Law & Order: SVU with Mariska Hargitay renewed for its 21st season to become America's longest-running drama series; Philip Winchester leaving.

The Dick Wolf produced drama series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit with Mariska Hargitay has been renewed for a record 21st season that will make it America's longest running-drama series, although the series regular Philip Winchester won't be returning to his role as assistant district attorney Peter Stone.

Law & Order: SVU stars Mariska Hargitay who is also one of the executive producers and who won an Emmy award for Best actress in a drama series and got another 8 nominations for her iconic role of Lt. Olivia Benson, and received two Golden Globe nominations for Lead actress in a drama series, winning the award in 2005.

Lt. Benson is now the longest-running female character in a primetime live-action series.

Law & Order: SVU sold to more than 250 territories around the world is a Wolf Entertainment production in association with Universal Television and is seen in South Africa and across Sub-Saharan Africa on SABC3 and with double episodes of the 20th season currently on Wednesdays at 20:00 on Universal TV (DStv 117).

The series revolves around a Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department (NYPD) who, as an elite squad of detectives, investigates sexually based crimes, child abuse and domestic violence.

Law & Order Special Victims Unit also stars Ice T as Sgt. Odafin "Fin" Tutuola who has been with the show for the last 19 years, Kelli Giddish as detective Amanda Rollins, Peter Scanavino as detective Sonny Carisi and Philip Winchester as assistant district attorney Peter Stone.

"We tip our cap to Dick Wolf, Mariska Hargitay and the amazing cast and crew of SVU, who now all go into the record book," said Paul Telegdy and George Cheeks, co-chairmen of NBC Entertainment, in a 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. We couldn't be more proud of this remarkable achievement."

Creator and executive producer Dick Wolf says "As SVU moves into its third decade, Mariska has become an iconic figure as a star, advocate and crusader for women".

"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 number one on the call sheet and, to me, a true friend."

Mariska Hargitay says in the statement "I'm deeply proud to be a part of this groundbreaking show, and humbled to make television history today."

"The longevity and continued success of SVU is a testament not only to the show's powerful storytelling and ability to connect with viewers but to its necessity. We have told important stories for 20 years, and we will continue to tell them."

Mariska Hargitay tweeted "20 years ago, we started a conversation. We're not finished. I'm profoundly proud of how far we've come. Prouder still of how far we'll go. We’ve all broken this ground together."

20 years ago, we started a conversation. We're not finished. I'm profoundly proud of how far we've come. Prouder still of how far we'll go.
We've all broken this ground together. #SVUSeason21 https://t.co/foJUUuNkQy

— Mariska Hargitay (@Mariska) March 29, 2019

Philip Winchester also tweeted his congratulations but announced that he won't be back for the 21st season, saying "Sadly for me, Peter Stone and his 'the facts don't care about you're feelings' attitude will not be returning".

"A huge tip of the hat to my amazing fans and not so big of fans. You all make me work harder. Thank you! See you on the next adventure".

Sadly for me, Peter stone and his “the facts don’t care about you’re feelings” attitude will not be returning. A huge tip of the hat to my amazing fans and not so big of fans. You ALL make me work harder. Thank you! See you on the next adventure.

— Philip Winchester (@philipwinchestr) March 29, 2019

M-Net Strike Back. The pay channel has the rights for the action-filled British spy drama filmed in South Africa starting its 3rd season soon.

You're reading it here first.

I can exclusively reveal that M-Net has the broadcasting rights to the action-driven new international drama series Strike Back with Philip Winchester which is being filmed right here in South Africa.

Pre-production is underway, and filming on the third season of this British and American co-production will start soon in Cape Town. Strike Back centres around former British SAS soldiers on action spy missions around the world (it's largely filmed in South African but not set here).

Another confusing of info to save you later confusion: The first season's 6 episodes were only shown in Britain. Then, the second season of Strike Back with 10 episodes was recently shown in America (basically making it America's first season because Sky and Cinemax started to do the show together).

Also: Richard Armitage was the main character of the first season, who pops up at the beginning of the second season, when Philip Winchester largely takes over as the character of Michael Stonebridge (Armitage left the show).

Strike Back tells the story of agents that are a part of Section 20, a secret branch of the British Secret Intelligence Service. Where the first season of Strike Back was largely filed in Johannesburg, the second went big with Cape Town locations. The cast also did a real ''boot camp'' military training in South Africa to prepare them for their roles.

Viewership held up and a third season of Strike Back was just commissioned. M-Net has the rights I'm told. The pay broadcaster doesn't have a specific starting date, although Strike Back should get a broadcast slot in 2012 somewhere on M-Net.