Law and Order and Geography

MSNBC has an insightful article “New York Gets a Starring Role” on the impact Law and Order has had on New York City. According to Randee Dawn, “”Law & Order” currently shoots 170 days of the year — including location and stage days — in the city. Meanwhile, each show in the franchise (“Criminal Intent” and “SVU”) provides about six months of steady employment for more than 8,000 New Yorkers.” She discusses how New York City itself was a character in the show. According to many recent media studies textbooks, “Law and Order” has had a huge impact on how the public perception of “law and order” because of its constant re-runs and realistic feel. I am sure that there must be similar studies on the impact of “Law and Order” on the perception of New York City, after all 20 years is a very long time.