Is NBC Replacing Law And Order SVU Stars?
Law and Order: SVU may be a procedural show (meaning people watch mostly for the crime of the week, not to see what happens in the characters’ lives), but NBC is reportedly considering the unthinkable: replacing SVU stars Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni, according to Entertainment Weekly’s Michael Ausiello. ‘I don’t think in this environment, there’s any chance they could re-launch the show with both of them gone,’ says a high-ranking exec at a rival network. ‘It’s a horrible time to retool a show. They already have to change the time-slot, because it’s not going to be airing at 10 pm next season.’ At the same time, a key Peacock insider says, ‘I can’t imagine either actor walking away from over $7 million a year.’ ” This is occurring because NBC just renewed SVU for an 11th season. Everyone’s salaries have to be renegotiated, including Mariska and Chris, who reportedly want more financial benefits in addition to their $350,000/per episode salaries. To echo Ausiello: They. Wouldn’t.
