Every Law & Order Season Ranked Worst To Best

Since its premiere in 1990, "Law & Order" has become the gold standard of police procedurals. It was by no means the first police procedural (1951's "Dragnet" holds that honor, according to The New York Times), but it is perhaps the most recognizable. True to its genre, each episode of this series features a crime that must be solved by detectives and prosecuted by the District Attorney's office. Although some storylines are original ideas, many take inspiration from high-profile cases, larger-than-life criminals, and current events within the U.S. justice system.  

After three decades and counting, fans can enjoy over 400 episodes and 22 seasons of their favorite procedural. It's a massive chunk of television to sift through, but some parts of the series are more worthwhile than others. From unbearable characters to stale plots, the worst seasons of "Law & Order" are full of frustrating departures from the series' tried-and-true formula. However, the best seasons offer viewers a glimpse at just how great procedural television can be, even years after their premiere. 

Season 22 is stronger than its predecessor, but the "Law & Order" reboot still lags behind the original run. The dialogue remains cringeworthy, and almost everyone is on a soap box. ADA Samantha Maroun (Odelya Halevi) falls flat this season because nearly every issue becomes a hill for her to die on, making her seem preachy instead of principled. Compared to the strong female ADAs of previous seasons, Maroun continues to be a disappointment. However, audiences do begin to learn more of her story as the season unfolds, including her struggles to cope with her sister's murder.

Sadly, even promising newcomer Junior Detective Jalen Shaw (Mehcad Brooks), becomes embroiled in ridiculous moral posturing in "The System." Whereas Shaw initially seems like the series' voice of reason, this episode features an overblown, borderline irrational display of guilt about his conduct during a previous case. In just one episode, he goes from being the most dynamic character in the reboot to one-dimensional and off-putting. Of course, the icing on this flavorless cake is the season premiere, "Gimme Shelter," the conclusion of a three-part crossover with "SVU" and "Organized Crime." The only watchable moments in it feature characters from the other two series.

When it comes to procedurals, casting is everything. Sure, the cases are intriguing, but the real forward momentum of a show like "Law & Order" comes from the relationships between central characters. Season 2 follows detectives Mike Logan (Chris Noth) and Phil Cerreta (Paul Sorvino) as they hunt down criminals and try to build a professional bond. After the death of his first partner, Max Greevey (George Dzundza), it makes sense that Logan has misgivings about Cerreta. Nevertheless, Logan's initial resentment of his new partner makes it difficult for viewers to settle into the season.

Logan is well-known for his quick temper and gruffness, and season 2 demonstrates some of his worst behavior. In the first episode, "Confession," Logan goes too far in obtaining a confession from Greevey's supposed killer, which jeopardizes the prosecution's entire case. Although he's grieving his partner, it isn't easy to sympathize with a character hell-bent on having his own way. His attitude gradually softens as season 2 progresses, and things are much more harmonious between Logan and Cerreta in later episodes. However, the two end up being partners in shady police work entirely too often for this to be a worthwhile season.

When Adam Schiff (Steven Hill) passed the baton to District Attorney Nora Lewin (Dianne Wiest), fans finally saw a female character assume the head prosecutor position. However, despite Wiest's many talents, DA Lewin is an immediate letdown. Rudy Giuliani makes a cameo to introduce her as the interim district attorney, but the fanfare quickly fades as the season premiere, "Endurance," unfolds. During their first case together, McCoy goes against his new boss' wishes with barely a second thought, and Lewin is woefully ineffective at stopping his behavior. Although McCoy is known for breaking the rules, Lewin's lack of authority is disappointing.

Unfortunately, the way the series employs a highly decorated actress to play a throw-away character detracts from the great things season 11 offers. For example, the season ends with a compelling two-part finale, which is rare for "Law & Order." A handful of other genuinely thought-provoking episodes are also worth watching, but Lewin distractingly fades into the background of every scene. Moreover, her one-note politics contribute nothing to the philosophical debates that make the prosecutor's office intriguing. Audiences deserved a female DA as dynamic and skilled as the many female ADAs in the series; Lewin is simply forgettable.

