The Best Law & Order: SVU Detectives, Ranked
Being a detective on Law & Order: SVU is not an easy gig. When the opening narrative introduction explains that they investigate crimes that are “especially heinous,” most often dealing with sexual violence, you know these detectives need to be top-notch.
Although the bulk of the series follows some of the most horrific crimes one can imagine, what sets SVU apart from the original Law & Order is that we get a glimpse into the personal lives of these fine detectives.
The question now is: which of the detectives over the series’ 24 seasons is the best? Many have come and gone, a few have even stuck around for the duration. Let’s take a look.
The Best Law & Order: SVU Detectives
9. Detective Chester Lake
Detective Chester Lake held a relatively short existence on Law & Order: SVU, but his appearance was quite impactful. Played by Adam Beach, Lake was the first Native American in the series. Detective Lake was noted for his determination and unwavering pursuit of justice.
It was the latter that eventually got him in trouble. Lake was introduced in Season 8 and he made it through the end of Season 9 before being arrested for shooting a fellow cop. When it was determined the shooting was in self-defense, Lake was released, only to be found standing over a dead second cop who had a history of brutality.
8. Detective Monique Jeffries
Michelle Hurd played Detective Monique Jefferies on Law & Order: SVU, one of the original SVU detectives. Jefferies was seen as a dedicated and skilled investigator who had a significant role during the first two seasons of the series.
Tough and streetwise, Detective Jefferies was an early series favorite. Unfortunately, Hurd never felt that her character was getting the stories it deserved, so she chose to leave the series.
7. Detective Nick Amaro
Danny Pino joined the cast of Law & Order: SVU as Detective Nick Amaro in Season 13. Detective Amaro comes from a troubled past as his father was abusive to both him and his mother. Growing up in that environment shaped him as a detective, adding a mixture of intensity and vulnerability to the role.
It is his intensity that finally catches up to him as he is told he will never move up the ranks because of his past. Instead, he chooses to retire.
6. Detective Dominick Carisi Jr.
Before Peter Scanavino joined Law & Order: SVU full-time as Detective Dominick Carisi Jr., he actually had played a couple of characters within the franchise, guest starring in Criminal Intent, the original Law & Order, and even on SVU. As Carisi, he was first introduced in 2016 as a lawyer before joining the SVU team. Since then, his popularity has only grown.
5. Detective Amanda Rollins
Although Kelli Giddish joined the cast of Law & Order: SVU in season 13, her Detective Amanda Rollins is one of the longer-running characters in the series. Very instinctual and quick-thinking, Detective Rollins is a very popular character.
She brings with her a very complicated personal life that only adds great depth to an interesting character. She is immediately over-eager to impress the team, but over time, she grows into being a detective.
4. Detective John Munch
The late Richard Belzer’s character of Detective John Munch is an interesting one. The character was created for the police procedural Homicide: Life on the Street, where Belzer played him for 7 seasons and a TV movie.
When the series was canceled, Belzer was offered the opportunity to bring his character over to Law & Order: SVU, which he jumped on. For 15 seasons, Mucnh’s dry wit and conspiracy theories were put on display that brought a touch of much-needed humor to the SVU team.
3. Detective Fin Tutuola
There is only one detective who has shown up for more episodes than Ice-T’s Detective Odafin Tutuola, that being Detective Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). Fin Tutuola arrived on the scene in season 2 and has been with Law & Order: SVU ever since.
An absolute fan favorite, Fin brings his knowledge of the streets to the SVU team, constantly providing his unique perspective on cases. His strong sense of justice always wins out as he and the SVU team are tracking down criminals.
2. Detective Elliot Stabler
Maybe if Christopher Meloni hadn’t taken 10 years off from Law & Order: SVU, he would have claimed the top spot. Regardless, his portrayal of Detective Elliot Stabler ranks this high on the list because of his passionate dedication to the job.
Meloni perfectly portrayed Stabler, bringing to the small screen an intense and volatile personality that turned him into one of the best television detectives we’ve seen. Thankfully, Meloni returned to the character in 2021.
1. Detective Olivia Benson
This was an easy call, even though Christopher Meloni’s Detective Stabler was held in high regard. Mariska Hargitay IS Law & Order: SVU. As Detective Olivia Benson, Hargitay has been with the series since its inception.
She is the heart and soul of SVU, showing every side of that character. Benson is known for her empathy towards the victims of sexual crimes, and it is her resilience and commitment that make her the top detective on Law & Order: SVU.
