You can typically tell a lot about a crossword constructor by the pop culture references they include in a puzzle. Is the answer to "artist behind the song 'Message in a Bottle'" Taylor Swift or The Police? Does the clue "Rita of Hollywood" solve to Moreno (aka the Oscar-winning actress) or Ora (aka the pop singer)?
Sometimes, though, a pop culture reference's appearance in a crossword has less to do with the creator's interests or background, and much more to do with two simple facts: 1) it fits perfectly in the grid and 2) it's extremely well-known. Such is often the case for "SVU," the abbreviated version of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit". Anyone who's solved more than a handful of puzzles has probably come across a clue like "long-running
TV crime drama, for short" or "spinoff starring Mariska Hargitay (abbr.)" at least a few times, with "SVU" as the answer.
Even if you've somehow managed to avoid watching any one of the NBC series' nearly 600 episodes, you're likely familiar with the police procedural; after all, it's been on the air since 1999, leaving a major impact on the entertainment landscape and helping to launch the careers of numerous stars (Lee Pace! Sabrina Carpenter! David Harbour!). With that kind of cultural footprint, it's no wonder that "SVU" has become a crossword favorite during its multi-decade run.
Yet despite the show's countless puzzle appearances, mentions of its parent series are far more rare – which is why I did a double take when seeing the clue "legal drama with an "SVU" spinoff" in today's USA TODAY crossword. The 11-letter answer is one of the longest inclusions in the grid (and one of several pop culture references throughout the puzzle). And while it may be a coincidence, the reference is also perfectly timed, seeing as there's a new episode of "SVU" Season 28 this week, and it's got an appearance from New York Knicks star Jalen Brunson.
Look out for the clue when you tackle today's puzzle – I bet solving it will be just as satisfying as Olivia Benson cracking a case.
Rachel Simon is the PLAY writer for USA TODAY, bringing you the inside scoop behind our crosswords, games, horoscopes, and comics. Have thoughts on this story? Email her at RSimon@USAToday.com andsubscribe to our PLAY newsletter to get more content like this in your inbox every week.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Behind the USA TODAY PLAY crossword clue: crime scene edition
