‘Law and Order: SVU’: Mariska Hargitay Teases Christopher Meloni’s Return in Season 26

For the die-hard fans of Law & Order: SVU, the news is nothing short of thrilling: Christopher Meloni is reprising his role as Detective Elliot Stabler. Not only will he make a highly-anticipated return to SVU, but he will also headline a new spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime. Although initially set to appear in the season 22 premiere, Stabler’s return is imminent, as evidenced by recent social media posts.

The Reunion We’ve Been Waiting For

Mariska Hargitay, who portrays Stabler’s long-time partner Olivia Benson, recently shared a nostalgic selfie with Meloni, much to the delight of fans. Their on-screen chemistry has always been electric, leading some viewers to wish for a romantic storyline between the two characters.

Stabler’s departure at the end of season 12, due to a contract dispute, left fans and Benson without proper closure. However, the upcoming reunion ahead of Stabler’s spinoff promises to deliver the emotional payoff that fans have been craving.

What to Expect from Law & Order: Organized Crime

Initially delayed due to the departure of showrunner Matt Olmstead, Law & Order: Organized Crime is now on track for its premiere. According to NBC, Stabler returns following a “devastating personal loss.” The city and its police department have changed significantly during his decade-long absence, and Stabler must navigate a transformed criminal justice system. Leading a new elite task force, he will dismantle the city’s most powerful crime syndicates piece by piece.

Both Meloni and Hargitay have been sharing glimpses of their reunion. Hargitay posted a photo from a Zoom table read they both attended, and on January 15, Meloni shared a black-and-white selfie featuring Hargitay. “We are a little bit closer,” he captioned the Instagram post, sparking excitement among fans.

Hargitay also posted a selfie with Meloni, playing off his words: “Now even closer… #EO.” The image shows her in a black suit with a mask below her chin, while Meloni stands behind her, smiling with his mask dangling from one ear. The setting appears to be a warehouse or storage facility, leading fans to speculate that the duo might be working on a case together.

Fans’ Reactions

Fans eagerly commented on Hargitay’s post, expressing their excitement and anticipation:

“Please tell me that was taken on set ❤️🙏🏻❤️,” one fan hoped.
“Ahahaha YES!! Partners forever,” another wrote.
“I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!!!!” exclaimed a fan in all caps.
“Omg I’m screaming, I am literally HOLLERING!!!!!😭😭😭❤️,” said another.

One fan summed up the collective sentiment: “I’m just waiting for them to get together on Law & Order.”

Conclusion

Law & Order: SVU fans are ecstatic about the behind-the-scenes teases of Stabler’s return and his reunion with Benson. As the premiere of Law & Order: Organized Crime approaches, the excitement continues to build. Viewers can’t wait to see how the dynamic duo’s story unfolds in the upcoming episodes.