Law & Order: SVU Stars Make a Deal

Law & Order: SVU fans can breathe a sigh of relief now that Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have finally signed a deal which will keep them fighting the good fight for one more year (with an option for a second year).

Meloni and Hargitay reportedly earned roughly $375,000-$385,000 per episode last season, and their new deal will apparently earn them substantially more when they are back on the case this fall. As the two stars endured several months of tough negotiations, many believed that the duo would walk away from the series when it looked as though a deal might not be reached. Thankfully, the two will stick around to solve some of New York's most hideous crimes.

As An Added Bonus....

EW reports that Christine Lahti (Jack & Bobby, Chicago Hope) has signed on to play the Assistant District Attorney for four episodes this fall. So, you may be wondering who will be the ADA once Lahti is finished with her special episode run.... Most longtime fans should be thrilled to hear that Stephanie March (ADA Alex Cabot) has signed a deal to return to the series for a minimum of 10 episodes this season!

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit returns on September 23.

^{NBC Photo: Justin Stephens/© NBC Universal, Inc.}