The best 'Law & Order' characters of all time

Played by talented veteran actor Eric Bogosian, Ross was a precinct captain and part of the Major Case Squad Division as seen on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He was considered an intelligent individual, well-read, and he often injected his cultural knowledge when talking about cases. Ross is also quite protective of those in his unit, perhaps just as much as with his two school-age sons. Sadly, Ross is killed while working undercover for the FBI and on an intense racketeering case

As a big-wig in the Internal Affairs Bureau, Ed Tucker (Robert John Burke) was not the most popular member of the New York City Police Department. Especially when it came to investigating the members of the department's Special Victims Unit (as seen on the popular Law & Order spinoff of the same name). Sure, he was only doing his job, but IA folks are treated like poison among the rank and file. Tucker, though, had a soft spot for one particular SVU member (more on that later), but also had some personal issues that he found hard to handle.

Raúl Esparza has enjoyed a stellar career as a Broadway actor, but he also earned plenty of acclaim as Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba on the popular Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. In court, he can be extremely ruthless, regardless if he's taking aim at victims, criminals, or even those on the police force, whom he tries to outwit or show off when in their presence.  

Any time J.K. Simmons is in the mix, viewers know they're likely in for something special. The Oscar- and Golden Globe Award-winning actor's Dr. Skoda, a prominent New York City psychiatrist, appeared in the original Law & Order, plus spinoffs Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. He's often asked to testify as an expert medical witness, offering psych reviews and evaluations. He was also a licensed physician. Skoda had a quiet confidence about himself but was also a man of mystery, as nothing much is known about his personal life. 

As will be seen, we're fans of the medical experts that have appeared, and continue to show up, within the Law & Order family of series. Dr. Rodgers (Leslie Hendrix) has been a reoccurring presence on Law & Order and L&O: Criminal Intent and was even featured on the short-lived Law & Order: Trial by Jury and also Exiled: A Law & Order Movie. Rodgers is a dedicated and thorough M.E., though doesn't like when pestered by her police colleagues for those results she doesn't always have. That bitter charm is what makes her special. 

Benjamin Bratt appeared in more than 90 episodes as Detective Rey Curtis on Law & Order. The character also crossed over to the Homicide: Life on the Street series, also on NBC. Curtis is a good-looking, cool customer, who comes off as a classy but effective cop. He's mostly a conservative thinker, sometimes to the point of being controversial when it comes to prejudging a victim.

For Law & Order seasons 4, 5, and 6, Claire Kincaid (Jill Hennessy) worked Manhattan court rooms as an Assistant District Attorney. Kincaid is a feminist who was not afraid to mix it up when it comes to topics and cases regarding reproductive rights and the death penalty. However, in those instances, she sometimes tended to lose sight of reality while in pursuit of victory. Sadly, Kincaid was killed when her car was hit by a drunk driver — around the same time she considered leaving the D.A.'s office.

The venerable BD Wong is solid in pretty much any role he plays, and he's been a longtime standout as Dr. Huang from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Huang was first introduced while working as an FBI agent working with the SVU unit. He eventually becomes a valuable asset in the area of forensic psychology and criminal profiling. Though his job is nearly as stressful and emotionally impactful as the the rest of the SVU gang, Huang is welcomed for his calmness and rational nature on the job.

One of the originals from the early days of the original Law & Order series. Robinette (Richard Brooks) put himself through school to earn a law degree he put to use as an Assistant District Attorney in Manhattan. While a solid trial lawyer, Robinette is conflicted when it comes to his personal views on racism. He's all for racial equality, but doesn't always buy the belief that the law and judicial system, as a whole, are against minorities.  

George Dzundza (The Deer Hunter, Basic Instinct) is one of the more underrated character actors in TV history. Yet, he was one of the stars during Law & Order's first season. Dzundza's Greevey was a grizzled vet who rose to the rank of sergeant. He was a staunch conservative, Irish Catholic, who often looked down on some of the victims of the crimes he investigated if he didn't approve of their lifestyle. Reportedly, Dzundza's issues with commuting from his home in Los Angeles to the location sets in New York were part of his being written off the show. Greevey, played by a stunt double, was shot and killed in the season 2 premiere episode.

In addition to the original Law & Order series, Dr. Olivet (Carolyn McCormick) has appeared in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Trial by Jury and Law & Order: Criminal Intent. She's a probing but relatively compassionate clinical psychologist, who helped with psychological profiling, determining the sanity of suspects, and counseling members of the NYPD. Elizabeth also dealt with her own personal trauma.

Nichols (played by the legendary Jeff Goldblum) earned his money as a detective in the later seasons of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Viewers did not get to know Nichols well during his brief run on the show, but Goldblum's signature wit and proper level of sarcasm make him a memorable character within the realm of the Law & Order franchise. Zack is well-read and educated, thus offering a sense of conceit from time to time.

Another prominent Special Victims Unit medical examiner, the popular Dr. Warner (Tamara Tunie) went from a recurring character to series regular. In addition to her brilliant medical mind, Warner is pretty resilient and can handle herself when the pressure is really high. On more than one occasion, Dr. Werner found herself in the middle of a hostage situation, but keeps her calm and lets her expertise get her out of the situation.

