mariska hargitay

A crime drama that has had fans gripped for decades is apparently going to be back

The future of an “addictive” long-running series has apparently been confirmed.

Law & Order – which started in 1990 and is now in its 25th season – is set to be renewed for a 26th run, Deadline has reported. While final details are apparently being worked out, it is thought that official word on the future of the police procedural is expected soon.

The news will thrill fans of the series, which has become hugely popular with viewers. Set and filmed in New York, the programme follows detectives of New York City Police Department’s fictional 27th precinct as they investigate crimes.

Its cast has included several huge stars over the years, with Sam Waterston, Jerry Orbach and Mariska Hargitay all being part of the show, while famous guest stars have included Viola Davis, Bradley Cooper and Ellen Pompeo. The current cast of the programme includes Maura Tierney, who starred as Abby Lockhart on the medical drama ER, and Tony Goldwyn from Scandal.

Law & Order originally aired from 1990 to 2010, then in 2021 it was announced that it was being brought back after an 11 year break.

It has also sparked several spin-offs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Law & Order: Trial by Jury.

It has been a hit with viewers, with one posting on reviews website Rotten Tomatoes: “The best ever, realistic, true to life portraits seen in any movie or TV series.”

“Excellent,” said someone else, calling the show “completely addictive”.

“It’s like watching two shows, a police investigation series for the first half hour, and a legal series for the next half an hour,” another fan remarked.

“Great performances, lots of mystery and drama, very realistic.” Someone else praised the show’s “pitch perfect pacing”.

Another said: “Law & Order is one of my go-to shows to watch while sitting on the couch and vegging out. I’ve seen every episode multiple times, but I find the show comforting. That’s what Law & Order is – comfort food.”

NBC has been contacted for comment.

Law & Order airs on NBC in the US.

Christopher Meloni has a message for Elliot Stabler fans: “Thank you … for sticking with him and welcoming him back.”

The “Law & Order: Organized Crime” star took to Instagram on Thursday to convey his appreciation for his character’s long run in the franchise after it was revealed that the NBC show had been canceled after five seasons.

“I just saw that they announced … ‘Organized Crime’ won’t be coming back,” Meloni said in his video post. “So I wanted to take this moment to say thank you to the fans who not only helped give the character of Elliot Stabler life and longevity, but for sticking with him and welcoming him back.”

Meloni’s run as the seasoned detective began in “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” which debuted in 1999. Stabler investigated New York’s “especially heinous” sex-based crimes with partner Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and other detectives in his unit for the show’s first 12 seasons. (The character was written off the show in advance of the Season 13 premiere because Meloni and NBC could not come to an agreement on a new contract.)

Stabler returned to “SVU” in 2021 for a crossover event that helped launch “Organized Crime,” a “Law & Order” spinoff focused on NYPD officers who track down “vicious and violent members of the underworld.” While the character has occasionally appeared in “SVU” episodes since his return, the end of “Organized Crime” likely means Meloni is done playing Stabler full time, at least for now. “Law & Order: SVU,” meanwhile, has been renewed for a 28th season.

“I had a great time playing him,” Meloni said in his Instagram message. “It was a great ride. Thank you. You helped give me a career that I never dreamed of. Nearly 17 odd years.”