High-Profile TV Actress in Talks to Replace Mariska Hargitay on 'Law & Order: SVU'

An actress who is well-known to television audiences is in talks to join NBC's "Law & Order: SVU," stepping in as the new partner of Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni, reports TVLine.com.The actress is Jennifer Love Hewitt, the former star of "Ghost Whisperer," who would replace Mariska Hargitay on the show. She would be taking over as Stabler's partner around midseason, when Hargitay's Olivia Benson receives a promotion to a supervisor position, the story says.The talks come after Hargitay signed a deal to return for the show's 13th season, although on a scaled-back basis. Hargitay's character will continue to work alongside Stabler for the first 13 episodes, but then will be promoted, with a new female detective taking her place on the team, the article says.Hewitt guest-starred on "SVU" last fall as a rape victim. Before her starring role in “Ghost Whisperer” she had a long run on “Party of Five.”


Source: TVweek Rss Feed

Law & Order: Criminal Intent To Continue For An 11th Season?

Law & Order: Criminal Intent producer Chris Brancato has suggested that the show could be picked up for an 11th season.  The crime drama was renewed for a final eight episodes back in September, with original stars Vincent D’Onofrio and Kathryn Erbe rejoining the cast.

However, Brancato told The Futon Critic: “I think we all probably know that [series creator] Dick Wolf never says never. I know the show and my interaction with him was phenomenal.”

He continued: “[Dick] cares so deeply and he is engaged in the show in a way that you might not expect [from] somebody who is so successful and [has] been doing it for so long. He loves it. This is his baby, of sorts.” Brancato added that USA could renew Criminal Intent if the intended final episodes garner sufficient ratings.

“If viewers are enthused about Vincent and Katie coming back, I don’t see why it has to be the final season,” he said.  The show’s most recent episode attracted 5.1m viewers, a 43% increase on the ninth season premiere.  Well fans – you know what to do if you want to keep your show around – watch it!

Tweet