Mariska Hargitay on When Benson and Stabler Should Get Together on ‘SVU’

Benson and Stabler, portrayed by Chris Meloni, have been in each other’s lives for over 25 years. The same can be said of Hargitay and Meloni, who have been close friends since “Law & Order: SVU” began in 1999.

Cooper asked if Hargitay wants the characters to be together when the end comes. The Emmy winner responded, “If it’s right.”

“We’ll see when we get there,” she added.

“SVU” is heading into its 27th season. Meloni left after the 12th season in 2011 after failed contract negotiations, which is another topic Hargitay discussed on the podcast.

“I was devastated,” she said, noting that his “surprising” exit happened “very quickly.”

“I tried everything I could to fix it and change it,” she said.

Meloni brought back his character in April 2021 to lead his own spinoff, “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” which just concluded its fifth season on Peacock after four seasons on NBC, the home of “SVU.” Benson and Stabler have shared multiple scenes in crossover episodes of both shows since Meloni’s return. He most recently had a guest appearance on “SVU” in April.

Hargitay said Benson and Stabler are “soulmates, in a way.”

“Chris has had a profound impact on my life, my artistry,” she said. “I think we’ve had a big impact on each other. And so, Olivia and Elliot are, but let’s see where the story takes us, you know?”

Hargitay also said she and Meloni are “connected” and “so close.”

“It’s like we’ve been through the battle together,” she added. “We know each other so well. We love each other so much. We respect each other so much. We connected, obviously, by living these stories and going so deep together for so many years acting, and he and I really bond over comedy. We have a very similar sense of humor.”

She also explained the two have a shared perspective and shorthand with each other, echoing comments she told TODAY.com about their bond last year.

“I trust his choices because he’s incapable of not telling the truth — as a person and an actor,” she said at the time while laughing.

Hargitay told Cooper she and Meloni are “so comfortable with each other.”

“We deeply trust each other. Whatever he needs, I will always be there for him, and that’s mutual.”

Their mutual respect was on display at the Tribeca Festival premiere of Hargitay’s documentary about her mother, “My Mom Jayne,” earlier this month.

Meloni attended with his wife, Sherman, and their daughter, Sophia. He recently posted photos to Instagram from the event, including one with his wife, daughter and two of Hargitay’s kids, whom she shares with husband Peter Hermann.