Mariska Hargitay stars as Captain Olivia Benson in this long-running police procedural drama, which focuses on sexually oriented crimes and investigations by a specialized unit in New York City.

The show described is "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (Review)." Mariska Hargitay has notably portrayed Captain Olivia Benson in this long-running police procedural drama since its premiere. The series is set in New York City and centers on a specialized unit of detectives who investigate sexually oriented crimes, a core focus that defines the program.

"Law & Order (Review): Special Victims Unit," often abbreviated as "Law & Order: SVU" or simply "SVU," is a spin-off of the original "Law & Order" series, created by Dick Wolf. Premiering in 1999, it has become the longest-running live-action primetime series in American television history. The show distinguishes itself by delving into the complex psychology of crimes, particularly those involving sexual offenses, and often draws inspiration from real-life cases, a practice known as being "ripped from the headlines."

Mariska Hargitay's portrayal of Olivia Benson has earned her critical acclaim, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe Award, and she is the longest-serving actor in a primetime live-action series. Beyond her acting, Hargitay's role has had a significant real-world impact; she founded the Joyful Heart Foundation (Review), an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse, further demonstrating the show's profound connection to its subject matter. The series is recognized for its sensitive and thoughtful approach to difficult subjects, aiming to destigmatize sexual assault and advocate for victims' justice.