Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

TV Show · 1999

14+ Ages 12-14

Editor

Excellent

TV-14

Creator: Dick Wolf

Cast: Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, Aimé Donna Kelly, Kevin Kane, Corey Cott

Drama Mystery Crime

What's the Story?

In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.

Content Ratings

What's in the title & why it matters

Language Moderate

3/5

Profanity is fairly strong, including "bastard," "bitch," "fag," "slut," "whore," "ass," "shit," and "crap." Notably, "asshole," "fuck," and the n-word are never used.

Drinking, Drugs & Smoking Moderate

3/5

Alcohol and drug use appear regularly, including crimes committed under the influence. Drugs are shown being snorted, needle marks are visible, and overdoses occur in some episodes.

Violence & Scariness Moderate

3/5

Autopsies feature visible organs, including a spleen held up on camera. Rape scenes, while not depicted in explicit detail, are violent and degrading involving torn clothing, weapons, and victims later shown bruised and bloodied.

Sex, Romance & Nudity Moderate

3/5

Sex scenes appear with nudity obscured by bedding, though moaning and movement make the nature of the scenes clear. One episode briefly shows a revealing photo of a woman. The show's central premise revolves around catching rapists.