In a world where many shows struggle to make it to season 5, NBC’s Law & Order franchise continues to defy the odds. Law & Order is heading into its 24th season following its revival in 2022, while Law & Order: SVU is heading into its 27th season with absolutely no signs of slowing down.
Law & Order: SVU continues to rank among NBC’s most-watched programs, with the show remaining a staple on the network after more than two decades on the network. The show is quickly closing in on 600 episodes and has already made history as the longest-running scripted primetime drama. The series really shows no signs of slowing down and according to one member of the cast, there’s only one thing that will likely lead to the show ending.
Ice-T suggests SVU won’t end until Mariska Hargitay is ready to exit
When speaking with ET during the 77th Primetime Emmy Awards Red Carpet, Ice-T seemed to double down on a sentiment that has been shared many times in recent years: Law & Order: SVU will go on as long as Mariska Hargitay is interested in remaining on the show.
“I think the show will go as long as Mariska wants to continue to do the show,” Ice-T shared when asked about the show’s future.
It’s a sentiment that would make a lot of sense as Hargitay is truly the heart of the show. When she decides it’s time to walk away and call it a day, it’ll be the right time to say goodbye to the show as Olivia Benson is the one who has kept us coming back all these years. We’ve watched Benson fight crime and advocate for victims for over two decades, which is something Ice-T recognizes is also what has helped the show over the years.
SVU isn’t just another crime show, it’s therapy for a lot of viewers who are able to work through their own personal experiences through the show. For some, as Ice-T mentioned, it’s a vision of hope in allowing real victims to see justice they didn’t get in their life and to see advocates who might not have been present in their journeys sharing impactful messages that can be comforting and healing.
“It’s got a hook in the fans, the fans love us. I think because SVU is not only entertainment, it’s therapy for a lot of people. A lot of people watch our show and see justice they didn’t see in their life. We’re glad people enjoy it.”
There’s no telling when SVU might come to an end, but for now fans can continue to enjoy new episodes beginning again this fall with the premiere of season 27 on Sept. 25 at 9/8c on NBC.