The renewal also benefits star Mariska Hargitay in having the longest-running character on live-action series, outrunning James Arness and Milburn Stone of 'Gunsmoke' and Kelsey Grammar of 'Frasier'.
- March 30, 2019
AceShowbiz - "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" has broken a TV record after landing a 21st season.
The hit television show, which was created by Dick Wolf and stars Mariska Hargitay, has now become TV's longest-running primetime live-action series.
"Law & Order: SVU"'s renewal by NBC network bosses also makes Hargitay's Lieutenant Olivia Benson the longest-running character in a primetime live-action series, beating out "Gunsmoke"'s James Arness and Milburn Stone, as well as "Frasier"'s Kelsey Grammar, who have all portrayed the same character for 20 consecutive seasons.
"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 of 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," they added.
The news comes nine years after Wolf was denied a shot at breaking "Gunsmoke"'s record, when NBC's cancelled the mothership "Law & Order" series in May, 2010 after 20 seasons.
