First Ever Bensler Moment on Law & Order: SVU Was Actually Improvised

Mariska Hargitay reveals all the secrets.

Over the years that Law & Order: SVU has been on the air, fans have seen a wide variety of events unfold with its main characters. Mariska Hargitay ‘s Olivia Benson has always been at the forefront of every twist and turn, and looking back on the series now, it is clear that she has always been the heart and soul of the show.

However, the most loyal fans will never forget that up until season 13, Hargitay’s Benson worked side-by-side with Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler. And while the two have yet to officially enter into a romantic relationship, the chemistry between them has been obvious to viewers since day one.

Benson and Stabler’s Best Moment Together

As part of a Vanity Fair interview, Mariska Hargitay sat down to react to some of the best and most memorable moments from all 25 seasons of Special Victims Unit. As the show has surpassed its predecessor, the original Law & Order, there were many things to discuss. However, one stood out for all the Bensler fans.

Watching the 9th episode of season 9, titled Paternity, Hargitay couldn’t miss a heartfelt moment between Stabler and Benson. It was the first time the two had ever embraced onscreen, and while viewers have noticed their chemistry for years, this moment marked the first time the two partners got physically close.

What’s most surprising about this scene is that it was improvised by Christopher Meloni, who surprised his co-star with this unexpected gesture of affection.

“If I’m correct, I think that’s the first time [Benson and Stabler] ever hugged on the show. And [Chris] surprised me with it, and it was so right. And, in that scene, I think it’s somewhere where you can feel everything unspoken almost more than the spoken word. Chris and I were very careful and very judicious when we interacted physically,” Hargitay said.

Later, this episode was added to numerous lists of Bensler interactions and became a fan favorite for many viewers. Thanks to Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, and their perfect understanding of their characters, fans still cling to the pairing, hoping that one day they’ll become canon.

If you are one of the Bensler shippers rooting for the partners to become something more, be sure to check out Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime news to not miss any crossovers in the upcoming seasons.