NBC plans interactive fan experience for ‘SVU’ 25th anniversary

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is celebrating its 25th anniversary as the longest-running scripted drama ever in U.S. primetime by paying homage to its native New York by hosting one-of-a-kind fan experiences and surprise and delights throughout the year.

Starting in March 2024, fans will have the opportunity to become a part of “Law & Order: SVU” history. During a two-day free and open to the public experience on March 14 and 15, 2024’s, NBCU’s home at Rockefeller Plaza will be transformed into Olivia Benson Plaza.

Fans will enjoy complimentary refreshments featuring latte art of beloved characters as well as an exclusive kiosk featuring a commemorative 25th anniversary newspaper and an exclusive limited-edition T-shirt designed by the Shop at NBC Studios and Wolf Entertainment.

On both days, fans will have the chance to participate in “Law & Order: SVU”-themed trivia, giveaways and unique photo opportunities onsite.

The immersive event will be open to the public on both days from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. eastern.

In addition to the fan experience, USA Network is airing a 25-hour marathon of “Law & Order SVU” for the show’s 25th anniversary on March 24, 2024.

On April 6, 2024, fans can look to the sky to view a special Empire State Building lighting in honor of “Law & Order: SVU” and its 25th anniversary and its partnership with the Joyful Heart Foundation. Plus, on the same day, commuters can grab a limited edition SVU-themed MetroCard, available at select NYC subway stations.

The show’s creator, Dick Wolf, has maintained a decades-long partnership with Universal Television. In 2023, he extended the deal for another four years.

Advertisement

“Universal Television has been my home for almost 40 years,” he said in a statement. “It has been, and continues to be, one of the most successful partnerships in television, and I am thrilled that we are keeping the trains running another four years.” – Dick Wolf, 2023

“Law & Order: SVU” is only one of the seven Law & Order spin-offs in the U.S. The wildly successful “Law & Order” franchise also includes “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Law & Order: Trial by Jury,” “Law & Order: Los Angeles,” “Law & Order: True Crime,” and “Law & Order: Organized Crime.” The franchise has produced more than 1,000 episodes and continues to grow.

Wolf also created the hit NBC series “Chicago Fire,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Chicago Med,” which are all part of the “One Chicago” Wednesday night lineup. The shows share a universe with “Law & Order” and crossover episodes have been produced between the two franchises.

Wolf is also behind the “FBI” franchise at CBS, which is produced, in part, by Universal Television. The “FBI” franchise has also spurred multiple spinoffs. 

A seventh addition to the “Law & Order” world, focused on hate crimes, has reported to be in development for some time. The series, which is slated to air on Peacock, was originally considered for NBC but the network opted to shift it to streaming due to its content. It’s not clear what the status of the show’s development is.