"Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" is easily one of the greatest television shows of all time. The first episode aired on September 20, 1999 and the series is still continuing its run to this day. There is so much to love about "SVU" from the fact that the reruns are always on USA to the hard hitting crimes. We can never go wrong when we turn our television on to Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni taking on one criminal at a time.

1. Christopher Meloni

Who doesn't love older men? We could watch Christopher Meloni play Elliot Stabler for days.

2. Mariska Hargitay

Did you see in her in Taylor Swifts "Bad Blood" video? Not only is she awesome but also a bad*ss.

3. The Gritty Crimes

Dick Wolf knows exactly how to hit home when it comes to sexual crimes. From young children to grown men and women, he knows how to touch on the soft spots.

4. Guest Appearances

"SVU" is constantly having guest stars. Hilary Duff, John Stamos, Bradley Cooper, Amanda Seyfried, and Jesse McCartney are among the many who have graced the "SVU" set.

5. Predictability

Most episodes tend to have the same ending. Stabler and Benson catch the bad guy and he gets put away. We are never left with unanswered questions and can most likely can predict the killer from the first couple of scenes.

6. Not Too Much Gore

"SVU" knows how to keep it clean. It's hard for many viewers to watch a show with an excessive amount of gore, but "SVU" has it just right. The brutality of the crime still gets across, but it's still easy to watch.

7. Ice-T

Who doesn't love comedic timing? Ice-T is that person. We never fail to crack a smile in such a dark show.

8. Real Life Portrayal

Hargitay and Meloni know exactly how to attack every scene they take on. "SVU" feels as though you are immersed in the crime. Watching them stand on the steps of the justice building brings you a sense of justice.

9. Benson's and Meloni's Relationship

Many think Benson and Meloni should have ended up together. Their chemistry on camera was undeniable, but would a relationship in the same precinct as well as being partners still work?

10. Comforting

We love coming home from a long day and turning our TV on to "SVU." It's our go-to and we can never go wrong with it. The constant marathons allow us to watch it whenever we want, and after a long day all we want to do is veg out on the couch and watch our favorite show.

11. Based in NYC

New York City is definitely one of the most exciting cities. There's so much to do and so much action. So to even get a glimpse of NYC through "SVU's" eyes is extremely exciting.