In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.

Raymond "Red" Reddington, one of the FBI's most wanted fugitives, surrenders in person at FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He claims that he and the FBI have the same interests: bringing down dangerous criminals and terrorists. In the last two decades, he's made a list of criminals and terrorists that matter the most but the FBI cannot find because it does not know they exist. Reddington calls this "The Blacklist". Reddington will co-operate, but insists that he will speak only to Elizabeth Keen, a rookie FBI profiler.

When Buy More computer geek Chuck Bartowski unwittingly downloads a database of government information and deadly fighting skills into his head, he becomes the CIA's most vital secret. This sets Chuck on a path to become a full-fledged spy.

The detectives of the Organized Crime Control Bureau work to dismantle New York City's most vicious and violent illegal enterprises.

A famous author is pulled into a twisted mind game with her rich, powerful new neighbor — who might be a murderer.

A psychotic convict escapes from jail, kidnaps his sister, and takes an American couple hostage in their seaside vacation home while planning his escape from the police.

Art student Jessica and her half-sister model Caroline are told by their wealthy father Mr. Blaine that he has decided to financially cut off both of them. This causes the two women to re-evaluate their lives. Jessica must figure out what is most important to her: family, boyfriend Albert or her studies. Caroline must learn independence for the first time in her life. As Mr. Blaine and his assistant Benton arrive in town to confront Jessica and Caroline, his decision will forever alter their lives and their relationships to one another.

A priest is called to a rural farming community that hides an ancient secret.

September 11th has left Ellsworth a shell-shocked mess. Not only is he struggling to process his feelings about the event, but he is unable to return to a normal life and his relationship with his live-in girlfriend Eleanor is suffering. After returning to the Manhattan street corner where he witnessed the horrific attack, Ellsworth visits Anne, the woman with whom he is having an affair. His questioning of everything that Americans cherish is met with disinterest by Anne, who leaves to rehearse a fan dance with her burlesque company. Returning home, Anne and Ellsworth are confronted by Eleanor. Unwilling to converse or compromise, Eleanor demands that he instantly choose between them.