As the highly anticipated 27th season finale of *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* approaches, showrunner Michele Fazekas has taken the opportunity to discuss the unwavering interest from fans regarding the relationship between Detective Olivia Benson and Detective Elliot Stabler. The duo, famously portrayed by Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni respectively, has captured the hearts of viewers since the show first aired on NBC in 1999.
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Fazekas recently shared her reflections on this dynamic in an interview with *PEOPLE*. Acknowledging the longstanding desire among fans to see Stabler return to the series, she expressed her admiration for Meloni. “Obviously, everyone’s always asking me about Stabler, and I love [Christopher] Meloni. I would use him as much as he wants to. I tried to!” she stated, underlining her eagerness to develop storylines that involve the beloved character.
Meloni’s portrayal of Stabler has left a significant mark on the series; he was a regular until leaving in 2011. He made a notable comeback in 2021 with the spinoff *Law & Order: Organized Crime*, which enjoyed a successful five-season run. Earlier this year, however, it was announced that the series would not be returning for a sixth season. Meloni took to social media to thank fans for their loyalty, acknowledging how they played a pivotal role in making his character resonate and endure. “It was a good ride, I had a great time playing him,” Meloni expressed in an emotional Instagram video.
Beyond the *Law & Order* franchise, Meloni is venturing into new territory with an upcoming Hulu series titled *The Land*, created by Dan Fogelman of *This Is Us*. The show boasts an impressive cast, including Mandy Moore and William H. Macy, and was filmed over the past year in Los Angeles.
While Fazekas is keen to weave Stabler back into *SVU*, she admits that Meloni’s busy schedule complicates matters. “He’s very, very busy. I tried to bring him into this,” she said while emphasising that she often finds herself checking if he is available. However, the answer often leans towards “yes, of course he’s working,” reflecting Meloni’s commitment to new projects.
The unique chemistry between Stabler and Benson has continued to resonate with audiences throughout the years. “They know each other in an unspoken way, and I think it’s the depth of their friendship,” Meloni commented previously when discussing the appeal of their relationship. This has prompted Fazekas to recognise the importance of their connection, pledging to honour it in any potential future storylines.
As someone who has been involved with *SVU* since its earlier seasons, Fazekas clearly appreciates the gravity of the characters’ histories. “I think that’s a relationship that I really care about. I know the fans really care about [it],” she explained. Fazekas conveyed her desire to pay homage to the enduring bond between Benson and Stabler, despite the challenges of coordinating their schedules.
In a light-hearted moment, when asked if she would simply ask Meloni to clear his calendar for *SVU*, Fazekas laughed, indicating the playful yet complex nature of such arrangements.
With the fervent fanbase eager for more developments, all previous seasons of *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* are currently available for streaming on Peacock, allowing viewers to revisit the journey of these iconic characters leading up to the season finale. As anticipation builds around the final episode of this season, the legacy of Benson and Stabler’s partnership remains a focal point of discussion, reflecting the impact and emotional investment that *Law & Order: SVU* has fostered over the years.