‘Law & Order: SVU’: Mariska Hargitay Reveals Why She Was ‘Drawn To the Material’

It’s hard to imagine a world without Law & Order: SVU. With 21 successful seasons under its belt and a new season just weeks away, the series holds a special place in the hearts of its cast, crew, and loyal viewers. Central to this iconic show is Mariska Hargitay, who has been a pillar of the series since its inception. Her character, Olivia Benson, has evolved from Detective Elliot Stabler’s (Christopher Meloni) partner to the Captain of the squad, transforming the dialogue surrounding survivors, abuse, and the justice system along the way.

Mariska Hargitay on SVU as a ‘Path to Healing’

Many fans would agree that SVU strikes a deep chord with its audience. In a 2019 interview with Parade.com, Hargitay explained why the series resonates so profoundly. She describes the show as a “path to healing” and “survivorship,” highlighting its role in fostering important conversations and increasing awareness about sensitive issues.

“SVU resonates because it’s a path to healing and a path to survivorship,” Hargitay said. “Each week, Olivia Benson and the team depict an environment of compassion, sympathy, and justice, providing hope to those who experience shame and isolation caused by sexual violence. The conversations that the show inspires have brought a greater awareness and understanding of the issues. And every disclosure is a chance to show that a victim is to be believed.”

The Draw of the Material

It’s hard to envision SVU without Hargitay, and fortunately, we don’t have to. During the 2018 Tribeca TV Festival, she spoke with the Associated Press about why she was so drawn to the material. According to Hargitay, the series addressed issues that were previously “swept under the carpet.”

“When we started the show, nobody was talking about these issues, that’s why I was so drawn to the material,” she explained. “It’s an incredibly progressive show, a progressive idea. And really starting a conversation and taking sexual assault, domestic violence, and these issues that were traditionally swept under the carpet, and people were afraid to talk about. And now we’ve been talking about it for 20 years, and the conversation is in full swing. And that’s very exciting. I think the show has really been a huge part of the cultural education on sexual violence. I think we have taken on the issues of consent and the neurobiology of trauma and created a survivor-centric show that was utterly unique.”

Continuing the Legacy

Law & Order: SVU will return with its 22nd season on Thursday, November 12, at 9 p.m. EST. Captain Olivia Benson and her team of dedicated detectives will continue their mission to bring perpetrators to justice. One thing is certain: the series will persist in sparking vital conversations about its subject matter, shedding light on issues that demand discussion. This ongoing relevance and impact make SVU more than just a show—it’s a meaningful part of the cultural conversation. As long as it airs, SVU will continue to resonate deeply with its viewers, fostering awareness and understanding.