The Biggest Differences Between Law & Order And Law & Order: SVU

There's no denying that "SVU" shares DNA with "Law & Order." Even its notorious intro, wherein the narrator intones, "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," shares verbiage with the "Law & Order" intro on which it's based.

Part of what makes "Law & Order" so appealing is that it tackles a case from beginning to end: As promised by its own intro, police investigate crime, while district attorneys prosecute offenders. On "Law & Order: SVU," however, it's not a guarantee that audiences will see a case through to its conclusion — it happens often, but not always.

"SVU" also, per its title, focuses specifically on sex crimes, and crimes committed against our most vulnerable populations, like children and the elderly. "Law & Order," on the other hand, features a wider range and type of crimes.

"Law & Order" returns to broadcast at a very different time for television than 2010. In addition to the ongoing streaming wars, per The Ringer, audiences have more true crime options than ever. How and if "Law & Order" continues to evolve to meet this new landscape, fans will just have to wait and see.