At any given time, there is at least one crime show on the air.

However, one series continues to stand out against the rest. While most seem cliché and overdone, the “Law & Order” series continues to defy conventional standards. One of the most successful offshoots of the series, “Special Victims Unit,” attracts a wide audience by, like the other shows in the series, focusing on well-known, high-profile cases that have been in the papers. Most recently, NBC has signed “SVU” for an 11th season.

As with anything remotely resembling good news as far as TV is concerned, there is a hitch. According to Entertainment Weekly, the new deal will save the show, but not the main characters.

Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay, who play Detectives Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson, respectively, have reportedly had previous issues with NBC. Amid these rumors, one would think they would bring in another character, a la Laurence Fishburne and “CSI;” however, there have been no talks of new detectives, according to Entertainment Weekly.

Supposedly, the new season will begin in September, four months after Season 10’s finale, leaving producers with a small window to possibly replace the leads.

Unfortunately, I think this show would fall to pieces without the partnership of the two lead detectives. The complicated chemistry between Elliot and Olivia is part of the reason the show has succeeded.

Along with complicated crimes, the show defies odds with unfathomable bonds. Without Elliot and Olivia, the show would crumble. Who could possibly take their places after 10 seasons with all they’ve accomplished?

Detective Stabler is notorious for following his straight-as-a-sword police techniques, while Detective Benson has a soft spot for victims of sexual abuse and will do anything to protect them. When it comes to cases that are meant to tug at viewers’ heartstrings, it is always fascinating to see how the two partners will react. Their interactions seem almost unscripted and provide a glimpse into life on the force.

Renewing “SVU” but not bringing back the most dynamic part of the show, Hargitay and Meloni, is a horrible idea. Judging by the comments left on the article’s Web page and my personal feelings, the show would lose a lot of viewers with this change.