Report: Christopher Meloni Leaving ‘Law and Order: SVU’

I have watched 'Law and Order: Special Victims Unit' since the premiere of the series.  On of the reasons was the cast and the chemistry they all had together.  However, after this season's finale, I had a feeling change was coming to the show.

According to an exclusive report from TV Line, actor Christopher Meloni is exiting the long-running drama series after 12 seasons.

No specific reason was given for Meloni's exit, though we do know that series creator Dick Wolf is already searching for a big-name replacement.

Meloni has been with 'SVU' since its premiere in 1999.

This isn't the only shake-up happening next season. As previously reported, Meloni's co-star, Mariska Hargitay, will depart the show midway through season 13. There were reports that she might be replaced by former 'Ghost Whisperer' star Jennifer Love-Hewitt, but nothing has been confirmed.

[TV Line]