In 1992, Orbach joined the main cast of "Law & Order" during its third season as the world-weary, wisecracking NYPD homicide detective Lennie Briscoe. He had previously guest-starred as a defense attorney on the series, and was subsequently cast as the new "senior detective" following Paul Sorvino's departure. Orbach's portrayal of Briscoe was based on his similar role from "Prince of the City" years before, which "Law & Order" creator Dick Wolf had personally suggested to him at the time of his casting. Orbach starred on "Law & Order" for 11-and-a-half seasons, ultimately becoming the third longest-serving main cast member (behind S. Epatha Merkerson and Sam Waterston) in the show's 20-year-run history, as well as one of its most popular. During Orbach's tenure on "Law & Order", the series won the 1997 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Drama Series among other accolades, made multiple crossover episodes with fellow NBC series ', and spawned a franchise that included the TV film ', the spin-off series ' and ' (both of which featured Orbach in guest appearances), and three video games. Orbach himself was nominated for a 2000 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (losing to James Gandolfini for "The Sopranos"). "TV Guide" named Lennie Briscoe one of their top-25 greatest television detectives of all time.