Law & Order: SVU and Mariska Hargitay both break TV records with Season 21 renewal

Deadline

NBC's 21st-season renewal of the Dick Wolf crime drama means it will surpass the 20 seasons set by both mothership series Law & Order (1990-2010) and Gunsmoke (1955-75) as the longest-running live-action primetime series in TV history. The renewal also marks a milestone for Hargitay, whose Lt. Olivia Benson will become the longest-running character of a live-action primetime series. She'll surpass Gunsmoke‘s James Arness and Milburn Stone as well as Kelsey Grammer, who played Frasier Crane on 20 seasons of Cheers and Frasier combined. “I’m deeply proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show, and humbled to make television history today,” Hargitay said in a statement. “The longevity and continued success of SVU is a testament not only to the show’s powerful storytelling and ability to connect with viewers, but to its necessity. We have told important stories for 20 years, and we will continue to tell them.” Wolf added: "As SVU moves into its third decade, Mariska has become an iconic figure as a star, advocate and crusader for women. She is an enduring champion of the movement to end sexual violence, and dozens of episodes have dealt with the very same issues that have shifted into the spotlight in this country in the past two years. Mariska is a delight as #1 on the call sheet and, to me, a true friend.”