NBC renewed 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit'. Whether stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni will be back as well remains a mystery. Would you watch the show without them?

It is my understanding (through the grapevine) that Christopher Meloni is not renewing his contract next year and Mariska is still up for question though she is only planning to work part time I understand if she renews it. It will not be the same. As to whether I will watch it, I might start out watching it and see how it goes. I didn't watch much of it while mariska was on maternity leave because I didn't like Dani Beck but I honestly think if one of them leaves, the show will die.

They are not sideline, minor characters - so it's a BIG DEAL if they don't return.

It would be like saying "X-Files" was coming back - but without Mulder and Scully!

So my answer? No.

If you're going to do that - do as they did with the other parts of the franchise - create a new show - new premise - new cast.

But don't tell us "same show is back" when you've yanked two ANCHOR characters. Sounds like a very bad management decision.

I don't think I would, I love the series (I own the first 8 seasons on dvd) and it is really hard to get into a show when the main characters get taken out. However said that they have removed Mariska before when she was on maternity leave and I watched it then.

It's a great show - but the two leads are the main reason why it's so compelling. I'll admit it... I actually get into it. I miss the Casey Novak character... she was my favorite.

I like them both, but sure, I'd give it a go. I've lived through plenty of changes in the L&O franchise.