The actors, who refuse to negotiate unless they are both present, have chosen to return to the show after some lengthy talks.

The pair have been making about $375,000 per episode and things got a little tense when they asked for increases in their pay.  I can’t lie, I’m really curious about what happened with those contracts.  That’s a lot of money to be earning on a television show with the economy the way it is so I’d be surprised if they got significant raises (if anything at all).

The show returns for its 11th season this fall. 

image: NBC Photo

Post from: EveryJoe

Credit: NBC Entertainment

The announcement comes after the network engaged in some lengthy talks with Wolf Films (producers) and creator, Dick Wolf.  Meloni and Hargitay, who traditionally negotiate their contracts together (I’m guessing they want to keep things fair), only started talking with the network last week.

The $350,000 per episode contract they were given back in 2007 expires this year.  It will be interesting to see what they are offered given the current economic climate.  Still, I don’t think this show would survive without either Meloni or Hargitay so they are probably in a good position to bargain.

I was worried, however, that Hargitay would have to leave the show due to health reasons.  She took time off back in January as she recovered from a partially collapsed lung, she returned to work and then had to be hospitalized again after suffering from chest pains.

Post from: EveryJoe