For more than two decades, fans have been

wondering when Benson and Stabler will take

their relationship to the next level.
Ever since Mariska Hargitay and Christopher

Meloni reunited onscreen after the latter returned as Detective Elliot Stabler in 2021 to lead his Law & Order spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime, fans have been waiting for the characters to take their relationship to the next level.

For more than two decades now, Detective Olivia Benson (Hargitay) and Stabler’s undeniable chemistry on Law & Order: SVU has been one of the longest-lasting “will they, won’t they” relationships in TV history. Their onscreen chemistry has fueled fans to root for the pair to go from platonic former partners to a romantic couple.

Fans gained hope when a promo video from season 24 of SVU teased an intimate moment between Benson and Stabler in episode 12, titled “Blood Out.” The teaser showed Benson holding Stabler’s face, seemingly just inches away from kissing. But when the episode aired, there was no face-holding and no kiss.