(17 September 2005 2:00 pm)

MUMBAI: US broadcaster NBC has announced that its drama show Law & Order brand will celebrate its 600th combined episode next month.

There are four franchises- Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Trial By Jury. This achievement commemorates over 15 years of criminal justice programming that draws its inspiration from the real-world cases topping the headlines. In India the shows air on Star World.

The flagship show Law & Order which is the second longest running drama in the history of US television, enters its 16th season on 21 September with Red Ball. The broadcaster states that the episode has a contemporary, multi-faceted plot and challenging moral dilemmas.

On the heels of its sixth and highest-rated season to date Law & Order: Special Victims Unit returns on 20 September. With a succession of episodes touching on hot-button social issues SVU features an array of guest stars including Marcia Gay Harden Mystic River, Lynda Carter Mary Stuart Masterson Something the Lord Made and Teri Garr.

Golden Globe winner and two-time Emmy nominee Mariska Hargitay and series star Christopher Meloni continue to deliver commanding performances. In "911" to air October 5 and described by executive producer Neal Baer as "the most ambitious show we've ever done," Detective Benson is the sole lifeline for a little girl held captive and it's up to her to locate the child before the predator can return. Additionally, Meloni will take center stage in a subsequent episode as Detective Stabler continues to grapple with his suppressed rage. "We're going to find out what's under Stabler's anger and launch him on a new path" added Baer.