When it comes to some of the longest-running crime dramas, Law & Order: SVU will be sure to take the top spot. This award-winning Dick Wolf drama premiered in 1999, and has since provided several compelling stories on crime and disputes.
The series is about the Special Victims Unit (SVU) of the New York City Police Department (NYPD). Being extremely talented and committed to combating crime, this unit handles se*ually based crimes and even crimes against vulnerable groups like children, the elderly, and the disabled.
The detectives of the SVU continue to carry out their high-stakes job in Law & Order: SVU Season 26, whose Episode 20 is scheduled to come out on May 1, 2025. The season began with serious cases like law students becoming victims of horrifying attacks, and now it's time to tackle a new abduction case.
The series delves deep into the dark and gruesome realm of these crimes, with the intention of bringing justice to the victims and also depicting the emotional cost that investigating such crimes has on the detectives. Law & Order: SVU is well-liked by viewers because it provides personal narratives, while the officers also deal with crime.
Keep reading to learn more about the upcoming episode on NBC.
Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 20 release date and streaming details explored

The new episode of Law & Order: SVU is titled "Shock Collar," and it’s coming out on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 9:00 PM Eastern Time on NBC. This isn’t just a regular episode — it’s a big one because it marks the show’s return after a short break and is part of the final three episodes of Season 26.
So, fans can expect things to heat up as the season heads toward its climax. For those enjoying the crime drama from other regions, here's a table for your reference to explore the release time:
In case you miss the Episode 20 live broadcast on NBC, it will be available to stream the next day (May 2, 2025) on Peacock, the official streaming platform for Law & Order: SVU. The platform offers different subscription plans, like premium for $7.99/month, while the premium plus plan is for $13.99/month (ad-free).
If you have a TV provider login, you might also be able to stream the episode through NBC’s app or website — but just keep in mind, episodes there might not be available forever.
Also Read: Law And Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime - Similarities and differences, explored
What to expect from Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 20?
The latest episode focused on the detectives at the SVU working on a r*pe and murder case. Now, it's time for them to handle another major case in Law & Order: SVU Season 26, Episode 20, as a young kid seems to be in danger.
Yes, you read that right. The official synopsis for the upcoming episode reads:
"When a car with a young girl in the backseat is stolen, the SVU investigates whether it was a crime of opportunity or a targeted abduction."
Captain Olivia Benson, always sharp and protective, reveals during the investigation that two suspects are involved — and they’ve done similar crimes before. So, what first looked like a carjacking may actually be part of a pattern of dangerous crimes, adding to the mystery and tension among the characters.
What happened in Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 19: A quick recap
In Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 19, Benson is hit hard when Detective Maria Recinos is found murdered. Maria was someone Benson once rescued as a child trafficking victim and she had grown up to be a cop helping vulnerable women. Her death pulls Benson into a case that’s both personal and painful.
The investigation reveals that Maria was working undercover to expose predators targeting undocumented women. At first, suspicion falls on a priest, but things take a dark twist when DNA from Maria’s rape kit matches her own supervisor, Detective Paul Gomez. He’d been using threats of deportation to silence his victims.
Gomez hires a tough defense attorney who tries to rattle Benson in court, but testimonies from other survivors help keep the case strong. When a key witness is scared into silence, Elliot Stabler returns and sends a clear warning to Gomez’s crew.
The episode also shows a clash between Benson’s trauma-informed approach and Lt. Brady’s blunt style. Things get even more intense when a man tries to lure Benson’s son, Noah, reminding her that this fight is far from over.
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