Law & Order: SVU (Special Victims Unit), Season 8

This hard-hitting and emotional series which follows Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) and his partner Detective Olivia Benson (Emmy-winner Mariska Hargitay) has striking surprises in store for the season. When Connie Nielson (Gladiator) guest stars as Stabler's beautiful and multi-talented new partner for six episodes, things heat up on the streets of New York — and the elite squad is forced to take even bigger risks. In its great tradition of outstanding guest-star performances, this season promises such names as Jerry Lewis, Academy Award winner Marcia Gay Harden and other celebrated talent. Big shows, new stars and contemporary story lines make for a year unlike any other as the hit series continues to intrigue.