Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is the franchise's strongest effort to date, averaging an estimated 53 million viewers each week including original episodes and extensive syndication. Hargitay, rewarded with an Emmy and Golden Globe for her work on the show, is a big reason why. Still, Season 14 ended with a cliffhanger--and an unsigned contract for Hargitay to return as Detective Olivia Benson. Longtime fans were relieved in May when she recommitted to a 15th season in the SVU. Hargitay takes her work home with her; after playing sex crime detective Benson for 15 years she has founded her own non-profit, The Joyful Heart Foundation to confront childhood sexual abuse. Total earnings from Law & Order: $11 million
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