‘Law & Order’ celebrates 25 years of ‘SVU’

(NBC) — Fans of NBC’s “Law & Order” universe can take heart, after a long wait, all three shows have season premieres Thursday, including “SVU,” which is beginning its 25th season.

It’s a milestone that was honored at a red-carpet event earlier this week in The Big Apple, what started in the fall of 1999 was a cause for celebration Tuesday night in New York City.

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“It’s amazing to be part of this history,” said “Law & Order” actor Dann Florek.

Cast members past and present gathered to honor the 25th season of “Law & Order: SVU,” which begins Thursday night.

“Seeing Michelle Hurd and Chris [Meloni] and Isabelle [Gillies] and all these people, especially from the beginning, it’s such a gift because it’s right there and it’s tangible,” said series star Mariska Hargitay.

Already TV’s longest-running scripted drama, it has filmed more than 500 episodes.

“It feels so natural now when I go to work,” said “Law & Order: SVU” actor Peter Scanavino. “But when I step back and I think about it, it completely blows my mind. I can’t believe it.”

The show’s impact was felt early on.

“I started getting a different kind of fan mail with women and men disclosing their stories of abuse,” said Hargitay.

“It was important for them,” said Christopher Meloni. “It was a need for them.”

And while producer Dick Wolf’s creation has seen plenty of change.

“People really enjoy the show as much, if not more, than when we started,” said Ice-T, who stars in the long-running series.

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The one constant has been Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson.

“It’s absolutely crazy,” said Kelli Giddish of “SVU.” “Mariska is turning 60 this year, and I cannot wait to celebrate her in any form or fashion. I’m so happy to be her friend.”

“I just want to be just like Mariska when I grow up,” said Camryn Manheim, who stars in “Law & Order.”

A shining legacy for an actress and her show.

“I feel very privileged,” said Hargitay.

“SVU” and all the ” Law & Order” shows have season premieres Thursday, starting with the original, at 8 p.m. on NBC4.

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