Is ‘Law & Order: SVU' Canceled or Renewed at NBC?

Benjamin Franklin once said, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes.”

I’d add “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Law & Order: SVU.”

On March 30, ABC and Shondaland announced that “Grey’s Anatomy” will extend its run as the longest-running primetime medical drama in American TV history with a 23rd season.

On Thursday, Variety reported that “Law & Order: SVU” has been renewed by NBC for a 28th season.

“As per usual, the renewal comes as little surprise, as the now flagship show in the ‘Law & Order’ franchise continues to drive strong numbers for NBC even so late in its run,” Variety’s Joe Otterson wrote. “Law & Order,’ meanwhile, is still awaiting an official word on a renewal for next season, while ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ was just canceled after five seasons.”

Mariska Hargitay will continue in her iconic role as Olivia Benson, and Ice-T will also return for Season 28.

“Law & Order: SVU” has won six Primetime Emmys, including one for Hargitay, but all you really need to know to gauge its cultural significance is that Taylor Swift named her cat Olivia Benson. Hargitay had a cameo in Swift’s 2015 music video “Bad Blood”.

Last June, Hargitay appeared on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast and shared what she thought as soon as she read the script for “SVU” all those years ago.

“I read it, and I said - and I never had this experience - I’ve never loved anything more,” Hargitay said. “This is my show. This is the most progressive show I’ve ever seen. I love it. I need it. I have to do this show.”

Hargitay revealed that she told creator Dick Wolf to forget about the other actress auditioning for Olivia because “this is my part.” After all, the other actress wasn’t there to read for Olivia but for another part and ended up in the pilot.

Hargitay emphasized how much she loves “SVU” - “I’m so not done with it” - and the overwhelming fan reception has carried her through the exhausting “marathon” she’s been on with the show since it premiered in 1999.

“It’s such a privilege,” she said. “It’s such an honor. It’s insane. I live a very unique existence that way, with such a deep connection - like, soul connection - to people. Survivors and fans. It’s so different than I think [what] other artists have because they share with me the deepest, most sacred, most tender, intimate parts of themselves with me, and there’s such a beautiful understanding or a feeling of safety.”

“Law & Order: SVU” will next air on Thursday, April 23.

2026 NEWSWEEK DIGITAL LLC.

This story was originally published April 16, 2026 at 11:05 PM.