In the TV rerun system, "Law and Order: SVU" is considered especially entertaining. Across the country, the dedicated fans who watch this series are members of a slightly crazy squad who are passionate about the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories. DUN DUN.
1. Your TV is always turned to USA.
Let's be real, they might as well rename USA to the SVU Channel.
2. You know exactly which days are SVU marathon days.
Always Tuesdays and Fridays, occasional Wednesdays, and a Sunday if you're lucky.
3. You get mad when NCIS comes on instead of SVU.
You get your hopes up after a long Monday, hoping to spend some quality time with Olivia, Elliott, and Ice-T. But no – some guy with gray hair is being extra dramatic on NCIS. Come on, man! Don't you know this channel is for SVU? Get out.
4. The original "Law and Order" will do if you're desperate for a suspense fix.
But never Criminal Intent.
5. You can tell which season an episode is from just by Olivia's haircut.
There were several vicious felonies committed against Mariska Hargitay's hair over the years. (Sorry about season 5, Liv).
6. Same goes for Ice-T's ponytail.
Ah, the early seasons of Ice-T's little tiny ponytail. Priceless.
7. You have a strong opinion about which ADA is the best.
ALEX CABOT FOREVER. Come on, she faked her own death. She's crazy. Casey Novak is a baller, too, but she was a murderer in that one episode and you can't quite get past that.
8. You recite the opening speech every time a new episode comes on.
As you get deeper into a marathon, your recitations get more and more dramatic. Especially the word "heinous."
9. You might even sing along to the jazzy theme music.
It doesn't have words, but that doesn't stop you. Personally, I might walk down the aisle to this music.
10. You're passionate about Benson and Stabler getting together – or not.
If you want them together, season 10 is emotional for you – Liv goes undercover as Elliott's prostitute AND his wife. If you don't want them together, you probably love Dani Beck (although no one else does).
11. You cried when Stabler left.
Why, Chris Meloni?! Why did you do this to us?!
12. And Cragen.
You were like our grandfather, Cragen. Our stern, alcoholic, caring grandfather.
13. And even Munch.
Okay, Munch, you were kind of weird sometimes. But the show isn't the same without you.
14. You feel like you know the characters personally.
Olivia and Elliott are like your parents. Ice-T is your cool uncle. ME Warner is your cool aunt. Dr. Huang is like your randomly super successful cousin.
15. You can't pick a favorite episode because the best ones are all so intense.
"Zebras," "Wildlife," the one with John Stamos, the one with Robin Williams, the two with Ludacris... how can someone pick between such wild masterpieces?
16. Executive Producer Dick Wolf is your hero.
When he cuts off the end of a stressful episode in a cliffhanger (I'm looking at you, "Doubt"), you get a little mad. But then you remember the amazing show he's brought you and the wild ride he's taken you on, and you're thankful for the consistent crime drama in your life.
