It’s the slowest will-they-won’t-they

in TV history, of course it won’t be

wrapped up any time soon!

How to Watch
Watch Law & Order: Special Victims

Unit Thursdays on NBC and next day on Peacock.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit fans have been clamoring for Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Detective Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) to get together ever since Stabler returned from a years-long sojourn in Italy, which conveniently coincided with the death of his wife, Kathy.

With their years-long friendship and baggage keeping them apart, it’s understandable why Elliot and Olivia haven’t jumped into a romantic relationship. Now, star and executive producer Hargitay gives more insight into why.

What Mariska Hargitay sees for Stabler and Benson’s future
“We want to hold the tension,” Hargitay told Variety for their annual Power of Women issue about herself and Meloni, explaining why fans are constantly left questioning their relationship status. She added that their goal as actors is to “do what’s right and truthful for both characters.”

Hargitay acknowledged that she and Meloni, or rather, Elliot and Olivia, make a very romantic pair. “Our chemistry is undeniable. It’s just the way it is,” she said.

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