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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 18

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Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Season 18
File:Law & Order SVU Season 18 Poster.jpg
Season 18 promotion cover
Starring
Release
Original networkNBC
Original releaseSeptember 21, 2016 (2016-09-21) –
present
Season chronology
← Previous
Season 17
Next →
Season 19
List of episodes

The eighteenth season of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit debuted on Wednesday, September 21, 2016 on NBC.[1]

Rick Eid, who previously worked on Law & Order, became the executive producer and showrunner, following Warren Leight's departure from the series at the conclusion of the seventeenth season.

Production

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was renewed for an eighteenth season on February 1, 2016, by NBC.[2] It was announced in March 2015 that season seventeen would be show runner/executive producer Warren Leight's last season on the show; he signed a three-year deal with Sony Pictures Television, his contract allowing him to work on SVU for one final season.[3] On March 10, 2016, it was announced that Rick Eid would replace Leight as showrunner on this season.[4]

The 400th episode of the series aired this season. "Motherly Love," directed by Mariska Hargitay, was filmed and billed as the 400th show. However, due to the shuffling of episodes during the season, the episode actually aired as the 399th episode. The 400th episode that was aired was the eleventh episode of the season, "Great Expectations," which aired on NBC on February 15, 2017 (after being moved from its initial air date of November 9, 2016 and a second air date of January 4, 2017).

Storylines and cast changes

It was announced at the end of the seventeenth season that recurring star Andy Karl (who portrayed Sergeant Mike Dodds) would be departing the cast. He was killed off on the season finale by corrections officer Gary Munson.[5]

It was announced on July 22, 2016, that SVU would do a ripped from the headlines episode based on Making a Murderer. Henry Thomas will appear alongside Kelli Williams in the episode about a convicted rapist who is exonerated after DNA is freshly tested. Ice-T's character, Fin Tutuola, originally arrested Thomas' character 16 years earlier and then begins investigating him again when he is linked to a deadly crime. Williams will play Melanie, a rape victim who initially identified Thomas' character. On August 20, 2016, it was announced that the season premiere would pit ADA Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza) against Lt. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) on opposing sides of the verdict.[6] The episode "Rape Interrupted" (which guest stars Anthony Edwards), was ripped from the headlines based on the Brock Turner sexual assault case, where Turner sexually assaulted an unconscious girl and was later convicted of three felony sexual assault charges. Turner was leniently punished as he only served three months of his six-month sentence, though he originally faced 14 years in prison based on charges. Executive Producer Julie Martin told The Huffington Post, "It is a phenomenon. Unfortunately, there have been several cases like that over the spring and the summer." Hargitay pondered if a similar case were to happen on the show: "Like if I was the detective on that case? It could be healing to somebody to see what should happen. [Seeing] justice," Hargitay continued, "If a judge would do a different sentence. You know, that’s healing for people to see the right thing, the just thing happen."[7]

Cast

See also: List of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit characters

Main cast

Recurring cast

Guest stars

On July 29, 2016, it was announced that then-Vice President Joe Biden would appear in the September 28 episode ("Making a Rapist") as himself to talk about the backlog of rape kits.[8][9] [10] Henry Thomas also appeared alongside Kelli Williams in the episode, Thomas portraying a convicted rapist who is exonerated after DNA is freshly retested.

On September 8, 2016, Hollywood Reporter reported that Anthony Edwards would guest star on SVU. Edwards starred on the NBC medical drama ER as Dr. Mark Greene; in season four of the medical series, Mariska Hargitay guest starred as Greene's love interest, Desk Clerk Cynthia Cooper.[11] Later, TV Guide announced that Edwards would be portraying Benson's very first partner out of the Academy, Sgt. Patrick Griffin in "Rape Interrupted". Griffin's son is the suspect in a rape investigation that puts Benson at odds with ADA Barba and Griffin.[12] Hollywood Reporter announced that rapper-actor Wyclef Jean was guest starring in the episode "Broken Ryhmes" (originally titled "Bad Rap") as a famed music producer whose client is embroiled in an assault case. Mitchell Edwards portrayed Hype in the episode as well.[13]