There's no denying that Benjamin Bratt excels at playing men in uniform. Those who love Detective Rey Curtis will especially enjoy season 7, which includes some of his best moments. Although Mike Logan defined the hot-headed young "Law & Order" detective, Curtis does it with much more finesse. He steps out of line sometimes, but he has a clearly defined moral compass. From his crew cut to his ever-present cell phone, Curtis provides a thoroughly modern counterpart to Detective Briscoe's relaxed, old-school style. 

While the detectives are a highlight in season 7, however, the prosecutors are too predictable. McCoy and ADA Jamie Ross (Carrie Lowell) have one too many squabbles, making it unintentionally satisfying to watch McCoy struggle to keep his job in the season finale. The two gel in later seasons, but their professional growing pains make it difficult to appreciate their partnership in season 7. However, "Mad Dog" is an incredibly powerful late-season episode that every "Law & Order" fan needs to see at least once. McCoy goes on one of his best crusades for justice, and Sam Waterston earned himself a 1997 Emmy nomination for his performance.

Many shows get off to a rocky start, but "Law & Order" had a respectably memorable beginning. It wasn't pretty and it hasn't aged well, but season 1 set a high bar in terms of character chemistry and action-packed arrests. It features Detective Logan at his most questionable, paired up with the often equally dubious Detective Greevey. While Greevey is comparatively more strait-laced, this pair of police officers will get their man by any means necessary. Their creative take-downs include some true gems, such as Logan stopping a suspect in his tracks with a trash can lid to the face.

Some of the detectives' antics teeter dangerously close to police brutality, so parts of this season can be a little tough to watch. Regardless, season 1 sets a high standard for the quality of cases the characters try to crack. When it comes to topical issues, this season outpaces several others with compelling ripped-from-the-headlines episodes. "Everybody's Favorite Bagman" reimagines a Parking Violations Bureau scandal, while the two-part episode "Torrents of Greed" takes inspiration from Jimmy Hoffa's disappearance. As a bonus, fans can catch young Philip Seymour Hoffman's first onscreen appearance in "The Violence of Summer."

It's hard to imagine "Law & Order" without DA Jack McCoy, but this irreplaceable character didn't appear on the series until season 5. This season gives fans a fun look at McCoy's early days as a stubborn, womanizing EADA with an unrelenting desire to win cases. Love him or hate him, McCoy is the winningest prosecutor in the show's history. Even on his first day, McCoy displays his cavalier attitude. He makes the strongest first impression of almost any new character on the series, captivating both viewers and his new colleague, Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessy). The ongoing sexual tension between these two creates an entertaining backdrop to life in the prosecutor's office.

"Law & Order" is considered a career-maker, and it's a treat to revisit some top performers' roles in the early seasons. As such, season 5 features a pair of can't-miss cameos by actresses at the beginning of their careers. "Family Values" stars the one and only Sarah Paulson as a teenager named Maggie Conner. Paulson was just a teen herself at the time, and this episode marks her first-ever television appearance. Earlier in the season, "Ozark" star Laura Linney appears in "Blue Bamboo," playing a singer accused of murdering her former boss.

For three seasons, "Law & Order" was just another boys' club. Then, season 4 introduced two dynamic female characters that changed the face of the series. In the season premiere, "Sweeps," Lieutenant Van Buren takes the helm of the 27th Precinct, while ADA Kincaid adds a fresh perspective to the District Attorney's office. Both share the honor of being the first female members of the main cast. They each have a solid first showing and set the bar for the female characters that follow. Even as a new supervisor, Van Buren dives headfirst into her debut case and immediately commands the respect of her detectives. Although Kincaid has a much more subdued personality, she proves herself a conscientious, intelligent young prosecutor.

This momentous season keeps the new characters busy with plenty of cases that are not what they seem to be. An early highlight for Kincaid is "Breeder," in which she relentlessly pursues the truth behind a private plot to extort couples hoping to become parents. Kincaid also receives a significant focus in "Censure" when an embarrassing event from her past threatens her new position. In a series that sometimes gives new characters a surface-level treatment, season 4 reminds viewers of the power of a good backstory.

