15 surprising facts you didn't know about 'Law and Order: SVU'

Frank OlitoMar 18, 2021, 20:04 IST

The cast of "Law and Order: SVU."NBC/ Getty

"Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" premiered in 1999 and is in its 22nd season.
The series was originally called "Law and Order: Sex Crimes" and was inspired by a real murder.
Here are other surprising facts about the record-breaking series, which stars Mariska Hargitay.

A real crime in 1986 inspired series creator Dick Wolf to create "SVU."

Robert Chambers. Bettmann / Getty

Before it became known as "Special Victims Unit," the show was supposed to be called "Sex Crimes."

"SVU's" title card. NBC

A politician-turned-actor is behind the voice heard at the beginning of each episode.

Steve Zirnkilton. Noam Galai / Getty

Mariska Hargitay thought the role of Elliot Stabler would be played by John Slattery in her audition.

Meloni and Hargitay in "SVU." NBC/ Getty

Hargitay met her husband while filming the show.

Mariska Hargitay and Peter Hermann. Mike Coppola/Getty Images

Ice-T was only supposed to be on the show for four episodes.

Ice-T in "SVU."

Richard Belzer has played Detective John Munch on seven other shows outside of the "Law and Order" universe.

Richard Belzer. Reuters

Several recurring actors made an appearance earlier in the series as different characters.

Peter Scanavino as Detective Dominick Carisi. NBC/ Getty

Hargitay did all her own stunts until she seriously injured herself.

Hargitay in "SVU." NBC/ Getty

Hargitay has become a trained rape crisis counselor.

Mariska Hargitay. Andrew Toth / Getty

Meloni played a murderer on another show while simultaneously playing Detective Stabler.

Meloni in "Oz." HBO

In 2011, Meloni shocked audiences when he announced he was abruptly leaving the series. He reportedly left the show because of failed negotiations.