NBC Renews ‘Law & Order: SVU’ for Season 16

Who's ready for more Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay)? Well, those who are can rejoice, as NBC announced today that it's granted 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' a 16th season!

After what is said to be “lengthy negotiations,” the Peacock network reached a deal with producer Dick Wolf for another season of the veteran crime drama, starring Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino.

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The Wednesday procedural was excluded from Wolf’s other series renewals in March, which included ‘Chicago Fire’ and ‘Chicago P.D.’ This was due to Hargitay not yet inking a new deal. Now, the leading lady is expected to return.

Despite the aging crime-fighting drama getting rid of Dann Florek (Donald Cragen) and Richard Belzer (John Munch), it’s still going strong and fans remain loyal. ‘SVU’s 15th season is averaging a 1.8 in the adults under 50 demo, down a little year-over-year, but also increasing 56 percent after seven days of delayed viewing to a 2.8.

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So, it looks like Wolf will continue to have three series on the air!

In other NBC news, last night it was revealed David Caspe’s ‘Marry Me,’ the spy drama ‘Allegiance,’ Katherine Heigl’s ‘State of Affairs’ and ‘Odyssey,’ starring Anna Friel and Peter Facinelli, have all been ordered to series.

‘Law & Order: SVU’ airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on NBC.