debuted September 20, 1999, and has become a much-watched and much-referenced crime drama over its 20 seasons and counting on the air.Producers decide against show’s original name,Ice-T determines he can live with irony of playing a cop for huge portion of career.2003:AdvertisementShow celebrates 1,000th sarcastic determination that an abusive parent suspect isn’t exactly father of the year.
Actor Richard Belzer surprises hospitalized children by showing up to sick ward dressed as Munch.Co-star Christopher Meloni departs show after drawing gun on producers and informing them a tragic childhood incident gave him a visceral, personal hatred for lowballing contract negotiators.Mariska Hargitay directs her first episode after previously doing sound mixing, location scouting, and some light PA work.
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit debuted September 20, 1999, and has become a much-watched and much-referenced crime drama over its 20 seasons. The Onion looks back at key moments over the show’s history as it turns 20.