It’s an age-old negotiation tactic that can work (example: “Friends”) or backfire (example: “Three’s Company”). Sources confirmed that the two stars of NBC’s “Law and Order: SVU” have been in the throes of a bitter contract negotiation, asking for more money per episode of the show’s new season. But even though the show is one of the network’s few hit dramas, the studio execs aren’t ready to give in. There’s even been talk of replacing both Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni if they don’t toe the line.

They wouldn’t dare.

Multiple sources are confirming that NBC is threatening to replace Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni on Law & Order: SVU if the actors persist in their demands for more money.

Last week, NBC closed a deal with L&O boss Dick Wolf for an 11th season of SVU — which, at 10.5 million viewers, remains the Peacock’s No. 1 scripted show. That opened the door to a new round of negotiations with the stars, whose $350K-per-episode contracts will expire in May. Yet a source close to the matter said talks stalled when the duo — who, like in their previous negotiations, are banding together — attempted to go after back-end profits, a perk that’s almost never granted in the L&O universe (although exceptions were made for Vincent D’Onofrio and Chris Noth).

As a result, NBC cautioned that it may be forced to replace the MVPs — a risky move considering how integral Hargitay and Meloni are to the show. Many feel the Peacock won’t make good on its threat (reps for the network, studio and the actors would not comment for this story). “I don’t think in this environment, there’s any chance they could re-launch the show with both of them gone,” says a high-ranking exec at a rival network. “It’s a horrible time to retool a show. They already have to change the time-slot, because it’s not going to be airing at 10 pm next season.” At the same time, a Peacock insider says, “I can’t imagine either actor walking away from over $7 million a year.”

For now, Wolf is putting a positive face on the talks. Through his spokesman, he said, “It is my fondest hope that both Chris and Mariska will be back next season.

[From Entertainment Weekly]

Seven million bucks a year seems like plenty of money to me. More than enough, actually. But if this show is NBC’s number one drama, it must be raking in boatloads of advertising money. If NBC could find the cash to pay the whole cast of “Friends” $250,000 per episode, I’m sure they can work something out here. And if they didn’t want to pay back-end residuals to Mariska and Chris, then they shouldn’t have allowed other stars to get that arrangement! What did they think– these people all travel in the same circles — of course they’re going to talk to each other! Getting rid of the show’s two biggest stars would be a huge mistake. I mean, I like Ice-T, B.D. Wong and Richard Belzer - but they’re not the reason I tune in every week. It’s all about the smoldering sexual chemistry between Olivia and Stabler!

Photos courtesy of NBC.