Actor Christopher Meloni has something to say about his beloved Law & Order: Special Victims Unit character Elliot Stabler’s relationship with his long-time work partner, Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay.
While speaking to People magazine in November 2025 for the publication’s 2025 Sexiest Man Alive issue, Meloni shared what he finds the “sexiest” aspect about Benson and Stabler’s dynamic, which has included a few romantically charged moments.
“Gosh. They know each other in an unspoken way, and I think it’s the depth of their friendship. And they’ve made these stabs or these attempts at making this thing another thing. For Benson and Stabler to get together, it’s hard!” said Meloni to the publication.
The actor, who joined SVU during the NBC show’s first season, which premiered in 1999, also shared how he’d like Stabler and Benson’s story to end.
“Some conclusion to Benson and Stabler. I think both characters, Stabler and Benson, should ride off into the sunset,” said Meloni to the publication.
Mariska Hargitay Discussed Elliot Stabler & Olivia Benson’s Bond in an October 2025 Interview
In an October 2025 interview with TODAY, Hargitay discussed a moment in Law & Order: SVU Season 27, Episode 1, wherein Stabler ends an interaction with Benson by saying, “love you.” According to Hargitay, the line wasn’t scripted.
“Chris did it, and I think it’s because he just felt that was the truth of the scene,” said Hargitay during the interview.
She then explained that Benson and Stabler had just attended the funeral for their former captain, Captain Donald Cragen (Dann Florek), in the September 25 SVU episode.
“It’s a deeply emotional scene and it’s also the beginning of a new era and the end of an old one. It was a very emotional scene, and as we know, those things happen when we lose somebody we love — we renew our connection, right? We plug in that way emotionally. I felt like he just needed to say it,” said Hargitay in the interview.
Hargitay then said, with delight, “Besides, Stabler’s in love with Benson. Hello!”
This story was originally reported by Parade on Nov 9, 2025, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Parade as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
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