Hargitay, Meloni up for more 'SVU'
Deal gives both stars substantial raises
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Peacock is keeping mum on the financials, but insiders said the new pact gives both stars substantial raises over their existing deals, with annual salaries of more than $6.5 million each. It's believed that with the bump, Hargitay will become, at minimum, one of the highest-paid actresses in network TV.
That would put her paycheck in the $300,000-$340,000 per seg range. Given their co-lead status, it seems likely Meloni's paycheck is in the same range as Hargitay's.
Like NBC, Wolf's camp wouldn't discuss money, but Wolf did issue a statement confirming the actors would be back.
Producer said he's happy "that Chris and Mariska have decided to stay with a show that they've made an indelible stamp upon as we move into our ninth season."
Anticipating a deal was close, NBC last week announced that "SVU" would be returning next fall.
Talks with Hargitay and Meloni have been ongoing for weeks, leading to plenty of tabloid speculation about the fate of "SVU." The actors on "SVU" are considered far more central to the show's success than their counterparts on the two other editions of "L&O."
One NBC insider recently conceded to Daily Variety that it would be hard to imagine the show -- the top rated of the three "Law & Order" skeins -- being as successful without Hargitay and Meloni on board. And "SVU" showrunner Neal Baer has often mentioned how crucial the two stars have been to the show.
Even with the raises, "SVU" is in no danger of becoming a money loser for NBC. Skein is produced efficiently as part of the Wolf Films factory in Gotham, and its ratings have remained strong, keeping it in the top tier of network dramas.
Both Hargitay and Meloni have been on "SVU" since it premiered in 1999. Hargitay has won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for her work on the show, while Meloni has been nommed for an Emmy.
