Mariska Hargitay Hints at ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Future as She Kicks Off New Gig
What To Know
- Mariska Hargitay is making her Broadway debut in Every Brilliant Thing between seasons of Law & Order: SVU, before returning to film Season 28.
- Hargitay has addressed her future on the long-running series.
Mariska Hargitay is keeping busy between seasons of Law & Order: SVU. Just 12 days after the Season 27 finale aired, on May 26, she’s getting started on stage, with her Broadway debut, Every Brilliant Thing. She’s starring in the solo show for six weeks (Daniel Radcliffe previously starred, and Tracee Ellis Ross debuts on July 7). Then, soon after that, she’ll be back playing Captain Olivia Benson with the start of production on Season 28 of the hit NBC drama.
While talking to People about her Broadway debut, she touched on her future on the long-running show. “The joke is, just when I think I should be winding down, I’m like, ‘No, I’m good for a couple more years!'” she said. That’s good, because it’s impossible to imagine the series (or squad) without her.
Hargitay is the sole original cast member remaining on Law & Order: SVU. Ice-T joined in Season 2 as Fin and remains part of the series. The longest cast member after him is Kelli Giddish, who joined in Season 21.
Season 27 directly addressed Benson’s future with the squad, with her even admitting in the finale that she didn’t know how much longer she could do the job. But Fin shot down ever retiring.
Virginia Sherwood/NBC
“Coming back to the show in Season 27, it was one of my questions like, ‘Oh my gosh, how long can this show go on?’ And in the first episode of this season, she tells Fin, ‘Listen, I know we’re closer to the end than the beginning,’ which is true of a 27-year-old show. Eventually, the show will end and instead of running away from that notion, it’s like, ‘Let’s go toward that and have Benson ask the question herself like, how much longer can I do this?'” showrunner Michele Fazekas told TV Insider after the finale. (She previously worked on the show for Seasons 3 through 7.)
She continued, “Benson has answered the question for herself like, ‘I’m going to do this for as long as I can because I can do nothing else,'” and that’s her mindset going into Season 28. “I think she’s recommitted herself. She’s not going to be asking that question because I think she’s answered that question.”
Mariska Hargitay also spoke to People about the different ways that making her Broadway debut is challenging her compared to what she’s used to with SVU.
“It definitely feels like you’re going out without a net, but that’s also the thrill of it,” she explained. “Even though I’m still challenged at SVU, I know the drill. I’m a boss lady. I can say, ‘Cut. Sorry guys, let’s go again. Can we take it from the top?'” But with her new gig, that’s not the case, and she enjoys that challenge.
Such is true of the work that goes into it. She’s rehearsing six days a week, and that’s “so exhausting in a new way,” she shared, from the work she’s done on SVU for 27 years and continues to do.
How long do you want to see SVU last? Let us know in the comments section below.
Law & Order: SVU, Season 28 Premiere, Fall 2026, Thursdays, 9/8c, NBC
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G
I don't think it's time yet. People are ready to toss something instead of embracing longevity. There is great comfort in being able to count on something, yes even a television show. Most shows don't last a fraction of what SVU has. Always looking for the next best & greatest. Grass is not necessarily greener on the other side.
It will end soon enough, but let's continue to enjoy good drama while we can.
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R
If Mariska decides to ever retire from SVU then the show needs to end because I don’t think I could watch it without Captain Benson. Even if they recast her part it wouldn’t be the same. I can’t believe I have watched this show for 27 years and I never tire of it. Kudos to the writers too for the great stories. I also love Carisi and the rest of the cast. Let’s keep it going as long as Mariska is still wiling and able.
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D
I agree! When Olivia goes the show must stop.
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J
I think that this show could go on forever. But as long as the writers keep up with the success of the show, why can’t it keep going. I’m watching all 27 seasons of SVU and reruns, and I never have enough. And I was so into Stablers show I don’t know why it was cancelled.
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H
The comedian Richard Belzer, Det. John Munch had a long tenure. And I'd love to see more of Elliot Stabler & Olivia Benson
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T
Totally can't see the show ending or being without Mariska! The show is Awesome 👍
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B
Mariska IS...IS SVU. If she winds up retiring from the show..the show needs to end. Her undying help and awareness in the svu community lashes out further than the show. She's dedicated her life to helping victims on and off air. I've been watching from the jump. 27+ seasons in. Do more..explore more..continue the show up til you're done. It will be with great sadness when we watch the final episode, but until then..Team. Olivia. Forever.
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G
Kelli Giddish joined the show originally in Season 13.
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G
Yes, in 2011...way before the article mentions.
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V
I think the show should go on for as long as Mariska wants to be the SVU captain once she decides to step away from the show then the show will need to come to an end because it won't be the same without her but as long as she's willing to continue it the show needs to continue with her.
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A
Everyone is great on SVU and I want SVU to last forever ❣️ ❣️
The best cop show ever ❣️❣️
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A
I know that Fazekas got you used to not knowing details of the show, and that's already bad for a show runner, but at least journalists should have details correct, come on checking takes you 10 seconds, it's literally your job. 'The longest cast member after him is Kelli Giddish who joined in Season 21.' Wrong. Kelli Giddish joined in season 13, she's been there for 15 years, thank you very much.
