15 Episodes of Law & Order To Rewatch

After more than a decade off the air, Law & Order is returning to screens February 24th. While you don’t need to have seen the series before to enjoy Season 21, we’ve compiled a list of episodes to watch ahead of the premiere.

Season 1, Episode 1: “Prescription For Death”
Aired: September 13, 1990
In the pilot episode that started it all, a hospital covers up a doctor’s mistake that results in the death of a patient. Sergeant Max Greevey along with Detective Mike Logan discover the doctor was likely intoxicated.

Season 2, Episode 10: “Heaven”
Air Date: November 26, 1991
Someone committed arson at a hispanic social club, killing 53 people. The crime and its casualties link to a larger operation that profits from selling fake green cards. This episode won Law & Order its first Emmy in the category of Outstanding Individual Achievement in Sound Editing for a Series.

Season 3, Episode 2: “Conspiracy”
Air Date: September 30,1992
A prominent African American leader has been shot and killed. The suspect stands trial, but the assassination could’ve been an inside job. Constantine Makris, Director and Cinematographer, accepted his first of three Emmys for this episode. He won in the category of Outstanding Individual Achievement in Cinematography for a Series.

Season 3, Episode 9: “Point of View”
Air Date: November 25, 1992
A woman claims to have killed a man in an act of self defense. With further investigation, it appears the mob might’ve been involved. Phil Ceretta informs Detective Logan he’s leaving the precinct. Elaine Stritch won an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series for her role in this episode.

Season 5, Episode 1: “Second Opinion”
Aired: September 21, 1994
In Sam Waterson’s debut episode as Jack McCoy, he pursues murder charges against a woman who issued questionable, alternative breast cancer treatments to multiple women. McCoy leaves the District Attorney’s office in awe– it’s his first day on the job.

Season 7, Episode 9: “Entrapment”
Air Date: January 8, 1997
The son of an assassinated African American leader might’ve murdered his father’s successor. But, he also might’ve been framed by the FBI– was there a cover up? Rene Balcer, who wrote this episode, earned an award from the Writers Guild of America in the category of Episodic Drama for his work.

Season 7, Episode 18: “Mad Dog”
Air Date: April 4, 1997
A serial rapist who was granted parole, against Jack’s wishes, is suspected of committing another rape and murder. Without enough evidence to convict him, Jack and NYPD detectives must find an alternate route to get answers. For work on this episode, Constantine Makris won his second Emmy in the category of Outstanding Cinematography for a Series.

Season 9, Episode 2: “DWB”
Air Date: October 7, 1998
Two white police officers face trial for their involvement in the brutal murder of an African American man. Federal prosecutors want to settle outside of court, but the ultimate decision lands on McCoy. “DWB” was awarded Best Television Episode by the American Bar Association earning Writer Rene Balcer a Silver Gavel Award.

Season 8, Episode 18: “Stalker”
Air Date: April 15, 1998
A woman omits details of a previous encounter with a convicted stalker to the police. As a result, he may go free. This episode earned Constantine Makris his third Emmy for Outstanding Cinematography for a Series.

Season 8, Episode 24: “Monster”
Air Date: May 20,1998
NYPD detectives lack manpower and face political pressure surrounding the brutal sexual assault of a young girl. They must coerce a confession from their only suspect. For his performance in this episode playing Jack McCoy, Sam Waterston won a SAG Award for Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series.

Season 9, Episode 10: “Hate”
Air Date: January 6, 1999
The First Amendment and hate speech become central components of the prosecution’s defense of a teenaged girl murdered by a young, racist group. The adult who encouraged the group is confronted for their role and influence. The American Bar Association recognized Rene Balcer’s writing in this episode, awarding him a second Silver Gavel.

Season 9, Episode 24: “Refuge Part 2”
Air Date: May 26,1999
A money laundering scheme is discovered in the final stages of the Russian mob’s trial. McCoy defies Schiff after a related bomb scare strikes NYPD’s precinct. This episode won Law & Order an Edgar Allan Poe Award for Best Television Episode.

Season 14, Episode 24: “C.O.D.”
Aired: May 19, 2004
In Jerry Orbach’s final episode as Detective Lennie Briscoe, he announces his retirement from NYPD’s police force after twelve years of loyal service. Women conspire to murder each other’s husbands but must be tried separately. For Outstanding Performance by a Male Actor in a Drama Series, Jerry Orbach’s career was honored by SAG Posthumously.

Season 18, Episode 14: “Burn Card”
Aired: April 23, 2008
Anthony Anderson debuts as Detective Kevin Bernard. His partner, Detective Ed Green shoots a murder suspect. An internal investigation reveals that Green had a past with the suspect and therefore NYPD must pursue murder charges against him.

Season 20, Episode 23: “Rubber Room”
Aired: May 24, 2010
Detective Bernard and Lupo have reason to believe a student, who threatened violence online, is going to initiate a school shooting. In Law & Order’s “series finale,” they come to find out that the true suspect is a teacher.

Episodes are available for purchase on Amazon Prime and Apple TV, and Seasons 13-20 can be streamed with a premium Peacock subscription. Don’t miss the premiere next Thursday at 8/7c on NBC.