'Law & Order: SVU' stars extend deals

NEW YORK, Jan. 26 (UPI) -- "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni agreed to extend their contracts for two more years, NBC said in New York.

The pair reportedly will take home annual salaries of more than $6.5 million, Eonline.com reported -- roughly $300,000 to $340,000 per episode each.

Hargitay won both a Golden Globe and an Emmy for her role as Detective Olivia Benson. Meloni this year received an Emmy nomination for his role as Detective Elliot Stabler. Both have been with the series since its debut in 1999.

"Law & Order: SVU," the highest rated of the "Law & Order" franchise, will add another star to its cast in the fall. "Flags of Our Fathers" actor Adam Beach signed as a regular cast member, reprising his guest-star role as Detective Chester Lake.