Mariska Hargitay Signs On for LAW & ORDER: SVU Season 14

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Mariska Hargitay has signed a new agreement with Universal Television to continue in her lead role on NBC's legal drama LAW & ORDER: SVU if the network decides to give the series a fourteenth season. The actress would reportedly earn as much as $500,000 per episode if the show returns. 

At NBC's Summer Press Day last week, Hargitay spoke about the show's new cast members Danny Pino and Kekki Giddish. Said the actress, "This new cast came on, and I had no idea what to expect -- and we had a new showrunner," she told reporters. "The show this year is awesome and different and has gone into different areas, and I get to play different things; my own story of having a boyfriend after 13 years. … My character has gone on this unbelievable personal journey that is both reflected in her persona life and the storylines."

Hargitay's long-time co-star on the show, Christopher Meloni, exited SVU after it's 12th season due to contract disputes. In order to fill the void, the show has seen a revolving door of guest stars including new love interests for Hargitay's Detiective Olivia Benson, played by Harry Connick Jr. and Andre Braugher. 

The show has suffered from a ratings decline since Meloni's exit. Last week's episode was down 6 percent in the all important adult 18-49 demo, tying a series low of 1.6. 

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