This hard-hitting and emotional series from NBC’s "Law & Order" brand chronicles the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department, the elite squad of detectives who investigate sexually based crimes. Created by Emmy Award-winning producer Dick Wolf, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is now entering its eighth season. The program has received numerous citations from community-based organizations for the social issues it tackles, and the cast members are frequently recognized for the work they do off-screen to promote personal health and safety and other volunteer efforts and initiatives.

The drama follows Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), a seasoned veteran of the unit who has seen it all, and his partner, Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), whose difficult past – a child of rape – is the reason she joined the unit. This fall, Stabler finds himself newly partnered with Detective Dani Beck, a warrants officer, played by film star Connie Nielsen ("Gladiator"), who fills in for Hargitay for a six-episode arc while the actress is on maternity leave. This coming season will mark guest-starring appearances by many venerable actors including: Brian Dennehy, Marcia Gay Harden, legendary film star Leslie Caron and comedian Jerry Lewis.

In 2005, Hargitay (Detective Benson) garnered her first Golden Globe award for Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her performance as Detective Benson and her second Emmy Nomination; and in 2004, both an Emmy and a Screen Actors Guild nomination in the same category.

Captain Donald Cragen, (Dann Florek, reprising the role he played on the first three seasons of "Law & Order" 1990-93), oversees the unit with his tough but supportive approach to the team’s complex cases, guiding the squad through the challenges they face every day. Detective John Munch, (Richard Belzer, "Homicide: Life on the Street"), a transfer from Baltimore’s homicide unit, brings his acerbic wit, conspiracy theories and street-honed investigative skills to the team. And his partner, Detective Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (Ice-T), adds his unique sense of humor and investigative experience, making him a formidable match for Munch.

Assistant District Attorney Casey Novak (Diane Neal) brings closure to the intense investigations with her legal expertise. Forensic psychiatrist, George Huang (B.D. Wong), whose insight into the minds of the accused, often provides significant clues that lead to the resolution of a case, and Medical Examiner Melinda Warner (Tamara Tunie) lends her skills to uncover forensic evidence.

"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" is a Wolf Films production in association with NBC Universal Television Studio. Wolf, is creator and executive producer, Neal Baer (NBC’s "ER", "China Beach"), Ted Kotcheff ("Fun with Dick and Jane," "Weekend at Bernie’s") and Peter Jankowski are the executive producers.