On October 11, 2016, Hollywood Reporter reported that Gary Cole would guest star as a politician whose campaign goes haywire when several women go public with damaging accusations.[14] The character and the episode, titled "Unstoppable," drew comparisons to then-presidential candidate Donald Trump. The episode was originally scheduled to air on October 26, but was then delayed until November 16. The episode was pulled from the schedule a second time and has yet to air.[15]

Episodes

See also: List of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit episodes
No.
overall		No. in
season		TitleDirected byWritten byOriginal air dateProd.
code		U.S. viewers
(millions)
3901"Terrorized"Alik SakharovRick Eid & Julie MartinSeptember 21, 2016 (2016-09-21)18017.83[16]
3912"Making a Rapist"Michael PressmanKevin FoxSeptember 28, 2016 (2016-09-28)18026.09[17]
3923"Imposter"Jean de SegonzacRick Eid & Gavin HarrisOctober 5, 2016 (2016-10-05)18035.76[18]
3934"Heightened Emotions"Alex ChappleJulie Martin & Celine C. RobinsonOctober 12, 2016 (2016-10-12)18055.88[19]
3945"Rape Interrupted"Michael PressmanJulie Martin & Brianna YellenOctober 26, 2016 (2016-10-26)18065.85[20]
3956"Broken Rhymes"Adam BernsteinRick Eid & Jeffrey BakerNovember 9, 2016 (2016-11-09)18075.55[21]
3967"Next Chapter"Fred BernerRick Eid & Gavin HarrisJanuary 4, 2017 (2017-01-04)18095.82[22]
3978"Chasing Theo"Jean de SegonzacJulie Martin & Robert Brooks CohenJanuary 11, 2017 (2017-01-11)18106.05[23]
3989"Decline and Fall"Jean de SegonzacEd Zuckerman & Robert Brooks CohenJanuary 18, 2017 (2017-01-18)18116.46[24]
39910"Motherly Love"Mariska HargitayRick Eid & Julie MartinFebruary 8, 2017 (2017-02-08)18126.93[25]
40011"Great Expectations"TBATBAFebruary 15, 2017 (2017-02-15)18086.00[26]
40112"No Surrender"TBATBAFebruary 22, 2017 (2017-02-22)18135.76[27]

Shelved episode

"Unstoppable", inspired by the sexual misconduct allegations against then-presidential candidate Donald Trump and starring Gary Cole, was originally scheduled to air on October 26, 2016,[28] but it was pulled from the schedule[29][30][31] and has since been shelved.[32] At the 2017 Television Critics Association winter press tour, Dick Wolf expressed his belief that the episode may air in the spring.[33]

Reception

No. Title Air date Ratings/share
(18–49) 		Viewers
(millions) 		DVR
18–49 		DVR viewers
(millions) 		Total
18–49 		Total viewers
(millions) 		Rank (week)
1 "Terrorized" September 21, 2016 (2016-09-21) 1.8/6[16] 7.83[16] 1.3 3.46 3.1 11.28[34] —
2 "Making a Rapist" September 28, 2016 (2016-09-28) 1.6/5[17] 6.09[17] 1.1 3.23 2.7 9.28[35] —
3 "Imposter" October 5, 2016 (2016-10-05) 1.4/5[18] 5.76[18] 1.1 3.24 2.5 9.00[36] —
4 "Heightened Emotions" October 12, 2016 (2016-10-12) 1.4/5[19] 5.88[19] 1.1 3.00 2.5 8.87[37] —
5 "Rape Interrupted" October 26, 2016 (2016-10-26) 1.5/5[20] 5.85[20] 1.1 2.96 2.6 8.82[38] —
6 "Broken Rhymes" November 9, 2016 (2016-11-09) 1.3/4[21] 5.55[21] 0.8 2.20 2.1 7.75[39] —
7 "Next Chapter" January 4, 2017 (2017-01-04) 1.5/5[22] 5.82[22] 1.0 2.99 2.5 8.86 —
8 "Chasing Theo" January 11, 2017 (2017-01-11) 1.4/5[23] 6.05[23] 1.1 3.00 2.5 9.04[40] —
9 "Decline and Fall" January 18, 2017 (2017-01-18) 1.4/5[24] 6.46[24] 1.1 3.16 2.5 9.62[41] —
10 "Motherly Love" February 8, 2017 (2017-02-08) 1.6/6[25] 6.93[25] 1.2 3.23 2.8 10.15[42] —
11 "Great Expectations" February 15, 2017 (2017-02-15) 1.4/5[26] 6.00[26] — — — — —
12 "No Surrender" February 22, 2017 (2017-02-22) 1.3/5[27] 5.76[27] — — — — —

