‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ is planning to air an episode this fall that will be inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger fathering a child with a member of his household staff, TVLine is reporting. The former California governor will be portrayed by Andrew Raines in the episode. The character is being described as a charming, seductive philanthropist in his 50s who is a member of one of New York’s royal families. The character’s wife, Kathleen, will represent Maria Shriver, and is being described as charismatic and protective of her family. But unlike her husband, she’s not afraid to play dirty when she or her family is attacked. The trait will…

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ actor B.D. Wong, who portrays forensic psychiatrist Dr. George Huang on the hit police drama, has said he most likely won’t be returning for the upcoming 13th season, TVLine is reporting. During the “What Would BD Do” marathon on the USA Network on July 17, the actor tweeted “I actually do not return for Season 13. I am jumping to ‘Awake!’ It’s awesome!” During NBC’s upfront presentation announcing the 2011-12 schedule, Wong said ‘SVU’s producers “gave me the blessing to do (the ‘Awake’ pilot), which was really nice. But I don’t really know if I can do both or not.” The actor will portray…

Danny Pino and Kelli Giddish have been hired to replace Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay, respectively, in the upcoming 13th seson of ‘Law & Order: SVU,’ The New York Daily News is reporting. NBC Entertainment chairman Bob Greenblatt released a statement confirming the news, saying “(Kelli) and (Danny) are two great actors who will join a proven cast headed by (Mariska) Hargitay.” The legal drama’s executive producer Dick Wolf has said he’s pleased to have Giddish, who played U.S. Marshal Annie Frost on NBC’s ‘Chase’ and Pinno, who portrayed Detective Scotty Valens for seven years on CBS’ ‘Cold Case,’ join the cast. “I know this combination will give us the…

‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’ lead actress Mariska Hargitay has signed a new contract to return for the upcoming 13th season of the hit show, TVLine is reporting. However, going into the negotiations, the Emmy-winning actress requested to have her workload scaled back on the show next season. The producers accepted Hargitay’s request, reducing her hours for next season. Her character, Detective Olivia Benson, will continue to help solve sex crimes for the first 13 episodes. After the 13 episodes, Benson will be promoted to a supervisor position, and a new female detective will take her place. Jennifer Love Hewitt is at the top of the list to portray…

Actress Mariska Hargitay has hinted she may be leaving “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” after nearly ten years to spend more time with her child. Hargitay, who started playing Detective Olivia Benson in the long-running TV drama in 1999, admits she’s missing out on family time and is thinking about leaving the show. She tells Ladies Home Journal, “I just want to see my kid.” Hargitay and husband Peter Hermann had a son, August, who was born in 2006 and the actress admits she and Hermann are trying to have a second child. Aside from the show, Hargitay has played a police officer in guest spots on other “Law…