The wait is almost over! Fans of Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) are eagerly counting down the days until Law & Order Thursdays are back on NBC. After intense season finales, both shows left viewers on the edge of their seats, craving more. Now, as the midseason premieres approach, it’s time to get the lowdown on when the iconic franchises will be returning in 2025.
In this article, we’ll take a look at what happened in the fall finales, the excitement leading up to the midseason return, and what fans can expect when new episodes of Law & Order and SVU hit the airwaves. Grab your popcorn—Law & Order Thursdays are about to get even more thrilling!
The Thrilling Fall Finales of Law & Order and SVU
Before diving into the return dates, let’s recap the dramatic fall finales that left fans on the edge of their seats.
SVU Season 26: Olivia Benson’s Brave Rescue Mission
In SVU‘s Season 26 fall finale, Captain Olivia Benson, played by the legendary Mariska Hargitay, was faced with an intense hostage situation involving her colleague, Detective Carisi (Peter Scanavino). As the tension mounted, Benson fought tooth and nail to save Carisi, going above and beyond the call of duty to bring him home safely. Her bravery in this harrowing situation was a testament to her unwavering dedication to the victims she serves and the team she leads.
Benson didn’t have to face the crisis alone, though. Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) was called in for backup, adding an extra layer of drama and emotional depth to the episode. Fans of SVU were left on tenterhooks, eagerly awaiting the resolution to the intense standoff. This gripping finale only amplified anticipation for the midseason premiere.
Law & Order Season 24: A Mysterious Murder Investigation
Over on Law & Order Season 24, the fall finale delivered a similarly intense and high-stakes storyline. The squad worked tirelessly to solve the murder of a narcotics officer, a case that brought with it complex moral and ethical dilemmas. With their reputation as the best in the business on the line, the detectives raced against time to uncover the truth, unraveling layers of intrigue and suspense. The stakes were higher than ever, with each new clue leading to shocking revelations.
As the credits rolled on the finale, viewers were left in suspense, itching for the next chapter in the investigation. With both shows leaving fans craving answers, the return of Law & Order Thursdays in 2025 promises to be a major event.
When Do Law & Order and SVU Return in 2025?
With both fall finales leaving cliffhangers, fans are eager to know when they can get back to watching the latest developments on Law & Order and SVU. Well, here’s everything you need to know about when the shows return.
Law & Order Season 24: New Episodes Premiere on January 16, 2025
The wait for new episodes of Law & Order will be over when Season 24 returns on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 8/7c on NBC. This season has been touted as one that digs deeper into the personal lives of the squad, offering fans a glimpse into who the characters are beyond their work. While the show will still deliver its signature compelling, topical cases, Law & Order showrunner Rick Eid shared that the team is focusing on exploring the emotional lives of the characters, showing how their personal struggles intersect with the tough cases they face.
In addition to solving moral and ethical dilemmas, fans can look forward to learning more about the detectives’ backstories, providing a deeper understanding of their motivations and personalities. This focus on character development is bound to add new layers to the classic formula that has made Law & Order a staple of American television for over two decades.
SVU Season 26: New Episodes Premiere on January 16, 2025
Right after Law & Order returns, it’s SVU‘s turn to light up your Thursday nights. The long-awaited midseason premiere of SVU will also air on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 9/8c on NBC. Fans who have been eagerly awaiting the resolution of the intense hostage situation from the fall finale will finally get their answers. But the drama doesn’t stop there—SVU is known for delivering intense cases and deeply emotional storylines, and this season promises even more heart-pounding moments.
Like Law & Order, SVU will continue to address socially relevant topics, shedding light on the real-world challenges faced by the victims and law enforcement officers alike. Expect more high-stakes investigations, emotional rollercoasters, and a deep dive into the characters’ personal lives, particularly Olivia Benson, who remains the emotional backbone of the team.
What’s Coming Next for the SVU and Law & Order Teams?
While the exact details of the upcoming episodes are being kept under wraps, both SVU and Law & Order are known for their sharp writing and powerful performances. Here’s what fans can expect from the new seasons:
Law & Order: Deeper Character Exploration
As showrunner Rick Eid teased, Law & Order will be digging deeper into the characters’ personal lives, adding new dimensions to the already complex squad. This could mean more screen time for familiar characters like Detectives Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson) and Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan), as well as Assistant District Attorney Sam Chao (Ben Rappaport). With the ethical dilemmas at the heart of each case, expect to see personal and professional boundaries tested like never before.
SVU: Emotional Moments and Tough Cases
SVU fans know that every season brings a mix of emotional gut punches and high-octane drama, and Season 26 will be no different. As Olivia Benson continues to lead her team through the toughest cases, viewers can expect a deeper exploration of her leadership style and her personal growth. There’s also anticipation surrounding the evolving relationships between Benson and the rest of the squad, including her powerful partnerships with Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and Rollins (Kelli Giddish). The midseason premiere will likely give us a closer look at how the team navigates the aftermath of the hostage situation, while also pushing forward with new investigations.
The Impact of Law & Order and SVU on TV and Culture
Both Law & Order and SVU have left indelible marks on television, influencing crime dramas that followed and tackling important social issues along the way. SVU, in particular, has been praised for its portrayal of sexual violence and the criminal justice system, providing a platform for important conversations about justice, healing, and victim support. Mariska Hargitay, who has played Olivia Benson since the show’s inception, has become a powerful advocate for survivors of sexual assault in real life, further cementing the show’s cultural relevance.
Law & Order, with its gritty, realistic portrayal of the justice system, continues to captivate audiences by highlighting moral and ethical dilemmas, often based on real-life cases and societal issues. The combination of these two shows airing back-to-back has created a powerhouse Thursday night lineup that keeps viewers coming back for more.
Conclusion: Law & Order Thursdays Are Back and Better Than Ever
The return of Law & Order and SVU in 2025 promises to be one of the most exciting seasons yet. With deeper character explorations, more intense cases, and powerful storytelling, both shows are ready to deliver the drama and intrigue fans have come to expect. Mark your calendars for January 16, 2025, when Law & Order kicks things off at 8/7c, followed by SVU at 9/8c on NBC.
Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer to the Law & Order universe, this midseason return will surely be a thrilling ride. Don’t forget to stream past episodes on Peacock while you wait!