Ed Green is one of the most amicable "Law & Order" detectives, but even he has difficulty bonding with his new partner in season 17. Detective Nina Cassady (Milena Govich) is the first — and only — female detective on the mothership series. She joins the cast at an excellent time, since season 17 features some of the series' most memorable episodes. "Deadlock" is a particular standout, featuring an unforgettably harrowing school shooting, a well-developed criminal, and an exciting look at legal loopholes. 

However, as groundbreaking as Detective Cassady is, she ultimately drags the season down. Cassady is needlessly combative, especially with Van Buren, the only other female officer at the precinct. This cat-fighting stereotype immediately undermines her character's potential, and things only get worse as the season continues. Unsurprisingly, her tenure ends after only one season. Despite Cassady's poor showing, however, season 17 is still a winner because of one highlight: ADA Connie Rubirosa (Alana de la Garza). Rubirosa makes her debut in the season premiere and quickly emerges as a prime example of how important female characters are to this franchise. Together, Rubirosa and McCoy make for the ultimate prosecutorial dream team.

ADA Kincaid may not be the most strong-willed prosecutor on "Law & Order," but she has one of the show's most well-written character arcs. In season 6, Kincaid and McCoy are in a groove, tackling tough cases and (mostly) agreeing on how to secure convictions. This season also features a compelling crossover with "Homicide: Life on the Street" in the episode "Charm City." In it, the New York and Baltimore detectives team up to hunt down a subway bomber, and the case leads them deep into a domestic terrorism plot. Season 6 also temporarily welcomes former ADA Paul Robinette (Richard Brooks) back into the fold in the episode "Custody."

However, what truly makes season 6 successful is its experimental, unforgettable finale episode, "Aftershock." For the first and only time, the series departs from its usual formula and follows the four main characters through quiet, solo moments. In the beginning, Briscoe, Kincaid, Curtis, and McCoy all witness a convicted man's execution, which inspires a myriad of conflicting reactions and gives fans a never-before-seen glimpse at these four characters' emotional worlds. The episode has a slower pace and a more cinematic quality than viewers are used to, and features the most tragic conclusion to any season of the show: Kincaid dies in a car crash at the end of the episode.

When it comes to cases that will keep you up at night, no season of "Law & Order" can compete with number 10. Several episodes raise difficult moral questions that leave a lingering impression. Most notably, "Killerz" features an unlikely but terrifying criminal. 10-year-old Jenny Brandt (Hailee Hirsch) is the stuff of nightmares, a sociopathic murderer with no remorse for her crime. It's one of the few episodes that leaves audiences with a sick, sinking feeling after the credits roll, largely because nobody really wins. Jack McCoy tries to convince a judge to keep society safe by institutionalizing Jenny, but the young girl goes home in the care of her very questionable mother.

Alongside the brutal crimes and philosophical quandaries, season 10 introduces Detective Ed Green. While many previous detectives felt one-dimensional, Green has just enough backstory to give him a believable edge. His debut is rushed, but the bond he builds with Briscoe is the best of the whole series. His calm, even-keeled nature and ability to get along with anyone perfectly match Briscoe's sarcasm and occasional curtness.

Most seasons of "Law & Order" have some noteworthy highlights, but season 13 is the peak of procedural television. Never before or since has the series managed such a perfect lineup of characters, especially with DA Arthur Branch (Fred Dalton Thompson) taking the helm. He replaces interim DA Lewin with a keen eye for politics and a fresh perspective on justice. While previous head prosecutors had their strengths, Thompson's real-life background as a politician gives Branch a gravitas that none of the others could match. Branch's command of his team is even more impressive: He knows when to reel in the strong-willed Jack McCoy, and when to loosen the reins.

While the newly formed prosecutorial team gets into a reliable groove, the state of affairs on the "law" side of the equation is better than ever. Lieutenant Van Buren and her team tackle drug busts, hit-and-runs, and homicides with unpredictable outcomes. Detectives Briscoe and Green are at their most chummy, trading snappy jokes and pulling off expertly choreographed arrests at every turn. In the penultimate episode, "Couples," the two solve a kidnapping and multiple murder cases in the usual hour run time — all in a day's work for the greatest detective pairing in the history of "Law & Order."