Fox Nabs SVU for Syndication

Good news for SVU! Syndication rights for the show have been sold to Fox. (What does this mean for USA Network, where it currently reruns, though?)

From today's Hollywood Reporter:

Top-rated "Law & Order" spinoff "SVU" has been sold into syndication to Fox-owned stations and will begin airing as a weekday strip in fall 2009.

The Dick Wolf series has sold in 18 of the top 20 markets. In addition to Fox-owned stations, "SVU" has sold to stations owned by CBS, Sinclair, Sunbeam, Belo, Hearst, Granite, Capitol, Local TV and others.

" 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' continues to be one of the highest-rated primetime dramas on TV, and it's a bona fide hit in weekend broadcast syndication this season," said Barry Wallach, president of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. " 'SVU' is a successful brand with both viewers and advertisers alike and it will undoubtedly make for a great Monday-through-Friday series for local broadcasters starting in 2009."

"SVU" is the second-highest-rated network crime drama after CBS' "CSI." The series also debuted this season in weekend syndication and improved its time periods.

Two out at L&O: SVU

TV Guide online has reported that Diane Neal is leaving L&O: SVU:

A show spokesperson confirmed the actress' departure, saying, "Diane spent five years on SVU and was a tremendous addition to the SVU team. She is looking forward to new opportunities and she will be missed."

Neal, who will make her final appearance in next month's season finale, joined SVU in 2003 as ADA Casey Novak, replacing Stephanie March. She had previously appeared in a Season 3 episode as a different character, a female rapist by the name of Amelia Chase.

The search for a new ADA is already under way, and, sadly, bringing March back doesn't appear to be an option. Word is that Dick Wolf is looking to fill the void with an up-and-comer. No disrespect to Neal, but, for my money, SVU is unlikely to ever find an ADA as arresting as Alex Cabot.

What that haven't yet mentioned is that she isn't the only one departing the show, from what we hear. More on that, no doubt, soon.