They wouldn't dare.

Multiple sources are confirming that NBC is threatening to replace Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni on Law & Order: SVU if the actors persist in their demands for more money.

Last week, NBC closed a deal with L&O boss Dick Wolf for an 11th season of SVU -- which, at 10.5 million viewers, remains the Peacock's No. 1 scripted show. That opened the door to a new round of negotiations with the stars, whose $350K-per-episode contracts will expire in May. Yet a source close to the matter said talks stalled when the duo -- who, like in their previous negotiations, are banding together -- attempted to go after back-end profits, a perk that's almost never granted in the L&O universe (although exceptions were made for Vincent D'Onofrio and Chris Noth).

As a result, NBC cautioned that it may be forced to replace the MVPs -- a risky move considering how integral Hargitay and Meloni are to the show. Many feel the Peacock won't make good on its threat (reps for the network, studio and the actors would not comment for this story). "I don't think in this environment, there's any chance they could re-launch the show with both of them gone," says a high-ranking exec at a rival network. "It's a horrible time to retool a show. They already have to change the time-slot, because it's not going to be airing at 10 pm next season." At the same time, a Peacock insider says, "I can't imagine either actor walking away from over $7 million a year."

For now, Wolf is putting a positive face on the talks. Through his spokesman, he said, "It is my fondest hope that both Chris and Mariska will be back next season."

http://ausiellofiles.ew.com/2009/04/svu-exclusive-n.html#more

If they walk, so do I. I have no plans to watch this show become another L&O.

If they walk, so do I. I have no plans to watch this show become another L&O.
Ditto. They are the heart and soul of SVU, just as Jerry Orbach was to the original show. Look how far south the ratings tanked once he was gone. :(

If Jerry Orbach was still alive and healthy, Trial By Jury would still be on the air. I guarantee it.

Ditto. They are the heart and soul of SVU, just as Jerry Orbach was to the original show. Look how far south the ratings tanked once he was gone. :(

If Jerry Orbach was still alive and healthy, Trial By Jury would still be on the air. I guarantee it.
I agree. I used to love L&O but after Jerry Orbach died, I just couldn't get into it. It's like a different show anymore.

I agree. I used to love L&O but after Jerry Orbach died, I just couldn't get into it. It's like a different show anymore.
Same here. God bless Dennis Farina, but I just couldn't get into the show anymore. That same season was the infamous "is this because I'm a lesbian?" episode. :crazy:

So many shows are going through cast changes.... It doesn't seem to be the same shows. You can only watch so many variations of murder, but the chemistry between characters is what keeps you coming back to the shows..... I hope the producers know that.

Chris Meloni could go, maybe, but Mariska is my HERO LOL! She is so charismatic that I can imagine her developing chemistry with, and/or carrying, any other partner they might cast.

I agree that all the cast changes on the L&O series have been more unfortunate than not, the death of Jerry Orbach especially :(. I also greatly missed Chris Noth, even since they put him on CI LOL! He is just not the same person anymore--the spark and sarcastic sense of humor are gone.

The best replacement was Jesse Martin, and now he is gone....only good thing about that is, they kinda left his departure with the possibility that his character could return, cuz his misdeeds were not ultimately serious criminal offenses. Here's hoping, Jesse!