'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' season 18 news and updates: Mariska Hargitay speaks on the show's success; Benson-Tucker romance to continue

NBC's long-running police procedural series "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU)" recently concluded its 17th season with an emotional and heart-wrenching finale, as the SVU squad lost one of its own — Sgt. Mike Dodds. The officer died of complications after a corrections officer shot him.

Unsurprisingly, the show has been renewed for another season earlier in February. It has been a consistent top player in terms of ratings performance and lead actress Mariska Hargitay takes pride in being a part of the hit TV series. "It's a very powerful show that is dealing with such important and real, current issues that are potentially life-saving. So I don't know if it gets better than that," she told E! News with a laugh. "Right? Now the Foundation and the show have such a beautiful marriage. They completely support each other and it's been so important telling these stories and then continuing the work in real life with our advocacy and changing laws, changing societal attitudes and hopefully cleaning up the rape kit backlog."

As for the plot details for season 18, Sgt. Dodds' death in the finale will surely shake up the show, and viewers will see the team deal with their colleague's death. Dodds' portrayer Andy Karl said in an interview that Benson will have a harder time moving on after their team's loss since she is the leader, and she somehow feels responsible.

Despite Benson's lows, her romance with Captain Ed Tucker might put more balance in her life next season. It remains to be seen if their relationship will stand the test of time, but fans will see their relationship progress once the show returns.

The network has yet to announce an official premiere date for "Law and Order: Special Victims Unit" season 18, but the show will return this Fall and it will still air every Wednesday night at 9 p.m. on NBC.