DETECTIVES Benson and Stabler aren’t quitting the force after all.
Officials say that after two months of holding out, Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni have finally signed two-year contracts to remain with “Law & Order: SVU,” even though NBC has only committed to one more season, taking the series through its 11th year.
The series will be adding a new face to the cast when production begins next month though. Christine Lahti (“Chicago Hope“) will play a new ADA during the first four episodes of the season. After that, Stephanie March will reprise her role as icy ADA Alex Cabot.
“L&O:SVU” premieres on Sept. 23.