NBC has today renewed its original drama series Law & Order: SVU for Season 21 - officially setting a new record for the longest-running live-action primetime series in American TV history.
The record-breaking news today comes as the drama's parent show Law & Order and CBS' Gunsmoke previously held the record at twenty seasons apiece. SVU has currently aired 452 episodes, while FOX's The Simpsons holds the record for most episodes produced in American TV primetime at 657.
The drama stars Mariska Hargitay, Kelli Giddish, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino and Philip Winchester.
Dick Wolf created the drama. He executive produces with Hargitay, showrunner Michael Chernuchin, Julie Martin, Alex Chapple, Arthur Forney and Peter Jankowski. Universal Television and Wolf Films produce.
"We tip our cap to Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay and the amazing cast and crew of SVU, who now all go into the record book," said Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks, Co-Chairmen, NBC Entertainment. "This incredible run is an example of what happens when producers, writers and actors all come together and create a show that, year after year, speaks to its audience in a powerful way. We couldn't be more proud of this remarkable achievement."
"As SVU moves into its third decade, Mariska has become an iconic figure as a star, advocate and crusader for women," said Wolf. "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 No. 1 on the call sheet and, to me, a true friend."
"I'm deeply proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show, and humbled to make television history today," added Hargitay. "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."
