NBC's crime procedural drama "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" just recently wrapped up its 17th season. Before the series even aired its finale, the network already renewed it for season 18. Lead character Olivia Benson will reportedly resume her romance with Captain Ed Tucker next season.

Actress Mariska Hargitay has revealed that her character Olivia will still continue her romance with the Captain of the Internal Affairs Bureau.

"I feel like it's really lonely, and she's been lonely and alone," Hargitay explained on E!News. "And then enter Tucker, which has been such a game-changer for me because not only is he as powerful — she's such a powerful character — to have somebody that energetically matches her has been incredible. But also have somebody that understands because he's even more complicated and a leader more than her."

Meanwhile, showrunner Warren Leight will no longer return next season. He told The Hollywood Reporter that the show internally has been on an emotional roller coaster during the run of season 17. He revealed that the finale, where one member of the SVU squad was killed off, mirrors that struggle somehow.

Leight recounted his first experience as the showrunner when previous cast member Chris Meloni left abruptly in the season 12 finale. He admitted that it was very hard to write out Meloni's Stabler in the following season.

He had to face the different directions that the crew felt like going. Some wanted change, while the others wanted to go on just like how it was before.

One of the changes was when they introduced Olivia as the series' newest lead. He said that Stabler's exit freed Olivia in the story and made her "the most vital detective in that squad room."

Next season, Hargitay will be producing and directing six episodes. Leight said that just like Olivia on the show, Hargitay has earned her achievements in crime procedural drama.

NBC is yet to reveal the premiere date of "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" season 18.