References

  1. ^ Webb Mitovich, Matt (June 28, 2016). "Fall TV 2016: Your Handy Calendar of 120+ Season and Series Premiere Dates". TV Line. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  2. ^ Harnick, Chris (February 1, 2016). "Law & Order: SVU Renewed for Landmark Season 18, Chicago Med For Season 2". E Online. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  3. ^ Littleton, Cynthia (March 13, 2015). "'Law & Order: SVU' Showrunner Warren Leight Sets Overall Deal with Sony TV (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved August 21, 2015.
  4. ^ Wagmeister, Elizabeth (March 10, 2016). "'SVU' Finds New Showrunner in 'Law & Order' Alum Rick Eid". Variety. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  5. ^ Harnick, Chris (May 25, 2016). "How Law & Order: SVU's Big Finale Death Will Shake Up the Show". E Online. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  6. ^ Swift, Andy (August 20, 2016). "Law & Order: SVU Season 18 Pits Benson vs. Barba — Fall TV First Look". TV Line. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  7. ^ Ledbetter, Carly (September 21, 2016). "Why You Should Expect A Brock Turner–Inspired Episode On 'Law & Order: SVU' This Season". The Huffington Post. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  8. ^ Kelley, Seth (July 29, 2016). "Vice President Joe Biden Will Make a Cameo on 'Law & Order: SVU'". Variety. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  9. ^ Pannozzo, Sharon; Lewis, Erika (July 29, 2016). "VICE PRESIDENT JOE BIDEN TO APPEAR ON 'LAW & ORDER: SVU'". NBCUniversal Media Village. Retrieved August 31, 2016.
  10. ^ Harnick, Chris (July 22, 2016). "Law & Order: SVU Taking on Making a Murderer in Season 18". E Online. Retrieved August 25, 2016.
  11. ^ Stanhope, Kate (September 8, 2016). "'Law & Order: SVU' Sets 'ER' Reunion With Anthony Edwards". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  12. ^ Gennis, Sadie (October 20, 2016). "Law & Order: SVU Exclusive: Get a First Look at the ER Reunion with Anthony Edwards!". TV Guide. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  13. ^ Stanhope, Kate (September 28, 2016). "'Law & Order: SVU' Enlists Rapper Wyclef Jean for Guest Role". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved November 17, 2016.
  14. ^ "'Law & Order: SVU' Plans Donald Trump-Inspired Episode". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  15. ^ Nemetz, Dave; Nemetz, Dave (November 9, 2016). "Law & Order: SVU Episode Based on Donald Trump Pushed Again, to 2017". TVLine. Retrieved February 23, 2017.
  16. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (September 22, 2016). "Wednesday final ratings: 'Empire' adjusts up, 'Designated Survivor' adjusts down". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 22, 2016.
  17. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (September 29, 2016). "Wednesday final ratings: 'Empire,' 'Lethal Weapon,' 'Criminal Minds,' 'SVU' & 'Blindspot' all adjust up". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved September 29, 2016.
  18. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (October 6, 2016). "'Empire,' 'Survivor,' 'SVU,' 'Chicago PD' adjust up, 'Black-ish' adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings". TVbytheNumbers. Retrieved October 6, 2016.
  19. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (October 13, 2016). "'Empire' and 'The Goldbergs' adjust up: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  20. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (October 27, 2016). "'Survivor,' 'SVU,' ABC comedies adjust up, 'Designated Survivor' adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  21. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (November 10, 2016). "'Black-ish' adjusts down, others hold: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
