Christopher Meloni is doing everything he can to make the long-awaited romance between his Law & Order: SVU character, Elliot Stabler, and Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson happen!
In a social media post on July 28, the actor responded directly to a fan’s request for the two characters to finally kiss, making it clear that he’s been working towards that moment for years.
The ‘Will-They-Won’t-They’ Romance Fans Are Dying To See
Over the years, fans have eagerly followed the complicated relationship between Stabler and Benson, a dynamic that began in 1999 when Law & Order: SVU first aired. After Meloni left the show in 2011, he made his return in 2021 with the spinoff Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Their bond remains one of the most beloved elements of the SVU universe, and the idea of them becoming romantically involved has been a major talking point for fans.
When a fan tweeted at Meloni on X, urging him to finally get Stabler and Benson to kiss, Meloni responded humorously, “I’m f—— trying.” The tweet quickly gained attention, racking up over 23,000 likes from fans who have longed for this moment.
A Nearly-Kissed Moment That Fans Won’t Forget
In season 24 of SVU, fans thought they were getting closer to seeing this iconic kiss when Benson and Stabler almost shared a moment. However, Meloni later clarified that it didn’t quite happen the way viewers might have hoped. “We were attempting something,” he said during a TVLine Spotlight conversation in April.
“I don’t think it worked. But I’m not going to tell you why it didn’t work, because you all have your opinion.”
The “will-they-won’t-they” tension between the two has been a key plotline throughout the series, with Stabler and Benson remaining loyal friends over the years. As their relationship continues to evolve, there’s a chance that the two could finally take the romantic leap, but as of now, it remains unclear when or if that will happen.
Mariska Hargitay Hints at the Possibility of Romance
In a recent episode of Alex Cooper’s podcast Call Her Daddy, Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, teased that maybe the two characters will finally be together at the end of the series. “Maybe on the last episode. I think that’s when they should be together… if it’s right.
We’ll see when we get there,” she said. Hargitay also referred to Stabler and Benson as “soulmates,” adding more fuel to the ongoing fan theories.
Further revealing the dynamics of Benson’s feelings for Stabler, Hargitay previously told Variety in May 2024 that, “Chris and I thought it should go one way and the powers that be didn’t, so it got changed at the last minute, that near kiss.”
She also mentioned that she and Meloni both had different ideas for their characters’ romantic journey, but ultimately, creator Dick Wolf had the final say.
Stabler and Benson: A Complex Bond
Throughout the series, the characters’ connection has always had an emotional, yet complicated edge. Hargitay explained to The Drew Barrymore Show in January 2022 that Benson has always had feelings for Stabler, but she’s been patient with him. “The energy’s there.
Olivia’s been in love with him for many a year,” Hargitay said. “And I think that we are slowly finding our way back to it, but I want to give him the amount of time he needs to grieve Kathy Stabler.”
Fans will continue to watch as the show’s storyline unfolds, with many hoping that Stabler and Benson’s love story will eventually take center stage. For now, all we can do is wait and see what happens next.
Christopher Meloni is fully aware of the excitement fans feel about seeing his SVU character, Elliot Stabler, and Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson finally become a couple. While the two characters’ relationship has been built on years of camaraderie and emotional depth, whether or not they’ll kiss, and when, remains uncertain.
With hints from both Meloni and Hargitay, fans will likely continue to hope for a happy ending for the iconic duo.
