Over time, the show has continued to push through in its late-primetime slot, and has maintained relevance in the ratings.
In fact, it has also been a proven winner for repeats on networks like USA.
There was a point in time when ratings were still the one major force behind cancellations and renewals and there was seemingly a question of whether or not Law & Order: SVU would go on.
Yet, it endured, and Oliva Benson stayed on as the main character in the series.