Kathryn Erbe is one of the more underrated actors included in the Law & Order family franchise of shows. Eames was an unheralded presence within the Major Cases division of Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Sure, she could be overshadowed by her more overbearing and intense male partner — we'll get to that in a minute — but she was clear-minded. She could be tough as any other detective on within her unit. Eames should be celebrated as one of strongest female characters in the history of the franchise.

Speaking of Alexandra Eames' partner from Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Goren (deliciously played by the committed Vincent D'Onofrio) is one of the most commanding figures in the history of the franchise. He's intelligent, eccentric (to put it nicely) but seems born to be a detective. Goren gets deep into his work, for better or worse, and often relies on instinct and his gut, before coming into any solid evidence, to solve a case. It's a shame D'Onofrio did not receive more consistent praise and acclaim for this role. 

Boy, Van Buren just about saw and experienced it all while commanding the 27th Precinct Detective Squad. Van Buren appeared on Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Trial by Jury. Van Buren could be demanding, and while confident in her position of authority, tended to get caught up in seemingly trying to prove she could do the job. She had her run-ins with Internal Affairs, felt her race played a part in not being promoted, and fought a battle with cancer. Among the Law & Order universe, Anita Van Buren has been a prominent presence.

New York police homicide captain Donald Cragen, wonderfully played by the underappreciated Dann Florek, first appeared on the original recipe Law & Order. He then found a home on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. As a boss, Cragen is a tough Irish Catholic and recovering alcoholic, but he's essentially fair with his unit. One thing that can't be argued is that Cragen is remarkably loyal to those working under him. He knows the pressure — and emotional and physical hell — his detectives go through on a daily basis. 

Funny-man-turned-quality-dramatic actor Richard Belzer spent years as the incomparably confident, yet often cynical detective — and then sergeant — John Munch. The character started and starred through the entire seven-year run of the popular Homicide: Life on the Street, then went on to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Raised by an abusive father, that experience played a part in Munch's seemingly lack of trust when it came to solving cases. It also fuels his need to go the extra mile when something seems too obvious to be true. 

During his years on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Ice-T continues to show why he might be a better actor than rapper. Though, that's obviously debatable. What isn't up for debate is the fact that "Fin" is one of the more underrated characters within the Law & Order universe. Raised in Harlem and a former United States Army Ranger, "Fin" is a former narcotics detective who eventually becomes a sergeant. He has plenty of street smarts, is well connected, and is just plain cool. Fin likes the phrase "shut up" and is an avid video gamer.

The venerable Schiff (superbly portrayed by the late Steven Hill) commanded respect as the long-time District Attorney of New York County. He was well respected and even liked by tough attorneys he dealt with over the years. Well, maybe not all them (see: the next panel). A liberal thinker, Schiff is fair, but his politics can get in the way at times. That usually makes for great drama, whether on the original Law & Order and the Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Sam Waterston earned three Primetime Emmy nods, and one Golden Globe Award nomination, for his role as this ruthlessly dedicated Executive Assistant District Attorney. Jack McCoy is one of the signature characters within the Law & Order franchise, though he predominantly appeared on the original series. McCoy was confrontational (especially with the aforementioned Adam Schiff), combative, and bent the rules to put the bad guys (and girls) away. His personal life was no less controversial, through a number of affairs and questionable romantic decisions. Still, there might not have been a more entertaining figure in all Law & Order history.

For more than a decade, Stabler (SVU's Emmy Award-nominated actor Christopher Meloni) was a hard-nosed, stalwart on Manhattan's Special Victim's Unit. A former beat cop-promoted-to-detective, Stabler is a determined law-enforcement figure who never seems content until his cases are closed. Like his long-time partner, Stabler can get too wrapped up in his cases — almost to the point of crossing the line. After rather mysteriously leaving the SVU, a since-embattled and somewhat shaken (but likely not stirred) Stabler resurfaced in a new professional role on 2021's Law & Order: Organized Crime.

Whether talking the original Law & Order or his time on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, Detective Logan (Chris Noth) is one of the most popular — and complex — characters during the franchise's run. Cocky and short-tempered in his early days, Logan matured some over the years. Logan is quite loyal to his partners, notably Max Greevey, whose death wore rough on Logan. However, his partnership with our No. 1 L&O character makes for one of the best crime-fighting duos in television history.

Resiliency is just one word to describe SVU's Olivia Benson, brilliantly played by Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning actress Mariska Hargitay. She's risen through the ranks from detective all the way up to captain and commanding officer of Manhattan's demanding Special Victims Unit. For years, she partnered with Elliott Stabler, and has cheated death on more than one occasion. Her strong will and dedication to job makes her one of the most admired female characters in dramatic television history.

Off screen, Jerry Orbach had long established himself as a legendary, versatile actor. On screen, his Detective Lennie Briscoe might be the most recognized — and beloved — cop the small screen has ever produced. The grizzled, street-wise veteran, who appeared on four versions within the Law & Order franchise, was a mentor to partners Mike Logan, Rey Curtis and Ed Green (Jesse L. Martin). Briscoe saw just about everything possible on the job, and it wasn't easy. He had his demons, particularly booze, which he thought played an indirect role in Claire Kincaid's death. He was witty and seemed to have a line for every situation. There aren't many better than Lennie Briscoe.