S. Epatha Merkerson Leaving 'Law & Order'

Bombshell news from the 'Law & Order' front: The Ausiello Files is exclusively reporting that S. Epatha Merkerson will end her 16-year run on the NBC legal drama after this season.

Merkerson, who plays Lt. Anita Van Buren, told Ausiello, "It's the end of my contract this year, and the storyline has been so perfect. I've given it my best for 16 years. It's time to move on. I'm doing other things and this will be a great way to leave what has been an extraordinary gig."

Merkerson added that she made the decision around midseason "when I realized my contract was up. And I just looked at the things that I've been doing, and the show takes a lot of commitment. And I just feel like I wanted to do some other things."

To read the full interview, click here.Bombshell news from the 'Law & Order' front: The Ausiello Files is exclusively reporting that S. Epatha Merkerson will end her 16-year run on the NBC legal drama after this season.

Merkerson, who plays Lt. Anita Van Buren, told Ausiello, "It's the end of my contract this year, and the storyline has been so perfect. I've given it my best for 16 years. It's time to move on. I'm doing other things and this will be a great way to leave what has been an extraordinary gig."

Merkerson added that she made the decision around midseason "when I realized my contract was up. And I just looked at the things that I've been doing, and the show takes a lot of commitment. And I just feel like I wanted to do some other things."

To read the full interview, click here.

Merkerson joined the show in 1991, and in 16 seasons has appeared on over 380 episodes, more than any other 'Law & Order' castmember. No word yet on when her final episode will be.

'Law & Order' is currently tied with 'Gunsmoke' as the longest-running drama in television history, with 20 seasons. As we previously reported, its 21st season remains in question due to an issue the show's cable partner, TNT. (More on that story here.)

Tell us: Will you miss Lt. Van Buren?