"Law & Order," the longest-running crime series and the second-longest-running drama series in the history of television, enters its 17th season on NBC.

The brainchild of creator Dick Wolf, " Law & Order" is the most successful brand in primetime television. It is the 1997 Emmy Award winner for Outstanding Drama Series and the record holder for the most consecutive (11) nominations for a drama series. It has also turned into one of entertainment’s preeminent brands, with its successful spinoffs "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Law & Order: Criminal Intent."

Filmed entirely on location in New York, the realistic program looks at crime and justice from a dual perspective. In the first half-hour, Detective Edward Green (Jesse L. Martin) and his new partner Detective Nina Cassady (Milena Govich) -- the series' first female detective -- investigate crimes and apprehend suspects under the supervision of their precinct lieutenant, Anita Van Buren (S. Epatha Merkerson). In the second half-hour, the focus shifts to the criminal courts, as Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston) and his new Assistant District Attorney Connie Rubirosa (Alana De La Garza) work within a complicated justice system to prosecute the accused under the guidance of District Attorney Arthur Branch (Fred Thompson).

Some cases may be simple, but most are multi-faceted. The investigations are challenging, prosecutions are complicated, and decisions about legal procedures and plea-bargaining are vexing. In the arduous and complex process of determining guilt and innocence, lives often hang in the balance.

"Law & Order" is a Wolf Films production in association with NBC Universal Television Studio. Dick Wolf is creator and executive producer; Matthew Penn, Peter Jankowski, Nicholas Wootton, and Walon Green are the executive producers.