'Law & Order: SVU' Renewed for 16th Season

As the years go by, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit comes closer and closer to tying the record set by Gunsmoke and, coincidentally, its parent series, the original Law & Order, for longest-running primetime drama. Those shows each lasted for 20 seasons. And now, SVU is that much closer thanks to NBC's latest major decision.

Yes, it's official: Law & Order: SVU has been renewed for a 16th season after lengthy negotiations with producer Dick Wolf. The dispute had to do with a pay cut NBC asked Wolf to take in order to bring the show back. However, Wolf wasn't willing to compromise, which is why SVU wasn't among the list of shows granted an early renewal last month. However, he was able to reach an agreement with NBC, as has showrunner Warren Leight. Among other big names returning with the show, it's expected that lead star Mariska Hargitay will be back, although no decisions have been made on cast just yet. Either way, this is a solid decision for NBC, since SVU continues to draw respectable ratings. This season has averaged a 2.5 in the key adults 18-49 demographic, and 8.4 million total viewers, which is a 19% increase in the key demographic and a 16% increase in overall viewers from last season.

So what do you think? Do you want to see more SVU? Or has the show overstayed its welcome? Sound off in the comments!

Via: Deadline

Credit: Will Hart/NBC