Law & Order: SVU stands as the second longest-running primetime TV show, captivating audiences since its premiere in 1999. As the series approaches its 25th season, fans and industry insiders alike are speculating about its future. Is there an end in sight for this iconic series? Let’s delve into what lies ahead for Law & Order: SVU and hear Mariska Hargitay’s thoughts on the show’s enduring success.
A Legacy of Crime and Justice
Created by Dick Wolf, Law & Order: SVU is the first spin-off of the original Law & Order series and has firmly established itself within the Law & Order franchise. The series follows the dedicated detectives of the New York City Police Department as they investigate sexually related crimes. The show originally starred Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler. Although Meloni departed the show in 2011, he reprised his role in Law & Order: Organized Crime in 2021 and continues to make occasional crossover appearances on SVU.
Season 25 and a Historic Milestone
Season 25 of Law & Order: SVU is set to premiere on January 18, 2024. With this milestone, Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson will become the longest-running character on a primetime drama. Reflecting on this achievement in her January 2024 cover story for People, Hargitay expressed amazement at the show’s longevity. “I can’t believe it’s been 25 years, a quarter of a century!” she marveled.
Hargitay recalled her early days on the show, where she started off as “the second detective” alongside Stabler. Meloni’s experience as an actor initially overshadowed her, but over time, she grew into one of the most recognizable stars on television, earning eight consecutive Emmy nominations and a win in 2006 for her portrayal of Benson. “As I became more comfortable with the character, you saw this powerful woman emerge,” she told the outlet.
The Show’s Future: No End in Sight?
When asked about the show’s future beyond Season 25, Hargitay expressed optimism and a deep connection to her role. “I can’t imagine the show ending, and can’t imagine not going on this journey with my cast and crew. I have so much to look forward to,” she shared.
Fans of Law & Order: SVU share this sentiment, with many predicting that the series will continue as long as Hargitay remains involved. In a Reddit thread, several fans speculated that the show might end with Benson’s retirement or when Hargitay decides to leave. “The grand finale will be Liv’s retirement party,” one fan wrote. Another theorized, “I think when Mariska leaves, they’ll try to do at least one more season, but it won’t be as good and will be canceled after that.”
Dick Wolf’s Vision for the Future
During a January 8 interview with Forbes, series creator Dick Wolf weighed in on the future of his primetime shows, including the One Chicago and FBI franchises. Wolf, who shows no signs of slowing down, revealed his ambitious goal to continue creating television until he’s 100 years old. “The imminent death of broadcast television is overstated,” he asserted, signaling his commitment to the enduring legacy of his shows.
Conclusion
As Law & Order: SVU approaches its 25th season, the series continues to be a staple of primetime television. With Mariska Hargitay at the helm, the show’s future looks promising, and fans can expect many more seasons of gripping storytelling and powerful performances. For now, the journey of Olivia Benson and the dedicated detectives of SVU shows no signs of ending, much to the delight of its loyal audience.
