Mariska Hargitay Shares Her Thoughts on 30 Seasons of ‘Law & Order: SVU’, Benson-Stabler Reunion Hopes, and a Sneak Peek at Season 27 Finale

NBC’s Law & Order: SVU Renewed for 28th Season

NBC has confirmed that Law & Order: SVU, the longest-running primetime drama series in American television history, will return for its 28th season during the 2026-27 television season. This renewal is part of a two-season pickup granted to the series by the network last year.

The show’s continuation largely depends on Mariska Hargitay, who plays Detective Olivia Benson and serves as an executive producer. Hargitay’s determination to remain with the series has been a crucial factor, exemplified by her affection for her character—so much so that Taylor Swift named a cat after her.

“I do. How about that? I do,” Hargitay expressed regarding her commitment to the show. “I love my show. I love my cast. I love my showrunner, my writers, my producers. I feel like the luckiest, happiest actress. I love Dick Wolf, and I’m so challenged still.”

Hargitay emphasized her dedication to maintaining high standards in storytelling, even after 27 seasons. “One of the things that’s been so exciting is, we just finished Season 27,” she noted. “I just watched the final episode of Season 27, and I thought it was the best of the season, and my best. What a way to finish a season after 27 years.”

The season finale, showcasing the inaugural efforts of new showrunner Michele Fazekas, is set to air on May 14.

“I don’t want to go anywhere right now,” Hargitay added. “It’s been amazing. The show really knows how to work with my schedule—I shot my movie, I figured out how to do it, I’m going to do a play now on Broadway.”

Hargitay also directed and produced the documentary My Mom Jayne, which honors her mother, 1950s Hollywood star Jayne Mansfield. She is slated to make her Broadway debut in the solo play Every Brilliant Thing from May 26 to June 28.

Regarding the show’s future, Hargitay shared her perspective on its longevity: “I don’t know, let’s just go to 30 first,” she said, adding a light-hearted touch.

Originally partnering with Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni, in the first 12 seasons, Hargitay remains hopeful about a potential return of Meloni to SVU. Stabler, who re-entered the Law & Order universe in 2021 as the lead of the spinoff Organized Crime, has frequently reunited with Hargitay’s character over the past five years.

“I hope so,” Hargitay responded when asked about Meloni’s possible return. “That is a very heartening thing for both of us, that our relationship was so iconic culturally and that Benson and Stabler still resonates is deeply meaningful to me, and Chris and I, I’m sure you know, are very, very close. He’s a very in-demand actor, so we’ll see if the schedule is lined up.”

Meloni currently stars in Hulu’s upcoming NFL drama series The Land, created by Dan Fogelman.

“I love Chris and I love acting with Chris, so I’m always open to working with him and getting Benson and Stabler together,” Hargitay affirmed. “They’re happiest when they’re together.”

For Hargitay, SVU has transcended mere entertainment; she has dedicated herself to advocating for victims of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse through her Joyful Heart Foundation. “That’s why I don’t want to leave, because the show really makes a difference,” she stated. “And I hear that every single day.”

Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay on location for ‘SVU’
Bobby Bank/WireImage

For the first 12 seasons of SVU, Hargitay’s Olivia Benson was partnered with Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni. Since Stabler’s return to the Law & Order universe, he and Hargitay’s characters have participated in numerous crossovers, much to the delight of fans.

As the iconic duo continues to resonate with audiences, Hargitay remains enthusiastic about future collaborations. “I love Chris and I love acting with Chris, so I’m always open to working with him and getting Benson and Stabler together,” she said. “They’re happiest when they’re together.”

Ultimately, for Hargitay, SVU represents much more than a career milestone; it has served as a platform for her advocacy work, particularly with victims of abuse. She reiterated the importance of the show, stating, “That’s why I don’t want to leave, because the show really makes a difference. And I hear that every single day.”