Law & Order: SVU has etched its name into television history with its renewal for a landmark 21st season, securing its place as the longest-running primetime live-action series ever. This milestone surpasses the previous record held by Gunsmoke, which ran for 20 seasons from 1955 to 1975, and the original Law & Order, which concluded in 2010 after 20 seasons.
Mariska Hargitay, who has been the heart of the show since its inception, will return as the dedicated and compassionate Lt. Olivia Benson. Hargitay, who also serves as an executive producer and director for the series, expressed her pride and gratitude, stating, “I’m deeply proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show and humbled to make television history today. The longevity and success of SVU is a testament to its powerful storytelling and its ability to connect with viewers. We have told important stories for two decades, and we are committed to continuing that tradition.”
NBC Entertainment co-chairmen Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks celebrated the renewal, praising the show’s cast and crew. “We tip our cap to Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay, and the incredible team of SVU, who now enter the record books. This remarkable achievement showcases what happens when producers, writers, and actors come together to create a show that resonates deeply with its audience year after year.”
The current ensemble includes Hargitay as Lt. Benson, Ice-T as Sgt. Odafin “Fin” Tutuola, Kelli Giddish as Det. Amanda Rollins, Peter Scanavino as Det. Sonny Carisi, and Philip Winchester as Asst. District Attorney Peter Stone.
Series creator and executive producer Dick Wolf lauded Hargitay’s contributions, saying, “As SVU enters its third decade, Mariska has become an iconic figure both on and off-screen. She is a powerful advocate for women and a champion in the fight against sexual violence. Her dedication to the movement has been a driving force behind many of the show’s most impactful episodes.”
Hargitay’s accolades include eight Emmy nominations with a win in 2006, and a Golden Globe in 2005. Her role inspired her to establish The Joyful Heart Foundation, dedicated to supporting survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, and working to end the backlog of untested rape kits—a mission highlighted in her documentary I Am Evidence.
Law & Order: SVU airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. on NBC, drawing an average of 7.6 million viewers, including DVR audiences, and achieving a 1.9 rating in the key 18-49 demographic. The show is broadcast in over 250 territories worldwide.
The announcement of the renewal did not specify if the upcoming season would be the final one. Hargitay has hinted at an ideal ending for Benson, known only to Dick Wolf, but she remains committed to her role. “I’m taking it year by year,” Hargitay told E! News before the Season 20 premiere. “I’m determined to go deeper each day. There’s still so much more to explore.”
