On Sept. 3, 1990, the television series Law and Order aired its first episode.  It has been running ever since and is the longest law-enforcement series in American television.  It aired on NBC until 2010 when the show broke out into a number of spinoffs.  The franchise consisted of seven television series; however, not all of them are still being broadcasted.  The current television series include Law and Order: Organized Crime and Law and Order Special Victims Unit.  Both of these shows follow a crime such as a murder.  The episodes center on crimes that have beenin the news and focus on the police investigation and the prosecution in court. 

“I heard about this show and thought it was very interesting. I love dramatic shows like this,” said sophomore Theadora Rabman. 

On Friday, April 30, 2021, scenes of Law and Order were filmed at Gino’s Pizzeria of Port Washington.  This was announced on social media by the restaurant manager who further explained why Gino’s was closed.  This was posted via Facebook on April 23 along with an apology for any inconveniences it may have caused.  Gino’s also added that their Manhasset and Roslyn locations were still open and delivery was available  to Port Washington.  The Port Washington Long Island Railroad Station was also being used for the production’s base camp.  The crew was able to use two-thirds of it and a few of the parking lanes along South Bayles Avenue.  Although the public is aware that the restaurant was filming scenes from Law and Order, people are not sure which spinoff show will be present. 

“This is so crazy! I can’t believe that a television series was filmed at one of my favorite restaurants,” said sophomore Geordan Sparber.

The series consists of a phenomenal cast including:  Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Jamie Gray Hyder, and Demore Barnes.  Hargitay plays Captain Olivia Benson, however, fans may recognize her from the series ER or from the film Jocks.  Giddish acts as Amanda Rollins who is a detective with the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.  Scanavino plays Sonny Carisi Jr, Hyder plays Officer/Detective Katriona Tamin, and Barnes plays Deputy Chief Christian Garland.  Port Washington supporters were so excited to see if their favorite actors and actresses were filming. 

“I love both the shows Law and Order and ER, so I can’t wait to see if Mariska Hargitay will be at Gino’s,” said freshman Natasha Rabman.  Law and Order is set in New York City, however, Port Washington residents are thrilled that they came to Long Island to visit.  Although it is unknown which spinoff series was being filmed, Port Washington residents were excited for their town to be showecased.