Watch The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU

The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU is a one-hour special that aired on NBC in April 2020. The special commemorates the 21st season of the long-running procedural drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, as well as the impact the show has had on popular culture over the past two decades.

The show is hosted by Terry Crews, who has a recurring role on the latest season of Law & Order: SVU. Throughout the special, Crews speaks with cast members, producers, and fans of the show about what makes it so special and enduring.

The special kicks off with a montage of some of the most iconic moments from the show's history, including tense interrogations, emotional courtroom scenes, and heart-pounding action sequences. It's a reminder of just how much ground the show has covered over the years, as well as how much it has evolved.

From there, Crews speaks with series creator Dick Wolf about the genesis of the show, as well as his thoughts on why it has been so successful. Wolf credits the show's longevity to the talented cast and crew, as well as the fact that it deals with issues that are relevant to audiences around the world.

Crews then speaks with Mariska Hargitay, who has played the lead role of Olivia Benson since the show's debut. Hargitay talks about the emotional toll that the show can take on actors, as well as the importance of accuracy and sensitivity when dealing with issues like sexual assault and domestic violence.

Other cast members, including Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, and Peter Scanavino, also share their thoughts on the show and what it means to them. The behind-the-scenes crew is not forgotten, with showrunners Michael Chernuchin and Warren Leight also weighing in on their experiences working on the show.

Throughout the special, viewers are treated to behind-the-scenes footage and insights into how the show is made. For example, viewers learn about how key scenes are rehearsed and shot, as well as the process of creating the show's intricate storylines and plot twists.

One of the most interesting parts of the special is when Crews speaks with a group of real-life survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. They discuss how the show has helped them understand their own experiences and feel less alone, as well as the ways in which the show has helped to raise awareness about these important issues.

Overall, The Paley Center Salutes Law & Order: SVU is a fitting tribute to one of the most enduring and beloved shows on television. It showcases the talent and dedication of the cast and crew, as well as the show's impact on popular culture and society as a whole. Fans of Law & Order: SVU will undoubtedly appreciate this deep dive into the show's history and legacy.