There are certain television shows that people obsess over. They're sucked in and can't look away. These shows do have developing characters and forward moving plotlines, but each episode can stand alone. Specifically plot driven series that tell long, intricate stories rarely last more than six or seven series. The story falters. It becomes flat. But those that follow a successful basic formula are like a drug. You simply can't get enough.
"Law and Order: SVU" is a perfect example. The show is now approaching its 15th season and shows no signs of stopping anytime soon. It's a show designed for binge watching. When nothing particularly thrilling is on TV, fans have no qualms with popping in their "Law and Order" DVD's and rewatching episodes they've already seen until their eyes run dry. If that's not the mark of success, then what is?
As season 15 approaches, fans now look ahead to what's on the horizon for their favorite detective series. For starters, Raul Esparza, who plays Rafael Barba, is returning as a series regular. In the first episode, for example, an old friend of his will come back into his life while running for mayor, causing problems for his campaign, reports Entertainment Weekly.
"The mayoral campaign in New York has been fraught with scandal, as you know, so we may touch some of that this year," said executive producer Warren Leight. "We'll get to know him a bit more and we'll see him lobbying... he's pretty... when the squad passes the baton over to the D.A.'s office, they know they have someone who can run as fast as they do, and that's helpful to us in terms of storytelling."
"He's now without flaws and we'll be looking for them," Leight added. He also hinted that the premiere will be one of the most "harrowing" fans have ever seen. Fantastic.
"Law and Order: SVU" will return to NBC September 25.