Law & Order

1990 • TV-14

In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing the evidence and questioning the suspects until someone is taken into custody. The district attorney's office then builds a case to convict the perpetrator by proving the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Working together, these expert teams navigate all sides of the complex criminal justice system to make New York a safer place.

Content advisory

LGBTQ+ Characters/Relationships

Unrated — There is some notable LGBTQ+ representation in recurring or secondary characters throughout the series run, including same-sex relationships and openly LGBTQ+ law enforcement professionals.

Language

moderate — Moderate language is used regularly including occasional strong language; profanity is present but not excessive or constant.

Mature Themes

heavy — The series explores heavy and mature themes including death, grief, abuse, trauma, and moral complexity inherent in crime and justice; these are integral to the storytelling and presented with realism.

Scary/Intense Content

mild — Some scenes can be unsettling or tense due to the nature of crimes, but there is little to no use of supernatural or horror elements; suspense is driven by investigation and legal drama.

Sexual Content & Nudity

mild — Sexual content is minimal and usually involves brief references or mild romantic interactions such as kissing; explicit content or nudity are very rare or absent.

Substance Use

mild — Use or mention of alcohol and smoking occurs occasionally, typically in social or procedural contexts; drug use is shown but not glamorized.

Violence & Gore

moderate — The series frequently depicts crime scenes involving injury and death, including shootings and assaults, but on-screen violence is generally not overly graphic or prolonged. Most violent acts are shown in a realistic but restrained manner, focusing more on investigation than gore.