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Abstract
This qualitative article examines the use of real crime stories as inspiration for storylines within the Law & Order franchise. Using cultivation theory as an anchor, the author explores motivations behind viewers' fascination with the "ripped from the headlines" episodes featured on Law & Order, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Special Victims' Unit. Parallels are made between the fictional stories and real crime news. In addition, entertainment media strategies are studied as the means by which crime drama writers attempt to meld fiction with reality in a fashion that is both entertaining and informative for the audience. Among the most significant of the strategies employed by the L&O franchise is its ability to turn out stories mere weeks after crime news hits the streets. Finally, the author demonstrates that, in some cases, when the crime drama serves as tutorial for potential offenders, fiction inspires real crime.
One of the most popular forms of media entertainment is the television crime drama. Even more compelling perhaps, are crime dramas based on actual events. Since Dragnet debuted on American television in 1951, audiences have been fascinated by stories of true crime played out by actors.
Today, Law & Order, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit and Law & Order: Criminal Intent draw millions of viewers into a fictional world of crime drama which features both original story lines and tales based loosely on actual events. The Law & Order franchise uses crime stories it claims are "ripped from the headlines." Thus, crime news is the basis of these semi-fictional storylines. In many instances, the actual crime stories on which the episodes are based are only a few months or even weeks old. In this way, the body of Law & Order seasons resembles a timeline of American crime references.
Theory
Media form a social matrix and are often at the center of family entertainment. The functions of the media include the reinforcement of social norms, advertisement of products and services, transmission of popular culture, and escape from everyday cares. Media shape the lives and the perceptions of the audience - providing perspectives on everything from criminal acts to fashion. Shows like Law & Order often provide commentary on such diverse issues...