It's that time again: Contract negotiations have begun with the stars of NBC's 'Law & Order: SVU.'

Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni are only contracted through the end of season 12, but according to departing showrunner Neal Baer, the show will likely return for a season 13.

"[Harigtay and Meloni are] as committed to playing Olivia and Elliot as they were the first day I walked in and saw them in the interrogation room," Baer told TVLine. "It's an amazing thing that never lags. [Mariska and Chris] are so professional and the ultimate artists in that they're there to realize their characters, making them as strong, believable and compelling as possible. And there aren't a lot of opportunities to do that [in television]."

If the show is renewed, it'll be after the contract negotiations are finished. Baer seems confident the stars will return, but last February rumors of Meloni's desire to leave 'SVU' ran rampant across the Internet. Baer denied the published reports via Twitter.

After 12 years, 'SVU' is one of NBC's top dramas, delivering ratings wins over competition.

"Our researchers at NBC tell us we have 53 million unique viewers on average a week, across all platforms -- that would [include] USA, syndication off-network and originals," Baer said. "So one-out-of-six people is watching the show still ... in year 12! That's so gratifying."

With Baer leaving the show for a deal with CBS, the hunt is on for his successor, another indication the show will be back for season 13.

"They're the longest-running drama duo in TV history," Baer said, "and I think [they'll be around] as long as they can keep playing new angles within the parameters of the show."

http://www.tvsquad.com/2011/02/10/law-and-order-svu-season-13/