Law & Order: SVU season 20 will have 24-episode order

For anyone out there who was curious about the episode count for Law & Order: SVU season 20, we come bearing some good news.

In a new post on Twitter, show executive producer Julie Martin confirmed that the landmark season is going to have a full 24 episodes. That’s a pretty phenomenal order for a show like this, especially in its new timeslot. It also makes us feel better knowing that we’re already such a significant run into the season so far. There is more than half the season coming up down the line!

This is certainly not the first time that we have seen SVU do a full season of 24 episodes, but we do still think that it’s notable every time that it happens for a number of different reasons. After all, we’re in season 20, and this is a time when most of the cast and crew could decide that they’re good with doing around 22. Yet, they’re clearly showing an interest in sticking around and making more of the show, and clearly the folks over at NBC are equally game with keeping things going for a little bit longer.

As for what we’re going to see in those remaining thirteen episodes, you have to hope for some more ripped-from-the-headlines cases, fascinating mysteries, and also compelling emotional stories with great guest stars. When SVU is done well, it’s really anchored by the stories of the victims and the people who are telling stories that are relatable to a number of different people out in the world. Yet, we do also think that there’s a chance to tell some more personal stories for Benson, Carisi, Rollins, and a number of other characters.

Does the larger episode order mean anything in terms of the future?

We don’t think so, at least in terms of whether or not there will be a season 21. That decision will probably be made independently and, at least for now, we’re reasonably confident on that. Even though the ratings are at the moment down versus season 19, we do think it’s still commercially viable and the cast and crew remain enthused in the project.

We probably won’t know about a season 21 until the spring so, with that in mind, we’re mostly just happy to know that there’s going to be two more episodes to dive into a little bit later this year. (SVU aired its fall finale back last week; new episodes are going to be coming back on the air in January.)

What do you think about Law & Order: SVU season 20 having an order for 24 episodes? Be sure to share in the comments below! (Photo: NBC.)