The WORST episodes of Law & Order
Every episode of Law & Order ever, ranked from worst to best by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The worst episodes of Law & Order!
A blended police procedural and courtroom drama which employs a two-part approach: The first half of each episode focuses on NYPD homicide detectives investigating a crime—often derived from a real-life headline—and apprehending a suspect. The second half takes place in the courtroom, with the district attorney prosecuting the defendant.
#1 - Snowflakes (1)
Season 25 - Episode 9 - Aired 1/8/2026
An injured woman's sudden disappearance from the hospital leads to a murder investigation. As an eyewitness to the crime, Brady partners with Benson's SVU to unravel a complex motive. An explosive discovery puts both squads in danger. Part 1 of a two-part crossover with Season 27, Episode 9 of 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'.
#2 - Look the Other Way
Season 24 - Episode 22 - Aired 5/15/2025
When a model is murdered, Shaw and Riley believe their suspect may have escalated an obsession to violence. Maroun's efforts to place the suspect near the scene of the crime leave Price in a bind when the evidence may not hold up in court.
#3 - Sins of the Father
Season 24 - Episode 20 - Aired 5/1/2025
When a car mechanic is murdered execution-style, Shaw and Riley suspect his job was a cover for more sinister talents. As the trail gets underway for the arrested suspect, Baxter, Price and Maroun are faced with who should answer for the crime.
#4 - Folk Hero
Season 24 - Episode 16 - Aired 3/20/2025
When a murder suspect becomes an underground hero, Brady seeks help from a former colleague to track down a culprit who seems to be in multiple locations. Baxter, Price and Maroun disagree on the best way forward when public interest heightens.
#5 - Enemy of the State
Season 24 - Episode 9 - Aired 1/16/2025
Shaw and Riley discover a shocking motive after a young man is pushed in front of a train. When the trial hinges on a piece of legislation that Baxter wrote, Price must convince Baxter to testify to the legislation's uses and abuses.
#6 - Truth and Consequences
Season 24 - Episode 7 - Aired 11/14/2024
When tragedy strikes the family of a prominent judge, Brady must determine if the murder is connected to any of the judge's rulings. Baxter steps in when a key witness refuses to testify. Maroun tries to protect another witness's privacy.
#7 - The Meaning of Life
Season 24 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/24/2024
When a bomb goes off in a brownstone, Shaw and Riley must determine which of its inhabitants -- an author or fertility doctor -- was the target. Price and Maroun try to bring murder charges against the suspect, even though the victim is still alive.
#8 - The Perfect Man
Season 24 - Episode 2 - Aired 10/10/2024
When the founder of an AI-infused dating app is murdered, Shaw and Riley delve into who would want the love-obsessed man dead. Capt. Benson surprises Price and Maroun when she becomes a witness for the defense.
#9 - In Harm's Way
Season 23 - Episode 13 - Aired 5/16/2024
When a sports star is killed, Shaw and Riley suspect the shooter missed their intended target. Baxter's daughter comes forward as a witness, but her public testimony could impact his re-election campaign with the confession of a family secret.
#10 - Bailout
Season 19 - Episode 15 - Aired 3/11/2009
As detectives investigate the death of a bank executive's mistress, they uncover a kidnapping and extortion plot.
#11 - The Corporate Veil
Season 3 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/14/1992
A teenager's fatal heart attack is traced to fraud and greed on the part of the manufacturer of his pacemaker and their supplier.
#12 - Mother Love
Season 3 - Episode 15 - Aired 2/24/1993
The absence of a murder weapon complicates the investigation into the murder of a drug addict who stole from her family to support her habit.
#13 - Crimebusters
Season 19 - Episode 13 - Aired 2/11/2009
An unconscious war widow and her lifeless infant are found in the rubble of a bombed army recruitment center; Jack McCoy is forced to make one of the most unpopular decisions of his career.
#14 - Panic
Season 10 - Episode 13 - Aired 2/16/2000
Briscoe and Green investigate the shooting of a best-selling mystery writer and the death of her accountant, with a love triangle as a possible motive for the crime.
#15 - Burden
Season 8 - Episode 20 - Aired 4/24/1998
After a 12-year-old quadriplegic dies at home in his bed, paramedics claim that he was suffocated and the suspects include the boy's parents and sister.
#16 - Subterranean Homeboy Blues
Season 1 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/20/1990
The shooting of two black men by a white woman in a crowded subway initially appears to be a case of self-defense, but further investigation reveals revenge as a possible motive.
#17 - Sundown
Season 10 - Episode 9 - Aired 12/15/1999
A patient is found beaten to death in a hospital lounge -- and the resulting case involves infidelity, Alzheimer's disease and a ladies' man.
#18 - Conspiracy
Season 3 - Episode 2 - Aired 9/30/1992
The assassination of an African-American leader leads to the arrest of a man whose ex-wife was suspected of having an affair with the victim.
#19 - Angelgrove
Season 18 - Episode 13 - Aired 3/19/2008
A terrorist organization seems to be tied in with the violent death of an art dealer, until the victim's troubled son with ties to a fanatic religious group is investigated.
#20 - Happily Ever After
Season 1 - Episode 5 - Aired 10/23/1990
Greevey and Logan have a hunch that robbery is a cover for the real motive in the death of a millionaire in a parking garage.
#21 - Kiss the Girls and Make Them Die
Season 1 - Episode 4 - Aired 10/11/1990
Stone has difficulty prosecuting a privileged preppie with a history of abusing his girlfriends after one of them dies at his hands.
#22 - Doubles
Season 4 - Episode 21 - Aired 5/18/1994
An assailant breaks the wrist of a tennis player prior to a tournament, and a competitor is among the suspects.
#23 - His Hour Upon the Stage
Season 2 - Episode 11 - Aired 12/10/1991
The discovery of a frozen corpse in a dumpster leads to rival Broadway producers.
#24 - Brilliant Disguise
Season 20 - Episode 15 - Aired 3/8/2010
A young woman is found murdered in a hotel and the evidence leads to a medical student.
