Mariska Hargitay, Christopher Meloni, and more ‘Law & Order: SVU’ stars from the past and present reunited to celebrate the show’s 25th anniversary

When “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” returns to screens for its landmark 25th season this week, it will continue to reign as television’s longest-running drama series.

To celebrate, stars of the series, both past and present, gathered together in New York City for a special party on Tuesday evening.

And special it was, as fans of the NBC police drama have waited years to see some of the series’ cast back together again.

As well as the likes of Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, and Peter Scanavino, who play the show’s current roster of law enforcement officials, many gone but not forgotten stars of the series also showed up in support, including Dann Florek, Raúl Esparza, and Stephanie March.

There was, of course, one notable absence from the list of attendees: Richard Belzer. The actor, who played fan favorite detective John Munch in the series from its inception in 1999 up until 2016, died in February 2023 at the age of 78.

Take a look at the best photos from the event here.

Mariska Hargitay, who has played Olivia Benson since the show began, wore a sparkling silver gown for the celebration.

Mariska Hargitay attends the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th Anniversary Celebration in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Ice-T, who plays Fin Tutuola in the series, donned a more casual look for the carpet.

Ice-T attends the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th anniversary celebration in New York City. Arturo Holmes/WireImage/Getty Images

The two “Law & Order: SVU” veterans posed together. Both have appeared on the series for more than two decades.

Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T attend the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th Anniversary Celebration in New York City. Arturo Holmes/WireImage/Getty Images

Christopher Meloni, one of the show’s original leads, also appeared. He has reprised his role of Elliot Stabler in guest appearances on “SVU” and in the spinoff “Organized Crime.”

Christopher Meloni at the “Law & Order: SVU” 25th Anniversary Celebration at the Peak Restaurant in New York City. Kristina Bumphrey/Variety via Getty Images

Kelli Giddish — one of the most recent stars to depart the series — also showed up for the milestone anniversary party.

Kelli Giddish attends the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th Anniversary Celebration in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Giddish was seen sharing a sweet moment with Dann Florek, a series regular on the show until 2014.

Peter Scanavino, who joined the series as Sonny Carisi in 2014, also posed for photographers.

Peter Scanavino attends the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th Anniversary Celebration in New York City. Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images

Raúl Esparza, who continues to make guest appearances as the much-loved Rafael Barba, was there too.

Raúl Esparza attends the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th Anniversary Celebration in New York City. Arturo Holmes/WireImage/Getty Images

As was Stephanie March, who played assistant district attorney Alexandra Cabot in the show’s early seasons.

Tamara Tunie, who played medical examiner Melinda Warner for many seasons, also attended the celebration.

Tamara Tunie attends the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th Anniversary Celebration in New York City. Arturo Holmes/WireImage/Getty Images

Mariska Hargitay also posed with her husband, Peter Hermann — whom she met in 2002 when he guest-starred on the series.

Peter Hermann and Mariska Hargitay attend the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” 25th Anniversary Celebration in New York City. Arturo Holmes/WireImage/Getty Images

The current stars of the series, Ice-T, Mariska Hargitay, Peter Scanavino, and Octavio Pisano, grabbed a photo together.