Mariska Hargitay has had at least 23 sleepless nights throughout her career as Olivia Benson on “Law & Order: SVU.” Now, more than 20 years removed from the first episode of the hit procedural, she is just as excited for the Season 23 premiere as she was for the first.
The day has finally arrived, “Law & Order” fans. Not only will Mariska Hargitay’s Benson make her season debut on Thursday night, but so too will her longtime on-screen partner Chris Meloni. That’s right. “Law & Order: Organized Crime” will air its second season premiere immediately following the opening episode of “SVU.” It’s a big day for Dick Wolf, NBC, and fans of Benson and Stabler everywhere.
“Law & Order: SVU” star Mariska Hargitay opened up about the imminent premiere on Instagram.
“When I think about 23 seasons, I remember that it’s 23 seasons times—as in multiplied by—so many people. So much dedication, so much endurance, so many long hours on the part of the crew, so much thinking and creating on the part of our writers and directors, so many determined hearts coming together to do this,” Hargitay’s caption began.
In the video, Hargitay talked about how she’s often asked if she still gets nervous for big “SVU” premieres.
“I really do. I didn’t sleep last night, I was so excited about today. And also the fact that we’re starting the 500th episode,” Hargitay said. “It’s crazy, and we’re making history, and you’ve got your little SVU girls here, and we’re grateful.”
While we can’t be sure exactly what the season premiere will entail, we know that “SVU” and “Organized Crime” plan on having cross-over action. Will it happen tonight? You’ll have to tune in to find out.
What Does the Future Hold for Benson and Stabler on ‘Law & Order: SVU’
The confirmation of continued cross-overs has fans of “Law & Order” losing their minds over what it means for the relationship between Stabler and Benson. To drum up excitement for their back-to-back premieres, Hargitay and Meloni made an appearance on TODAY.
“It’s all underneath, percolating. And after Stabler being gone for 10 years, and the way that he left, and the complexity of what’s happened in the last 10 years, and how he became back surprising me… we’re still finding our way,” the “Law & Order: SVU” star told TODAY.
Many have speculated that the former partners are going to get involved romantically this season. But there is no evidence to support that, and just as many don’t want to see it happen.
“But it’s complex and real, and I think what I love about it most is that it’s earned, right? This relationship is truly earned. Not a lot of people have a 23-year relationship on film,” Hargitay added.
