The streets of New York City will keep hearing the iconic “dun-dun” as NBC delivers thrilling news. Both “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” have been renewed for the 2025-26 season, securing their 25th and 27th season. Announced on May 8, 2025, the renewals cement the Dick Wolf franchise’s grip on primetime, delighting fans who’ve followed the gritty crimes and courtroom dramas for decades. From budget talks to fan eagerness on X, here’s how the renewals unfolded and what’s next for these TV juggernauts.
A Renewal That Felt Inevitable
The announcement hit like a gavel in a Manhattan courtroom. After months of speculation, NBC confirmed the renewals just before its upfront presentation, with Variety reporting that “Law & Order” and “SVU” would return to tackle more ripped-from-the-headlines cases. The news wasn’t a total shock, both shows are pillars of NBC’s lineup, with “SVU” leading the network’s linear scripted ratings and topping Peacock’s viewership charts alongside the “One Chicago” trio. “Law & Order”, while not as dominant on streaming, remains a linear powerhouse, The Hollywood Reporter noted. X erupted with joy, one fan posting, “SVU and Law & Order renewed? My Thursdays are SAFE!”. Yet, behind the scenes, budget talks with Universal Television stirred tension, as Deadline hinted at cost-cutting measures to keep the shows viable.
Budget Battles and Creative Sparks
Getting the green light wasn’t a simple slam dunk. NBC and Universal Television hashed out financial details, with “Law & Order’s” revival status—technically younger than its spinoffs—making it a cost-effective bet, per Variety. “SVU”, led by Mariska Hargitay’s indomitable Captain Olivia Benson, faced its own hurdles, with two cast exits looming: Juliana Martinez and Octavio Pisano won’t return for Season 27, NBC Insider confirmed. But the show’s new showrunner, Michele Fazekas, the first woman in the role, is set to bring fresh energy, promising bold storytelling for Benson’s unit. “Law & Order” showrunner Rick Eid, now focused solely on the mothership after stepping back from “FBI”, teased deeper character arcs, like exploring Detective Vincent Riley’s shady brother, Matt, played by Ryan Eggold.
Fans and Stars Celebrate
The renewals sparked a love fest between the shows’ casts and their loyal viewers. Mariska Hargitay, the heart of “SVU”, shared her gratitude, saying, “I love this team—it’s sacred to me,” per NBC Insider. Reid Scott, “Law & Order’s” Detective Vincent Riley, echoed the sentiment, saying he and co-star Mehcad Brooks have a blast bringing sarcasm and heart to the 27th Precinct. The shows’ ratings are great, “SVU” consistently in Peacock’s Top 5 and “Law & Order” holding strong on Thursdays proved fans aren’t ready to let go. The renewals follow NBC’s earlier pickup of the “One Chicago” trio, ensuring Wolf Entertainment’s dominance, The Hollywood Reporter noted.
What’s Next for the Franchise
With “Law & Order” hitting its milestone 25th season and “SVU” pushing toward a record-breaking 27th, the 2025-26 season promises high stakes. “Law & Order’s” Season 24 finale, airing May 15, 2025, sets up a crossover with “SVU”, teasing a brutal murder case that’ll test both squads, written about by NBC Insider. “SVU’s” Season 26 finale, “Post-Rage,” directed by Norberto Barba, will wrap storylines before Fazekas takes the helm. Fans are excited and already speculating about Benson’s next arc. As NBC gears up for its fall 2025 schedule, with “The Voice” and “Happy’s Place” also renewed, the “Law & Order” franchise remains the network’s backbone. Tune in Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET to catch the action. Brace yourself for more justice, drama, and that signature “dun-dun.”
