Guess what, folks? The detectives of Law & Order: SVU aren’t hanging up their badges anytime soon! This iconic crime drama, featuring the unstoppable Mariska Hargitay as Lieutenant Olivia Benson, is set to air its 20th season later this year. And get this—it’s not stopping there. The show is gunning to tie and even surpass records held by the original Law & Order and Gunsmoke as the longest-running scripted live-action American drama series. That’s right; the show has no plans to slow down until Mariska herself decides it's time to call it quits.
At a recent Paley Center panel celebrating SVU, NBC’s Robert Greenblatt revealed some exciting news. He announced that the show will move forward with a groundbreaking 21st season, aiming to set a new standard in TV history. Greenblatt also emphasized that as long as Mariska is willing to reprise her role as Olivia Benson, the show will keep going strong. In other words, the future of SVU is in the hands of its leading lady.
Greenblatt says every year, NBC checks in with @mariska and she keeps saying she wants to continue on @nbcsvu – and it will continue as long as she wants it to. #PaleyLive
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And guess what? Fans don’t have to worry about losing this beloved series anytime soon. During the same panel, Mariska, now 54, expressed her enthusiasm for continuing the journey well beyond Season 21. “I’m in this for the long haul,” she said with excitement. “I told them, ‘If you keep writing this well, I’ll stay for 25 years.’ Why would I leave? I’m so grateful for this opportunity.”
A Show That Speaks to the Heart
Mariska also took a moment to reflect on the show’s impact on society. She praised creator and executive producer Dick Wolf for his pioneering work in addressing critical women’s issues, including sexual abuse, assault, and harassment. “Dick Wolf has been a trailblazer in bringing these important topics to the forefront,” she explained. “For years, these issues were swept under the rug. But SVU has always respected its audience. We’ve made these sensitive subjects accessible and created characters you can trust to guide you through the most delicate parts of life. I’m incredibly honored to be the one who brings that message to people.”
A Personal and Professional Journey
Mariska also shared how her role as Olivia Benson has shaped her both personally and professionally over the past two decades. “When I first started this role, I made a promise to myself,” she recalled. “I didn’t want to be just another woman in a man’s world. Instead, I wanted to bring my whole self to the table—my strength, my empathy, my vulnerability, and my power. I wanted to stand in my truth, unapologetically. And let me tell you, this has been an incredible journey for me, both as a person and as an actor.”
She went on to highlight what she believes are Olivia Benson’s true superpowers. “Compassion and vulnerability are what make Olivia Benson so powerful,” she said. “That’s the message I want to share with the world because that’s exactly what we need more of in today’s society.”
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Law & Order: SVU follows the story of Olivia Benson, a detective who leads the elite Special Victims Unit in tackling some of the most heinous crimes imaginable. As the iconic opening monologue reminds us, “In the criminal justice system, sexually based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.”
What's Next for SVU?
The series, which premiered its first episode back in 1999, features a talented cast including Kelli Giddish, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, Raúl Esparza, and Philip Winchester. Of course, we can’t forget Christopher Meloni, who played Detective Elliot Stabler opposite Mariska for many seasons. With Season 20 set to air later this year, fans are eagerly awaiting what comes next. Stay tuned for more updates as the show continues to make history!
This story was penned by Kate Wagner and originally appeared on our sister site, Now to Love.
