Now that’s what you call television history!
NBC made history Friday when it announced it has renewed Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for a 21st season. The network announced the news Friday, and by the time the 21st season airs, SVU will officially become the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history. The impressive milestone also thrones series lead, Mariska Hargitay aka Lt. Olivia Benson as 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.”
SVU creator and executive producer Dick Wolf praised Hargitay’s saying, “As SVU moves into its third decade, Mariska has become an iconic figure as a star, advocate and crusader for women. She is an enduring champion of the movement to end sexual violence, and dozens of episodes have dealt with the very same issues that have shifted into the spotlight in this country in the past two years. Mariska is a delight as No. 1 on the call sheet and, to me, a true friend.”
NBC Co-Chairmen Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks added in a statement. “We tip our cap to Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay and the amazing cast and crew of SVU, who now all go into the record book. 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 Law & Order spinoff premiered in 1999.
