Spanning 30 years, seven spinoffs, and more than 1,200 episodes and counting, the iconic Law & Order franchise is a true cultural phenomenon. It's not just a police procedural or legal drama; it's the police procedural and legal drama. Created by Dick Wolf, the Law & Order universe originated in 1990 with the flagship show, and it's still pumping out new episodes weekly through three different series.
With so much material, a Law & Order watch party would keep you occupied for months on end. If you want to revisit old episodes, check out one of the spinoffs, or dive in for the very first time, we've put together a viewing guide to all things Law & Order.
Here's everything you need to know about how to watch Law & Order online and at home — every season, episode, and spinoff included (except for Season 4 and Season 7 of the original show, which are inexplicably missing from the streaming apps).
How to watch the original Law & Order
Law & Order debuted on NBC in September 1990 as a straightforward procedural about the criminal justice system. Filmed on location in New York City, most episodes follow the same format: a criminal investigation, then a prosecution. Many episodes are based on real cases ripped from the headlines, although the show typically takes dramatic licenses.
During its lengthy run, Law & Order has starred a rotating cast. However, some major cast members might look familiar, including Jerry Orbach, who portrayed Detective Lennie Briscoe for 12 seasons, Sam Waterston, who portrayed District Attorney Jack McCoy for 19 seasons, and S. Epatha Merkerson, who portrayed Lieutenant Anita Van Buren for 17 seasons.
How many seasons are there?
After 20 seasons, the series was unexpectedly cancelled in 2010. However, in 2021, NBC brought back the iconic series for its first season in over a decade — with long-time Law & Order stars Waterston and Anthony Anderson. As of January 2024, the show is now in Season 23, with new episodes airing every Thursday at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Where to stream every season
Unfortunately, you can't stream every season of Law & Order online. Thus is the reality of distribution and broadcasting rights in the streaming age. However, all hope is not lost. You can still watch many seasons online Here's your best options to watch the OG series.
The 10 latest seasons (13 through 23) of Law & Order are available to stream on Peacock as of May 2024. That includes the current season airing on NBC, with new episodes arriving on Peacock on Fridays. Peacock subscriptions start at just $5.99 per month (or $59.99 per year, which saves you 17%) with ads or $11.99 per month ($119.99 per year, which saves you 17%) without ads.
While YouTube TV has significantly more seasons of the beloved OG Law & Order, it's also significantly more expensive than Peacock. While you can try it for free, it'll run you $57.99 per month for your first three months once you trial is up, then $72.99 per month thereafter for the base plan. Unfortunately for Law & Order completists, there are still some gaps in the lineup.
If you'd rather own seasons of Law & Order to watch at your own leisure — and not have to worry about streaming services dropping the show — you can purchase specific seasons via digital on-demand libraries like Prime Video and Vudu (Fandango at Home). Prime Video has Seasons 1, 2, and 16 through 20, while Fandango at Home includes Seasons 1, 2, and 16 through 23. Most seasons will run you around $19.99 or so, but if you're a Prime member, you may be able to score select seasons at a discount.
How to watch Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
The first and most successful spinoff, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), premiered in 1999 and has been pumping out new seasons ever since. Like the OG series, it follows a similar dual narrative approach, taking audiences from the precinct to the courtroom and largely ripping details of its stories from actual headlines. SVU's cases tend to be much more emotional and focus on sexual assault, domestic violence, human trafficking, and beyond.
Mariska Hargitay has starred as Detective Olivia Benson since the show's inception, making her the longest-running character on primetime TV and earning her a handful of awards. Rapper-turned-actor Ice-T joined SVU in Season 2 as Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola and has starred alongside Hargitay, making him the longest-running male actor in a TV series. While those two remain staples, like the original series, SVU has otherwise featured a rotating cast over the years.
How many seasons are there?
Currently in Season 25, new episodes of Law & Order: SVU air on NBC Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.
Where to stream every season
Unlike the original series, you can stream every season of SVU in one place — or, actually, two places. Every season of Law & Order: SVU is currently streaming on both Peacock and Hulu. The only difference is that Peacock also streams new episodes of the current season the day after they air live. Hulu likely won't add Season 25 to the library until after the season ends.
Peacock subscriptions start at $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads. You can also sign up for an annual subscription and save 17%. Keep scrolling to check out the best Peacock streaming deals below and see if you qualify for an even bigger discount.
A Hulu subscription will run you $7.99 per month with ads or $17.99 without ads. The good news is, if you're new to the platform, you can score your first month for free. A single month probably isn't enough time to binge watch 24 seasons of SVU, but you can always try.
