Entertainment

MELONI, HARGITAY STICK AROUND

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.