10 Movies and Shows Similar to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999)

Description: Like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), CSI: Crime Scene Investigation is a procedural drama that focuses on solving crimes through forensic evidence. Both shows highlight the meticulous work of law enforcement professionals and the scientific methods used to solve cases. The episodic structure and focus on justice are also shared elements.

Fact: CSI popularized the use of forensic science in television dramas, leading to a surge in interest in forensic careers. The show's signature 'Who Are You' theme song by The Who became iconic. CSI was initially rejected by several networks before being picked up by CBS.

Description: NCIS shares with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) a focus on solving crimes through teamwork and investigative procedures. Both shows blend crime-solving with character-driven stories, exploring the personal lives of the investigators. The balance between action, drama, and occasional humor is another common trait.

Fact: NCIS is a spinoff of the show JAG, which also focused on military legal cases. Mark Harmon, who plays Leroy Jethro Gibbs, was initially reluctant to take on a TV series role. The show has spawned multiple successful spinoffs, including NCIS: Los Angeles and NCIS: New Orleans.

Description: Similar to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), Criminal Minds focuses on solving violent crimes, particularly those involving psychological and behavioral analysis. Both shows delve into the darker aspects of human nature and the impact of crime on victims and their families. The procedural format and emphasis on teamwork among law enforcement professionals are also key similarities.

Fact: Criminal Minds was initially conceived as a spinoff of The Profiler but evolved into its own series. The show's technical advisor was a former FBI agent, ensuring authenticity in the portrayal of criminal profiling. Mandy Patinkin left the show after the second season due to the dark nature of the material.

Description: The Closer, like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), centers on a strong female lead solving serious crimes. Both shows emphasize the interrogation and psychological aspects of police work, with a focus on obtaining confessions. The procedural format and the exploration of moral dilemmas are also similar.

Fact: Kyra Sedgwick won an Emmy for her role as Deputy Chief Brenda Leigh Johnson. The show was originally developed for ABC but was picked up by TNT. The Closer was one of the highest-rated cable dramas during its run.

Description: Bones parallels Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) in its focus on solving crimes through forensic anthropology and teamwork. Both shows combine crime-solving with personal drama and character development. The use of science and technology to uncover the truth is a shared theme.

Fact: Bones is loosely based on the life of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs, who is also a producer on the show. The show's full title is Bones: The Forensic Anthropologist. Emily Deschanel and David Boreanaz had immediate chemistry, which became a hallmark of the series.

Description: Rizzoli & Isles, like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), features a strong female duo solving crimes in a procedural format. Both shows blend crime-solving with personal drama and humor. The focus on forensic science and the dynamics between the lead characters are also shared elements.

Fact: The show is based on the novels by Tess Gerritsen. Angie Harmon and Sasha Alexander had never met before being cast as the leads. The show was praised for its portrayal of female friendship in a male-dominated field.

Description: Blue Bloods parallels Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) in its focus on a family of law enforcement officers tackling crime in New York City. Both shows explore the personal and professional lives of the characters, with a strong emphasis on moral and ethical dilemmas. The procedural format and the depiction of police work are also similar.

Fact: Tom Selleck was initially hesitant to take on another TV series role after Magnum, P.I. The show's family dinner scenes are a hallmark, often featuring intense discussions about justice and morality. Blue Bloods has been praised for its realistic portrayal of police work and family dynamics.

Description: Chicago P.D., like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), focuses on a specialized unit within the police force solving violent crimes. Both shows emphasize the personal stakes for the detectives and the impact of crime on the community. The gritty realism and procedural format are also shared traits.

Fact: Chicago P.D. is part of Dick Wolf's Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Fire and Chicago Med. The show often crosses over with other series in the franchise. Jason Beghe, who plays Hank Voight, was initially cast in a guest role but was promoted to series regular due to his strong performance.

Description: Without a Trace shares with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999) a focus on missing persons cases, often involving vulnerable individuals. Both shows highlight the urgency and emotional stakes of finding missing persons. The procedural format and emphasis on teamwork are also similar.

Fact: Without a Trace was produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, known for high-octane action films. The show often featured real-life missing persons cases in its episodes. It was one of the first shows to use a countdown clock to show the time elapsed since the person went missing.

Description: Cold Case, similar to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (1999), focuses on solving crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable victims. Both shows emphasize the emotional and psychological impact of crimes on victims and their families. The use of flashbacks to reconstruct past events is a distinctive feature shared by both series.

Fact: Cold Case was known for its use of period music to evoke the era in which the crime occurred. The show was created by Meredith Stiehm, who later worked on The Bridge and Homeland. Each episode typically ended with a poignant montage set to music.