Have no fear, television fans —Law & Order: SVUisn’t going away anytime soon.
On Thursday, NBC announced that it ordered three more seasons of the procedural crime drama, which is currently airing itsrecord-breaking 21st season. TheSpecial Victims Unitspin-off displacedGunsmokeand the flagshipLaw & Orderseries as the longest-running live-action primetime television show.
“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with [creator Dick Wolf] over the decades and it goes without saying he remains one of the most influential producers in history,” Bonnie Hammer, chairman of NBCUniversal Content Studios, toldVariety. “He is a visionary unlike any other whose impact has changed the entire television landscape.”
Stars of the fan-favorite series, which premiered in 1999, reacted to the news on social media, celebrating the record-setting renewal for seasons 22, 23 and 24.
“Mic drop. Boom. Dun dun. Any of them will do. Thank you @NBC #SVU21 ➡️#SVU24 #Epic,”wroteMariska Hargitayon Instagram, referencing the show’s iconic opening sound effects.
Virginia Sherwood/NBC
CostarIce-Tpostedthat he’s “kinda in shock” over the series’ extended life on the small screen, and showrunner Warren Leight made it a point to thank loyal fans.
“Up late, after a long but good day. Want to thank all the #SVUDiehards who’ve stayed with the show these many years,”tweetedLeight. “We would never have received today’s THREE YEAR PICK UP from @NBC without your support and loyalty.”
He added: “From our entire cast, crew, and team, thank you.”
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PEOPLE Special Edition — Law & Order: SVU, now available.
Hargitay, 56, recentlyopened up to PEOPLEabout her long-running tenure as Olivia Benson onSVU.
She added: “That is the most gratifying part of my job.”
For more on Law & Order SVU, pick upPEOPLE’s new special edition— featuring cast favorites and the most shocking of all 470 episodes — available now on Amazon and wherever magazines are sold.
source: people.com
