Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has just made TV history!
NBC confirmed Friday that it has renewed the show for 21st season, which means it will officially become the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history.
But there’s more! News of the renewal also makes lead actress of SVU Mariska Hargitay aka Lt. Olivia Benson the longest-running female character in a primetime live-action series.
“I’m deeply proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show, and humbled to make television history today,” Hargitay said in a statement. “The longevity and continued success of SVU is a testament not only to the show’s powerful storytelling and ability to connect with viewers, but to its necessity. We have told important stories for 20 years, and we will continue to tell them.”
“We tip our cap to [creator] Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay and the amazing cast and crew of ‘SVU,’ who now all go into the record book,” said NBC Co-Chairmen Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks in a statement. “This incredible run is an example of what happens when producers, writers and actors all come together and create a show that, year after year, speaks to its audience in a powerful way. We couldn’t be more proud of this remarkable achievement.”
The crime drama follows the lead detective of the SV in a ficionalized 16th Preccint of NYPD. Created as a Law & Order spinoff, the series premiered in 1999.
