and NBC just made TV history with the season 21 renewal. The series starring and executive produced by Mariska Hargitay is now the longest-running primetime live-action series in TV history.
With the renewal, beats , which ran for 20 seasons between 1955-1975, and the mothership series, which ran from 1990-2010.
Hargitay has been with the show since the beginning as compassionate detective-turned-lieutenant Olivia Benson.
"I'm deeply proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show, and humbled to make television history today," Hargitay, who has also directed numerous episodes, said in a statement. "The longevity and continued success of is a testament not only to the show's powerful storytelling and ability to connect with viewers, but to its necessity.
"We tip our cap to Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay and the amazing cast and crew of , who now all go into the record book," Telegdy and Cheeks said in a joint statement. "This incredible run is an example of what happens when producers, writers and actors all come together and create a show that, year after year, speaks to its audience in a powerful way.
The series currently stars Harigtay as Lt. Olivia Benson, Ice T as Sgt. Odafin "Fin" Tutuola, Kelli Giddish as Det. Amanda Rollins, Peter Scanavino as Det. Sonny Carisi and Philip Winchester as Asst. District Attorney Peter Stone.
"As moves into its third decade, Mariska has become an iconic figure as a star, advocate and crusader for women," Wolf
creator and executive producer, said in a statement. "She is an enduring champion of the movement to end sexual violence, and dozens of episodes have dealt with the very same issues that have shifted into the spotlight in this country in the past two years. Mariska is a delight as #1 on the call sheet and, to me, a true friend."
