While the elite squad of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit has closed countless cases throughout the decades, one mystery remains begrudgingly unsolved: will Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler ever end up together?
Both Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni have long been forthright about the “complicated” nature of Benson and Stabler’s relationship. After kicking criminal butt for 12 years together, the pair spent a decade apart after Stabler shockingly left the SVU, leading to years of rebuilding their bond upon his return in Season 22 of SVU and arrival on Law & Order: Organized Crime. It’s taken a while for Benson to trust Stabler again, but with him now single, the pair has become increasingly forthright about their mutual affections, leading some to wonder if that steamy flame could be rekindled.
Meloni opened up about the complex relationship during his 2025 Sexiest Man interview for People, calling Benson and Stabler “sexy” thanks to their steel-tight bond, forged by years of teamwork and camaraderie.
Chris Meloni wants Benson and Stabler to “ride off into the sunset”
Capt. Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Det. Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) appear on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 27 Episode 1 “In The Wind”. Photo: Virginia Sherwood/NBC
May the record show: Meloni is a Bensler fan.
“Gosh. They know each other in an unspoken way, and I think it’s the depth of their friendship,” Meloni told People. “And they’ve made these stabs or these attempts at making this thing another thing…”
We are in no shortage of these aforementioned “stabs,” either. From Stabler trying to kiss Benson in Season 24 of SVU to his many soulful proclamations to his former partner — including but not limited to a few “love you” slip-ups — it’s clear that Stabler and Benson have something brewing beneath their multi-decade relationship.
But Meloni reminds SVU fans — a steamy Bensler endgame won’t come easily.
“For Benson and Stabler to get together, it’s hard! Hard! Am I blushing?” Meloni laughed upon catching the innuendo. Still, Meloni admitted that Benson and Stabler simply need more screen time to find out. “Oh, I have the energy, just not the time,” Meloni told People with a sly smirk.
Law & Order: SVU Season 27
Olivia Benson and her fearless squad are back in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 27, with new episodes airing on Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and the next day on Peacock.
Season 27 stars Mariska Hargitay, Ice T, Peter Scanavino, Kelli Giddish, Kevin Kane, and Aimé Donna Kelly, as well as SVU newcomer Corey Cott.
This season, Benson continues her command of the Manhattan SVU as she crosses paths with a dynamite line-up of guest stars including Jemima Kirke and Danielle MacDonald. Plus, Season 27 has marked the long-awaited return of Detective Rollins.
To feel like a member of the elite squad, check out exclusive Law & Order merch from the NBC Store.
At the end of the day, after hundreds of criminal takedowns and countless weighted moments between the former partners, Meloni still thinks Benson and Stabler are overdue for a happily-ever-after. “I think both characters, Stabler and Benson, should ride off into the sunset,” Meloni told the magazine.
Meloni has long been vocal about rooting for Benson and Stabler to end up together, even if it does take nearly three decades to see that happen. SVU ride-or-dies are still crossing their fingers, with one fan even sending a message to Meloni on social media encouraging the Organized Crime icon to just “kiss [Benson] already!” Meloni wasted no time with wording while agreeing with the fan. “I’m f–king trying,” he replied.
Mariska Hargitay’s take on Benson and Stabler’s relationship
Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) appear in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 24 Episode 22.Photo: Peter Kramer/NBC
While SVU fans are no strangers to the “complicated” nature of Benson and Stabler’s multi-decade will-they-won’t-they, the former partners maintain their chokehold on fans due to their magnetic chemistry. Fans are more than willing to wait out for the happily-ever-after, leading Hargitay to open up about her fantasy ending for the partners during a June 2025 appearance on Call Her Daddy.
Hargitay called Benson and Stabler “soulmates,” adding when exactly she’d like to see the couple end up together. “Maybe on the last episode,” Hargitay revealed. “I think that’s when they should be together… If it’s right. We’ll see when we get there.”
But the “stabs” at the happy ending continue. While chatting about the most recent “love you” that Stabler slipped to Benson during SVU Season 27’s premiere, Hargitay told TODAY during an October 2025 episode it was a “deeply emotional” scene.
“It’s a deeply emotional scene, and it’s also the beginning of a new era and the end of an old one,” she said. “It was a very emotional scene, and as we know, those things happen when we lose somebody we love — we renew our connection, right? We plug in that way emotionally. I felt like he just needed to say it.”
Hargitay then humorously cut to the chase: “Besides, Stabler’s in love with Benson,” Hargitay said with a laugh. “Hello!”