Benson & Stabler Can Be Together Before Law & Order: SVU Ends

Mariska Hargitay has her thoughts on when the romantic relationship between Benson and Stabler on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” should develop, but Dick Wolf’s other shows suggest it could occur earlier. Among the cast of “Law & Order: SVU,” Benson and Stabler have generated the most intrigue about a potential romantic future for quite some time.

The setback occurred when Elliot departed from SVU, opting instead to join the cast of Law & Order: Organized Crime. This decision, however, doesn’t mean that Benson and Stabler can’t find romance apart from each other. In fact, maintaining their separation might increase the likelihood of a romantic development between them once Law & Order: SVU enters its 27th season.

Mariska Hargitay Thinks Benson & Stabler Should Be Together At The End Of Law & Order: SVU

She Anticipates Their Union Happening In The SVU Series Finale

It’s understandable that Mariska Hargitay, given her role, might have thoughts about whether her character and Christopher Meloni should form a romantic relationship. Intriguingly, Mariska Hargitay believes that Benson and Stabler are destined to be together, a bond so strong it could culminate in a romance during the final episode of Law & Order: SVU.

Perhaps it was during the last episode where they truly belonged. Time will tell if it’s the right fit. In some sense, we might be soulmates.

It’s not surprising that Hargitay feels strongly about Meloni, given their long-standing partnership as Benson and Stabler on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for 12 years. They’ve had many shared experiences since Stabler left following the season 12 finale, making him an integral part of her life.

As a fan, I find it surprising, yet understandable, that she chose to delay their relationship. To me, it appears peculiar to wait so long before they become a couple. However, considering the series finale is potentially when Benson and Stabler will be retiring, it could be the perfect moment for them to get together because their relationship won’t distract from their work commitments anymore.

Law & Order: SVU Fans Have Been Waiting For Benson And Stabler’s Romance For Years

There Have Been Several Hints At Their Future Together

The bond between Benson and Stabler on the TV show “Law & Order: SVU” can be traced as far back as season 1. It was during this period when fans first sensed a strong attachment between them, as Elliot took it upon himself to protect Olivia from a stalker by stationing himself outside her home as a safeguard. While their relationship remained professional, Elliot Stabler’s actions demonstrated his profound concern for his partner.

In season 6, the potential romantic connection between Benson and Stabler grew stronger as Elliot’s wife, Kathy, started expressing concerns over the amount of time he was spending with Olivia Benson. The situation became so tense that Stabler grew anxious about the possibility of his marriage dissolving, despite remaining faithful to Kathy until her passing.

In the show “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” it became apparent that Stabler’s departure caused a significant rift in his relationship with Benson. Yet, after his return, both Elliot and Olivia have openly acknowledged their feelings for each other. In fact, they almost shared a kiss during season 24 of the series. However, Benson expressed she wasn’t ready yet, but there is concern that if Benson and Stabler wait too long, their opportunity to rekindle their relationship might slip away.

Postponing their relationship until the finale of “Law & Order: SVU” might be hazardous, given that neither Hargitay nor Meloni are getting any younger. The longevity of Special Victims Unit is uncertain; it may continue for quite some time or it could end at any moment. If “Organized Crime” concludes first, they might get together sooner, but considering Dick Wolf’s track record, it could happen even quicker.

Other Dick Wolf Shows Prove That Characters From Different Series Can Be Together

It’s Happened In Both The FBI And One Chicago Franchises

It’s widely acknowledged that “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” is one of the top TV procedurals currently airing, but it’s not the only Dick Wolf spinoff thriving today. In fact, several Dick Wolf franchises have featured romantic relationships between characters from different series, implying that Benson and Stabler could maintain such a relationship while appearing in both “SVU” and “Organized Crime.

The cancellations of both FBI: Most Wanted and FBI: International left certain character arcs unresolved, but it doesn’t alter the fact that Nina Chase and Stuart Scola started a relationship off-screen before her debut on the original FBI series. Despite Nina’s transfer to Most Wanted, they have persisted with their relationship and are now raising a son together, showing no signs of separation in the near future.

In Dick Wolf’s One Chicago universe, there is a particularly robust bond between Mouch McHolland from Chicago Fire and Trudy Platt from Chicago PD. This relationship developed into a romance during the second season of Chicago Fire, leading to their marriage in the fourth season, and since then they’ve been enjoying a harmonious marital life with only minor workplace issues such as Trudy getting injured on duty occasionally.

Kelly Severide from the series Chicago Fire had a few romantic involvements that spanned across different shows. In the initial seasons of Chicago Fire, Severide was involved with both Erin Lindsay from Chicago PD and April Sexton from Chicago Med. Regrettably, these relationships didn’t last long, but the frequent interconnections between FBI and the One Chicago universe suggest that relationships like those between Benson and Stabler can thrive while still offering a rich and detailed portrayal.

Being On Separate Shows Would Keep The Spark Between Benson & Stabler Even If They Finally Get Together

Law & Order: SVU Won’t Have To Worry About Shipping Death

There’s a term in television scriptwriting known as “shipping death,” which often explains why “will they/won’t they” romantic relationships can last for such extended periods. This idea is that once two characters start a romance, it can diminish the tension that made their early interactions intriguing. However, this isn’t an issue for Benson and Stabler because…

Having Benson star on Law & Order: SVU and Stabler continue on Law & Order: Organized Crime is a strategic move to keep fans invested without resorting to a last-minute reunion. Every scene they share will need to be particularly impactful, ensuring their connection remains strong.

Stabler’s departure from Law & Order: SVU caused a lot of turmoil in their relationship, but enough time has passed that they can now express and act upon their feelings for one another. A perk of exploring this romance on separate shows is that it won’t interfere with their professional responsibilities since they no longer work together directly.

This resolves an important point raised as far back as Season 7 of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, when Benson and Stabler momentarily ended their partnership following an incident where they tried to protect each other, only for a suspect to escape. Now that this matter has been resolved, it’s high time we take the next step and explore their genuine relationship more deeply.

If you love ScreenRant’s prime-time broadcasts, click the link below to subscribe to our weekly Network TV newsletter. By doing so, you’ll receive exclusive behind-the-scenes insights from cast members and producers of your favorite shows directly in your inbox. Don’t forget to select “Network TV” in your preferences during sign-up.

2025-07-04 19:31