and maintenance data, and ensuring the site operates correctly for browsing and transactions.

Site Customization

Cookies and similar technologies are used to enhance your experience by:

  • Remembering general and regional preferences
  • Personalizing content, search, recommendations, and offers

Some functions, such as personalized recommendations, account preferences, or localization, may not work correctly without these technologies. For more details, please refer to IvyPanda's Cookies Policy.

Personalized Advertising

To enable personalized advertising (such as interest-based ads), we may share your data with our marketing and advertising partners using cookies and other technologies. These partners may have their own information collected about you. Turning off the personalized advertising setting won't stop you from seeing IvyPanda ads, but it may make the ads you see less relevant or more repetitive.

Personalized advertising may be considered a "sale" or "sharing" of the information under California and other state privacy laws, and you may have the right to opt out. Turning off personalized advertising allows you to exercise your right to opt out. Learn more in IvyPanda's Cookies Policy and Privacy Policy.

1 / 1