NBC has renewed both 'Law & Order' and 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' for the 2025-26 season, bringing the combined total of the two series to 50 seasons. The renewals come days after the network picked up Wolf Entertainment's three Chicago dramas.
'SVU', starring Mariska Hargitay, will return for a record 27th season, while the original 'Law & Order' will be back for its 25th season after a 12-year cancellation break. Both shows are having their best seasons on Peacock in total viewers in Live+35, reaching more than 44 million total viewers across linear and digital platforms this season.
The renewals were not straightforward and involved cost-trimming, as is common in the current economic environment. 'SVU' is considered a TV unicorn with a budget of $5-6 million per episode, lean production, and strong multi-platform performance. It is up 5% on Peacock versus last season. However, the drama saw cast reductions with Juliana Martinez and Octavio Pisano leaving as series regulars.
'Law & Order' faces deeper cuts, with some main cast members not having deals for next season. Further reductions on episode counts and no year-to-year pay bumps are on the table, with possible salary cuts. The series has seen a +112% viewership increase on Peacock versus last season.
Both shows are produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment. They join previously renewed freshman NBC comedies 'St. Denis Medical' and 'Happy's Place'.
