"Law & Order: SVU" is taking some time away so there is more waiting than usual for episode 17 of its 16th season to come around. Spoilers will be difficult to fetch, too, as Hollywood Hills revealed that NBC is still working on the forthcoming episode, which is likely to air on March 18 at the earliest. 

Although "Law & Order: SVU" is taking a break like other shows out there, Carter Matt believes that a hiatus is a much-needed move because of the FOX musical drama television original "Empire." The series, which premiered last month, is really quite a big competition to the long-running NBC series and is giving the police procedural drama a run for the money. The site claims that delaying episodes may purge the contest a bit. 

Also, Carter Matt surmises that "Law & Order: SVU" might return later than expected. Instead of March 18, the site says episode 17 of the series could be aired either on March 28 or April 1, which means that more waiting is ahead of fans. Nonetheless, viewers who scavenge for news about the next goings-on in the show can unworriedly place their trust on NBC, which is expected to deliver a press release prior to its show's return (like it always does). 

Even if the next events following episode 16 titled "December's Solstice" remain to be seen, what's certain is that "Law & Order: SVU" has already been renewed for season 17, which NBC promised will premiere this fall. The current season of the series garnered 9.5 million viewers, a 10 percent increase from its previous one, which earned 8.7 million. The series is on fire, delivering its biggest viewership in six years and NBC does not plan on bringing that heat to a standstill. 

For now, it is enough to know that more action from the Special Victims Unit of the New York City Police Department will be brought on screen.