Would You Watch "SVU" Without Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni? NBC Thinks You Might - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brian Damage · 04-08-2009, 08:49 PM

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/...ve-n.html#more

Mr. Television · 04-08-2009, 11:06 PM

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

catlover79 · 04-08-2009, 11:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

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.

Mr. Television · 04-08-2009, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by catlover79

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.

catlover79 · 04-08-2009, 11:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Clint Eastwood Fan

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.

Luckymama58 · 04-11-2009, 08:55 AM

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.

MariposaLKB · 04-14-2009, 08:46 AM

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!

04-08-2009, 08:49 PM	#1
Brian Damage I'm Rich Bitch Forum Icon Join Date: Feb 03, 2002 Location: What Ain't No Country I Ever Heard Of...They Speak English in What? Posts: 63,107	Would You Watch "SVU" Without Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni? NBC Thinks You Might 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/...ve-n.html#more
	__________________ The Key to the Kingdom of Heaven: John 3:3 *Money Doesn't Buy Happiness...But I'd Rather Cry in My Private Jet*

04-08-2009, 11:06 PM	#2
Mr. Television 23 Years at Sitcoms Online Forum Icon Join Date: Jun 06, 2003 Location: Somewhere you're Not Posts: 62,133	If they walk, so do I. I have no plans to watch this show become another L&O.
	__________________ Sonny

04-11-2009, 08:55 AM	#6
Luckymama58 Math Geeks Unite! Senior Member Join Date: Mar 18, 2001 Location: In my rock and roll fantasy Posts: 2,553	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.
	__________________ We All Use Math Every Day! Everything is Numb3rs! Capt. Jack: Drink up, me hardies, Yo Ho! I reject your reality and substitute my own!-Adam Savage, Mythbuster A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds... With consistency a great soul has simply nothing to do. -Ralph Waldo Emerson RIP Freddie Prinze 1954-1977 You have your star now.

04-14-2009, 08:46 AM	#7
MariposaLKB She flies alone Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Mar 06, 2001 Location: The great unknown Posts: 3,436	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!
	__________________ Within a cage Try to escape Her silent rage But no one ever listens... -Butterfly (Mariposa)