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K
I think show should continue until Marissa wants to not anho
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C
SVU 4EVER
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J
Olivia &Elliot please…… we are waiting forever! There’s no real SVU without them….Olivia-Elliot-Fin-Kelli
then throw in the other regulars !!
please………….
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V
Well, I love the show and I could keep watching, I feel sometimes like they must just be exhausted, always and that feeling kind of underlies everything else just a little bit for me. I say as long as the actor still love it that’s great but when they’re done, I think they’ve given it more than 110%. And they should be entitled to do something different or retire. Thanks for all the good work and love the show. I’ll keep watching as long as it’s there.
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V
Would love to see law and order do a couplel episodes on the epstein story, or a fictional version. I know tgeyve done aimilar ones in the oast, but woth where it is now in the national conversation, the victims, push SVU onto a national stage for a few episodes.
How many more seasons? Atleast 3. Im a total junkie. Get to 30 years, thats an accomplishment. Bring stabler back at some point.
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M
It would be nice to get to the 30th season and celebrate
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C
I love law and order svu with oliva and yes I would like to see stabler come back
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G
It's past time to bring Stabler back to SVU. That's the reunion I'm waiting to see.
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M
My husband & I saw season one, and we just finished watching season 27. Tom liked Organized Crime, but it bored me. Elliott, however, does NOT bore me at all! If he could somehow be written back into SVU next year, or some time, the show will definitely benefit from the attention. And, advertise it. People won't want to miss it. Even maybe those of us who are not so crazy about Sundance.
...I just had to say it, cause thats reality.
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T
I think it should last as long as possible. It’s still the best show on tv! I also think that it’s past time for Benson & Stabler’s relationship to develop into something permanent. Bring him back on the show! We’ve been waiting 27 seasons for that to happen. It’s time.
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G
Rollins came during season 13, episode 1. Not season 21.
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B
I can’t even think about the show not having Benson and Fin on it and I hope the show never ends best show on tv
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G
It stilll feels fresh and the recent episodes dig deep. Bravo . Keep going including Ice T
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B
I don't think that it's time just yet for SVU, to be Taken off the screens, even though I understand what Mariska Hargitay is saying, coz age does creep up on you before you realise it. When it comes to The Most Refined of Actresses, who are fantastic, especially on the TV screens, which entertains us, week after week, always thinking of the audience that they attract, the thing is, these people are, sincere, and hard working people, they enjoy what they do for us, the audience, especially MARISKER HARGITAY, SHE IS JUST A FIVE STAR 🌟, CLASS ACT, nobody could take her place, except, maybe, Kelli Giddish, long live, CAPTAIN BENSON: SVU. That's the bottom line, coz Grandad Baldy says so,
Benson will never age,
Many thanks,
John Kehoe!
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S
I think maybe series 30 it should retire.
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W
I watch SVU more often than anything else and am amazed at the apparent friendships among cast members.
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I
Needs to go at least until it reaches 30 years. Though I can't imagine a world without SVU
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Z
Well my Mom and Dad watched the regular Law & Order so I got started there and then I got into SVU shortly after that. Now my daughter watches SVU. But I have watched alot of shows come and go but I love SVU and it's a family tradition!
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D
Can't imagine not watching SVU!!! It's part of me.
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G
The show need to be continued for many years because it’s more than a show. It gives hope to many survivors around the world. And it feels a little like therapy. And I think the show is what it is because of Olivia Benson. She is a good character and Mariska Hargitay is so real because she stand for all the things Olivia is fighting for.
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D
I need them to do 30+ sessions. It is too much going on in the world that they can definitely have alot of material and plus before they go out you got to have olivia with a real romance.
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G
Forever! It is best of all of the Law and Order series. The original is still going. Why Not? The following is huge. The next best is a spilt off of SUV— Organized Crime. They have complimented each other well and SUV has complimented Chicago PD well. With that in mind there is lots of ways to continue the show. Yes, Olivia holds all together. I think most hope she will continue for a long time to come….and Fin.
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B
I hope it lasts forever.
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G
Love the show. Can't imagine it ever ending or being without Mariska but I would still watch if she retired and they kept going. I also loved Organized Crime and was sad to see that get axed. Would love to see more Stabler Benson action.
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M
I still believe they need to bring back Christopher Meloni. That would give the show a whole new life for many more years. Fans have waited for that ever since he left. The chemistry between the two of them has been missed for a lot of years. Just my thoughts. I've always loved the show.
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G
The show will not be the same without Mariska, however, I do not think it should end.
Kelly has built and earned her spot on SVU.
Whenever the time arises for Mariskas last call; Kelly should rise to her earned position as Captain of SVU.
All things change - but life goes on.
SVU Forever!
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F
I want it to last forever
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R
Keep a good thing going... Everything good about it.. Why end it. Cast seems to enjoy it you
Everyone is family in some way.. Love this show!!
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S
It still has a lit of steam. It's still fresh. Let’s go for 30 years and beyond.
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A
Stabler is in the past. Keep him there. Stapler character should've ended it in season five he should either been fired dead or jailed his character was not too good if you would've brought him NNS organization it would've done well if he had heat came as a new character. Stapler is so tainted.
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R
Benson needs to go. Such a smarmy character. The show us bigger than one character.
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S
I think it’s time to wind down and come to an end next year.
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