‘SVU’: Is Christopher Meloni Returning for More Than Just Episode 600?

Meredith Jacobs September 25, 2026, 2:36 pm

Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni — NBC

What To Know

Mariska Hargitay was asked if Christopher Meloni is back for more than just the 600th episode of Law & Order: SVU.
Showrunner Michele Fazekas has emphasized the importance of the Benson-Stabler relationship.

Could we be seeing Benson and Stabler together again for more than just Law & Order: SVU‘s milestone 600th episode?

Mariska Hargitay refused to address just how long Christopher Meloni is around when she was asked by the Knicks’ — and SVU guest star — Jalen Brunson during the Roommates Show Block Party event on Thursday, September 24 (per People). After she said, “I got my old partner back,” he asked, “You got him back for an episode, or you got him back for good?” She told him she wouldn’t “tell all.” That certainly seems to suggest that he could be back for more; we’ll just have to wait to see if that is the case and the 600th is the start of an arc or if he returns later in the season.

When Law & Order: SVU premiered in 1999, Benson and Stabler were both detectives and partners. Meloni departed after Season 12, and since then, Benson has become a captain. Then, he reprised his role for the five-season spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime. Meloni’s upcoming appearance in SVU‘s 600th episode will be his first since Organized Crime was canceled.

Mariska Hargitay as Capt. Olivia Benson, Christopher Meloni as Det. Elliot Stabler — 'Law & Order: SVU' Season 27 Premiere

Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Given we still don’t know what brings him back in the milestone hour, it’s impossible to say if it could be for a longer arc. Perhaps something happens during the hour that leads to him appearing in more episodes, should this not be a one-off. What we do know is that showrunner Michele Fazekas considers Benson and Stabler’s relationship to be an important one.

'Law & Order: SVU' Season 28 Promo Reveals a New Benson

“You have to use him and bring him in with purpose. So, yeah, I would love to bring Stabler back around once in a while,” she told TV Insider in May.

She added, “I think it’s important to service that relationship for me personally and also for the fans. It’s a super important relationship to Benson, and Benson is a different person than she was when I was on the show before. She has grown in so many different ways, and that relationship is very different, and Stabler is a different person. So, what are they now together? And so exploring that would be great if Chris Meloni is available.”

What are you hoping to see from Benson and Stabler when Christopher Meloni returns? How many episodes do you want to see him in in Season 28? Let us know in the comments section below.

Law & Order: SVU, Season 28 Premiere, Thursday, October 8, 9/8c, NBC