Mariska Hargitay Teases Christopher Meloni’s Return to “SVU” as Jalen Brunson Asks If He’s ‘Back for Good’

Brenton Blanchet, Madeleine JanzFri, September 25, 2026 at 4:44 PM UTC

2

Christopher Meloni and Mariska Hargitay in ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’; Jalen BrunsonCredit: Jessica Burstein/NBCU Photo Bank; Taylor Hill/WireImage“Well, I think you all know who’s back,” Hargitay said at the ‘Roommates Show’ Block Party on Sept. 24 -

Mariska Hargitay is keeping her lips sealed when it comes to Christopher Meloni’s return to Law & Order: SVU

The actress spoke with pal Jalen Brunson about the development at the Roommates Show Block Party

“Well, I think you all know who’s back,” she teased

Mariska Hargitay has her “old partner” back.

After teasing that Christopher Meloni would be suiting back up as Elliot Stabler on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Hargitay answered some questions about her costar’s return during the Roommates Show Block Party on Thursday, Sept. 24 in New York City.

During the event, Hargitay — who has played Olivia Benson on SVU since 1999 — teased Meloni’s return even further. The actor notably departed SVU in 2011 and reprised the role on Law & Order: Organized Crime, which recently wrapped after five seasons.

Speaking with the Roommates Show’s Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart and Matt Hillman, Hargitay, 62, addressed Meloni, 65, coming back to the show. “Well, I think you all know who’s back,” she said of SVU. “I got my old partner back.”

Mariska Hargitay as Capt. Olivia Benson, Christopher Meloni as Det. Elliot Stabler in ‘SVU’Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC

Hargitay’s pal Brunson, 30, still wanted some clarification. “You got him back for an episode or you got him back for good?”

“I’m not going to tell all,” she said. “It’s not that kind of show.”

Advertisement

Hargitay previously teased a Benson and Stabler reunion by sharing a snap from SVU’s set on Tuesday, Sept. 22. In the photo, Hargitay could be seen pointing to the back of her former costar’s head, with the caption “WHO DAT.” She then shared a selfie of them together, writing “Happy 600,” seemingly referring to the show’s forthcoming 600th episode.

— sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

Meloni’s appearance will come months after his spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime, was canceled after five seasons. PEOPLE confirmed in April 2026 that the show had come to an end, following the conclusion of season 5 in June 2025.

“Hey everyone, I just saw that they announced OC, Organized Crime won’t be coming back,” Meloni said in an Instagram video at the time. “So I wanted to take this moment to say thank you to the fans, who not only helped give the character of Elliot Stabler life and longevity, but for sticking with him and welcoming him back.”

Jalen Brunson and Mariska Hargitay at the Roommates Show Block Party Championship CelebrationCredit: Kevin Mazur/Getty

Hargitay later told Extrashe “burst out in tears” when she saw her friend’s show had wrapped. When asked if the characters would cross paths again, she responded, “Somehow, some way, yes.”

“That is a very heartening thing for both of us, that our relationship was so iconic culturally, and that Benson and Stabler still resonates is deeply meaningful to me,” she told Deadline. “And Chris and I, I’m sure you know, are very, very close. He’s a very in-demand actor, so we’ll see if the schedule is lined up.”

on People

Original Article on Source

Source: “AOL Entertainment”