US network NBC has agreed a deal with creator and executive producer Dick Wolf for a 16th season of procedural Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, with star Mariska Hargitay expected to return.
Deadline.com reports that the lengthy negotiations were as a result of cost-cutting plans for the new season.
The show's executive producer, Warren Leight, tweeted: "It's official. Thank you #SVUDiehards, cast and crew, Dick Wolf, @Mariska, Bob Greenblatt [NBC Chairman] and @nbc. #SVUSweetSixteen!!"
