The Law & Order Franchise is a popular series of television shows created by Dick Wolf. It began with the original series, Law & Order, which premiered in 1990 and focuses on the criminal justice system, depicting both police investigations and legal proceedings. The franchise has expanded to include several spin-offs, such as Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. The franchise is known for its unique format, often starting with a crime and following the story through the arrest and trial phases. It has received critical acclaim and numerous awards, becoming a significant part of American pop culture and influencing other crime dramas.