How to watch Law & Order: Criminal Intent
First airing in 2001 as the third spinoff, Law & Order: Criminal Intent spent less time in the courtroom and more time dissecting the minds behind some of society's most horrific crimes. Major Case detectives focused on high-profile crimes like kidnapping, theft, and assassination threats. The rotating cast included Kathryn Erbe, Vincent D'Onofrio, Courtney B. Vance, flagship Law & Order alum Chris Noth, Julianne Nicholson, and Jeff Goldblum.
How many seasons are there?
Criminal Intent ran for a total of 10 seasons from 2001 to 2011. While the series began on NBC like the others, it transitioned to USA Network after Season 6.
Where to stream every season
Despite the network change mid-series, all 10 seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent are available in one place. You can stream every single episode on Peacock.
Peacock plans start at just $5.99 with ads and $11.99 without ads. However, you can save 17% (or more — see below) by signing up for an annual subscription instead.
How to watch Law & Order: Organized Crime
Essentially a spinoff of a spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime debuted in April 2021, making it the newest addition to the franchise. It stars Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler, a former (and beloved) SVU member and Benson's ex-partner. Meloni left SVU ahead of Season 13, but as a fan favorite, returned with his own spinoff series years later. The series follows the Organized Crime Control Bureau as they tackle New York City's most vicious criminal enterprises — from mob activity to drug rings to fake vaccines.
How many seasons are there?
Organized Crime is currently in its fourth season and airs Thursdays on NBC at 10 p.m. ET. It's already been renewed for Season 5; however, unlike the previous seasons, it will be a Peacock Original.
Where to stream every season
All four seasons of Law & Order: Organized Crime (including the current season) are available to stream on Peacock. And since Season 5 has been ordered to Peacock as well, it's a good time to subscribe to the streaming service.
You can sign up for Peacock for a little as $5.99 per month if you don't mind a few ad interruptions. For an ad-free viewing experience, it'll run you $11.99 per month. There are plenty of ways to save on a subscription, however. Keep scrolling to learn more.
How to watch other Law & Order spinoffs
While Law & Order, Special Victims Unit, Criminal Intent, and Organized Crime may be the most successful of the bunch, they're not the only series in the Law & Order universe. There were a few other one-off seasons of spinoffs or shorter lived series you may want to include in the ultimate Law & Order binge watch.
Other spinoffs include:
Law & Order: Trial by Jury (2005-2006) — Buy it at Prime Video ($12.49 for the season)
Law & Order: Los Angeles (2010-2011) — Buy it at Prime Video ($29.99 for the season)
Law & Order: True Crime (2017) — Stream it for free on Tubi
Law & Order: UK (2009-2014) — Stream it on AMC+ (plans starting at $4.99 per month)
The best Peacock streaming deals
Since the majority of the Law & Order franchise is streaming on Peacock, we'd recommend signing up for a subscription to watch the most episodes and get the most bang for your buck. Before you sign up, though, do yourself a favor and check out the best streaming deals below. Many people qualify for a discounted Peacock subscription — or even a free account.
Best long-term Peacock deal
If you're committed to long-term streaming on Peacock, you can sign up for an annual subscription instead of a monthly subscription and save 17%. It'll cost you either $59.99 per year with ads or $119.99 per year without — that's basically 12 months of streaming for the price of 10.
Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers
Select Xfinity customers can score Peacock Premium for free. Be sure to check your own eligibility through your account. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible for a free Peacock subscription:
Xfinity Internet users on the Gigabit or Gigabit+ plans can score free Peacock Premium for two years (offer ends June 25, 2025).
Xfinity Internet customers that are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can also score Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.
NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.
New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.
Best Peacock deal for students
Students who can prove their student status via SheerID can score Peacock Premium for just $1.99 per month for an entire year. That's less than a daily coffee purchase. Once your student status is verified, you'll get a unique promo code to secure the discount. Just remember the code can only be used once (so no sharing!).
Best Peacock deal for first responders
Similar to the student offer, first responders can take advantage of a special $1.99 per month offer so long as they can verify their first responder status via SheerID. Just sign up using the unique promo code you receive to get the discount. If you continue to meet verification qualifications, you can renew the deal annually. You'll have to go through the process each time to receive a new promo code each year. Learn more about eligibility terms and requirements.
Best for Instacart users
As of Dec. 2023, Instacart partnered with Peacock to offer new and existing Instacart+ members a free Peacock Premium account. That's a $59.99 per year value — so make sure to take advantage of this freebie if you haven't yet. An Instacart+ account costs $99.99 per year and includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35, lower fees, credit back on eligible pickup orders, and more perks.
Best for JetBlue members
Through July 2025, JetBlue TrueBlue members can earn 1,000 free TrueBlue points when they sign up for Peacock. Meanwhile, TrueBlue members with Mosaic status can get an entire year of Peacock Premium for free (a $59.99 value). Unfortunately, the offer is only valid for new Peacock subscribers. Read more about eligibility and terms over on Peacock's special offer page.
Topics Streaming How to Watch Peacock
