Law and Order: SVU
"Law and Order: SVU" star Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson in a still from the Season 16 episode titled "Perverted Justice." It was recently revealed that the Season 17 premiere would be based on the Robert Durst case. NBC

NBC is betting big on “Law and Order: SVU” as it enters its 17th season. In the two-hour premiere, the show will tackle a real-life case ripped from one of the most talked about headlines of the year.

HBO made serious waves earlier this year with the release of its 10-part true-crime documentary “The Jinx,” which focused on the life and alleged crimes of real estate heir Robert Durst. Now, television’s longest-running drama will tackle the still developing story of Durst’s crimes in its Sept. 23 premiere.

The teaser commercial for the episode hits every major touchstone that fans of “The Jinx” will likely recognize, including bodies buried in the water in black trash bags, strange disguises, audio recorded confessions and a wealthy New Yorker. According to E! Online, “Law and Order: SVU” is no stranger to getting inspiration from the world of true crime stories. In recent years, the outlet notes that the show has done episodes inspired by the Ray Rice TMZ video, Paula Deen’s public shaming due to racial comments, the shooting of Trayvon Martin and the death of Casey Kasem, just to name a few.

In addition, because the crimes of Durst have spanned several years, the outlet also recalls an episode of the original “Law and Order,” which had its roots in the Durst case, as well as an episode of “Law and Order: Criminal Intent” that did the same. Durst is currently being held without bail at Orleans Parish Prison in Louisiana, according to CNN.

If you thought the Durst case was the only trick that “SVU” has up its sleeve for the Season 17 premiere, you’d be wrong. According to the Hollywood Reporter, the show also will see the return of Dallas Roberts, reprising his role as Dr. Greg Yates, a serial killer introduced in the “Law and Order: SVU,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago P.D.” crossover event in April.

Check out the trailer for the “Law and Order: SVU” Season 17 premiere below and either comment your thoughts or tweet them to @TylerMcCarthy.

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