This first spin-off of L&O is more police procedural than lawyer-driven drama, but was still a favorite of our judges. The sex-crime plotting is explained in the opening narration, and the serialization is keyed to the show’s two principals—Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).

TRIVIA: Richard Belzer’s character (John Munch) is the most prolific crossover character in television history, having appeared in nine different series, including Sesame Street.