One crime drama has been ranked above British detective classic Prime Suspect, BBC drama Happy Valley and ITV series Vera.
According to television enthusiasts on Reddit, Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (Law and Order: SVU) surpasses even these iconic British police procedurals – and it’s available for streaming on Netflix now, reports Wales Online.
In a discussion thread about favourite procedural or cop programmes, Redditors were encouraged to reveal their top choices when it comes to the finest crime dramas available.
Amongst other programmes mentioned in the thread was the much-loved ITV series Broadchurch.
However, one user on the platform highlighted Law and Order: SVU, which garnered 241 upvotes, rendering it even more popular than the British television crime staples.
View 4 ImagesBrenda Blethyn led ITV’s beloved crime drama Vera(Image: ITV)
Viewers have also lavished the programme with acclaim on IMDb as one person commented: “Captivating Crime Drama with Unmatched Chemistry. Law and Order: Special Victims Unit consistently delivers gripping and thought-provoking episodes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.”
A second penned: “Quality writing and outstanding performances set “Law And Order: SVU” apart from the other dramas on television.”
A third individual commented on the platform: “Season 25 is a Thrilling Triumph!! SVU Season 25 is an absolute masterpiece!”
View 4 ImagesSarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood in BBC’s Happy Valley(Image: BBC)
A fourth person entitled their 10/10 review: “an excellent show, absolutely stunning” and continued: “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit is one of the best and most underrated shows on TV.” Another viewer proclaimed: “Quality is the foundation that “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” is based upon.
“With compelling storylines, great performances and a first-rate cast; “Law and Order: Special Victims Unit” radiates from the screen each hour it is on every night.”
Law and Order SVU marked the inaugural spin-off from Dick Wolf’s hugely successful series Law and Order.
The programme tracked detectives Elliot Stabler (portrayed by Christopher Meloni) and Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) as they investigate and secure justice for survivors of sexual offences.
View 4 ImagesMariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson in Law and Order: SVU(Image: NBC)
While Stabler left, Benson rose to Captain and the series maintained focus on her character development as she brought offenders to justice.
Certain episodes were directly influenced by high-profile real-world cases.
Despite cast changes throughout the years, Hargitay has remained a fixture on the series.
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She subsequently secured an Emmy in 2006 for her portrayal in the drama.
Law and Order: SVU has graced television screens since 1999 and maintains its momentum with season 27 concluding last month.
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The programme has accumulated 108 award nominations to date and secured 59 accolades.
Law and Order SVU is streaming on Netflix now