NEW YORK (AP) — Rest easy, fans of "Law & Order: SVU." Stars Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni have signed contracts for another season.

That was in some doubt, with fans of the show wondering whether the actors might be replaced after their two-year contracts expired. NBC renewed the drama, its most popular scripted series, without knowing for sure whether they would be back.

Pam Golum, a spokeswoman for producer Dick Wolf, says the two stars will be back at work next week, when the show begins filming its new season.

Christine Lahti will also be joining the show for the first four episodes of next season.

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