From The Sopranos, 24, and Lost, viewers feel a predilection for serialized plots that favor binge-watching. Those in which each episode leaves things at a point that makes it necessary to watch the next one immediately. However, and despite how pleasurable it is to find a new story to get hooked on almost addictively, procedurals continue to have an irresistible and comforting charm.

Procedurals are dramas that focus on a specific procedure or process, whether legal, medical, or in any other professional environment. They are also known as 'case of the week' or standalone episodes, because the conflict is introduced, investigated, and resolved within the same episode.

This offers several advantages. One of them, and the main one for television networks, is that it does not demand the viewer to do homework or have attended class every day: they can easily enter the story in the middle of the season or at the end of any episode.

Another advantage is that the fact that cases start and end in the same episode always leaves the viewer with a sense of closure, and that is a satisfaction that is not usually found in real life. Having one case per week and more than 20 per season also guarantees a great variety, so if the viewer is interested in the universe in which it takes place, they will not have a chance to get bored.

Additionally, standalone episodes allow the viewer to watch one and continue with their life. But at the same time, if they wish, they can watch as many consecutive episodes as they want in each session, with the confidence that when they want to stop, they won't be left hanging in the middle of the plot.

'Law & Order'

One of the quintessential procedurals on American television is Law & Order, a series created by Dick Wolf, which premiered in September 1990, and has become one of the most emblematic and influential television shows of its genre.

The series was a pioneer because it introduced a distinctive format that has since been imitated: the dual focus, both on police investigation and courtroom procedures, offering a complete view of the criminal justice system.

In this way, the series divides each episode into two parts. The first half focuses on the investigation of a crime by the New York City Police Department, and the second half follows the prosecution of the suspect for that crime by the Manhattan District Attorney's Office in the courts.

Realistic and Ethical Dilemmas

With a focus on headlines-inspired plots, often basing episodes on real-life cases and current events, the series has remained relevant through the decades.

In addition to realism, Law & Order is also characterized by the portrayal of complex legal and ethical issues that invite debate, increasing awareness in the United States about the intricacies of law enforcement and judicial procedures.

After more than 500 episodes, Law & Order has inspired several derivative series in the franchise such as the equally successful Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SUV) or Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

The New Era

In Spain, the 20 seasons of the classic series, which run from 1990 to 2010, are not yet available, and through it have passed the vast majority of American actors making their early appearances, like Philip Seymour Hoffman, Jennifer Garner, Claire Danes, Rooney Mara, Sarah Paulson, or Timothée Chalamet.

But the revival is available, which premiered in 2021 and already has three seasons (the fourth is on the way), maintaining the same style and structure.

For season 21, Anthony Anderson and Sam Waterston returned to their roles as Kevin Bernard and Jack McCoy, respectively; and were joined by new cast members Jeffrey Donovan, Camryn Manheim, Hugh Dancy, and Odelya Halevi.

Mehcad Brooks joins the main cast as Detective Jalen Shaw in season 22. In season 23, Reid Scott joined as Detective Vincent Riley and Tony Goldwyn as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter.

Where to Watch in Spain

Season 24 premieres in the United States on October 3. In Spain, it will be available on SkyShowtime, where the three seasons of the new era already aired can be found and labeled as 1, 2, and 3.

*This article has been automatically translated using artificial intelligence