Mariska Hargitay Hints at How Many More Seasons Law & Order: SVU Has Left

Apparently, there are still plenty of stories left in Law & Order: SVU – and Mariska Hargitay is not planning to hang up Olivia Benson's badge anytime soon. If you thought nearly three decades on the air might slow this juggernaut down, think again.

SVU: The Show That Refuses to Die

So here's where things stand: SVU is already locked in for at least two more seasons on NBC, taking it through Season 28 and the 2026–27 TV year. That's not just rare in television – it's basically unheard of (unless you count soap operas or The Simpsons, and no, we're not). SVU already broke the record for longest-running primetime drama, and from the sound of things, it's gunning for big round numbers.

Mariska Hargitay: Still All In

Hargitay was at NBCUniversal's Emmy Kick-Off lunch when somebody had the nerve to ask if SVU could make it all the way to Season 30. Her answer?

'I do. How about that? I do.'

For context, that's pretty much as firm a commitment as anyone gives in Hollywood, especially after 27 years in the same role. She didn't just stop there – Hargitay rattled off a list worthy of an acceptance speech: still loves her cast, the showrunner, the writers, the producers, and yes, Dick Wolf himself. She insists she's still challenged creatively (no cozy coasting here), and doesn't see herself leaving SVU anytime soon.

Closing Out Season 27 – and No Signs of Stopping

Hargitay also let slip that she just watched the Season 27 finale (it airs May 14 if you want to set an alert), and in her words, it's the best episode of the whole season – maybe even her own best work. That's not a bad way to cap off nearly 30 years.

In case you were thinking she might be getting itchy feet or burnout is setting in, Hargitay says otherwise:

'So, I don't want to go anywhere right now.'

Apparently, the SVU schedule is letting her juggle other projects too – she name-checked both a movie and an upcoming Broadway play she's working on. So the show's not just not in danger, it's actually letting its lead stretch a bit.

How Much More SVU Can We Handle?

• Season 27: Finale hits May 14
• Renewed through: Season 28 (2026-27 season)
• Hargitay's status: Not leaving, still 'challenged,' and loves the job
• Could it go further? She's up for 30 seasons, and frankly, nothing's stopping them
• Side note: Cast and crew still seem genuinely invested (none of that phoning-it-in energy)

In other words, if you're wondering when Law & Order: SVU might finally slow down – join the club. Even Hargitay isn't placing bets on the endpoint, saying she'd rather just hit 30 first and go from there. At this point, the only thing more permanent than SVU is Dick Wolf's grip on NBC's programming schedule.