  22. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (January 6, 2017). "'Lethal Weapon,' 'Modern Family' and 'Criminal Minds' adjust up: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
  23. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (January 12, 2017). "'The Goldbergs' and 'Speechless' adjust up: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 12, 2017. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  24. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (January 20, 2017). "'Black-ish' adjusts down slightly: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 20, 2017.
  25. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (February 9, 2017). "'Goldbergs,' 'Modern Family,' 'Blindspot' adjust up, 'Black-ish' adjusts down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 9, 2017.
  26. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (February 16, 2017). "'Speechless' adjusts up, 'SVU' and 'Blindspot' adjust down: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 16, 2017.
  27. ^ a b c Porter, Rick (February 24, 2017). "'Lethal Weapon,' 'The Goldbergs' and 'Speechless' adjust up: Wednesday final ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 24, 2017.
  28. ^ "Unstoppable". The Futon Critic. Retrieved October 13, 2016.
  29. ^ Gonzalez, Sandra (October 14, 2016). "NBC pulls Trump-like episode of 'Law & Order: SVU'". CNN. Retrieved October 16, 2016.
  30. ^ Stanhope, Kate (October 25, 2016). "'Law & Order: SVU' Reschedules Donald Trump-Inspired Episode". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved October 25, 2016.
  31. ^ Holloway, Daniel (November 9, 2016). "Donald Trump-Inspired 'Law & Order: SVU' Episode Pushed by NBC". Variety Magazine. Retrieved December 18, 2016.
  32. ^ Rudoloh (January 16–29, 2017). "18 Years...400 Episodes...One Unstoppable Franchise". TV Guide. Vol. 65, no. 3366–3367. pp. 18-23 access-date=January 11, 2017. {{cite magazine}}: Missing pipe in: |pages= (help)
  33. ^ Eng, Joyce (January 18, 2017). "Dick Wolf: SVU's Trump Episode Might Air in the Spring". TV Guide. Retrieved January 24, 2017.
  34. ^ Porter, Rick (October 4, 2016). "'Designated Survivor' is your premiere week DVR champion: Broadcast Live +7 ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 4, 2016.
  35. ^ Porter, Rick (October 11, 2016). "'Designated Survivor' posts more big DVR gains: Broadcast Live +7 ratings for Sept. 26-Oct. 2". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 11, 2016.
  36. ^ Porter, Rick (October 19, 2016). "Rich get richer as 'Empire,' 'Big Bang,' 'Designated Survivor' lead broadcast Live +7 ratings for Oct. 3–9". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 19, 2016.
  37. ^ Porter, Rick (October 27, 2016). "'This Is Us,' 'Big Bang,' 'Designated Survivor' lead broadcast Live +7 ratings for Oct. 10–16". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved October 27, 2016.
  38. ^ Porter, Rick (November 10, 2016). "'This Is Us,' 'Designated Survivor' stay on top in broadcast Live +7 ratings for Oct. 24-30". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 10, 2016.
  39. ^ Porter, Rick (November 23, 2016). "'Designated Survivor' makes more big gains in week 8 broadcast Live +7 ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
  40. ^ Porter, Rick (January 26, 2017). "'This Is Us' rides high in week 17 broadcast Live +7 ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  41. ^ Porter, Rick (February 1, 2017). "'Agents of SHIELD' and 'This Is Us' make big gains in week 18 broadcast Live +7 ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 1, 2017.
  42. ^ Porter, Rick (February 25, 2017). "'This Is Us' and 'Timeless' lead the week 21 broadcast Live +7 ratings". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved February 25, 2017.
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