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‘Law & Order: SVU’: Mariska Hargitay Opens Up to Kelly Ripa, Ryan Seacrest About Episode 500

It is one of television’s most popular shows and now, it is facing a milestone that very few television series have ever accomplished. For twenty-three seasons Law & Order: SVU has been wowing audiences with its “straight from the headlines” storylines.

And, this week, the popular piece of the Law & Order franchise is gearing up for its 500th episode; which is set to premiere on Thursday, October 21.

It’s a massive landmark for the NBC drama that first hit the airwaves in 1999. And, it’s a landmark moment that Law & Order: SVU stars do not take lightly.

“They sent me the link so many times and I was actually too nervous to watch it,” Law & Order: SVU star Mariska Hargitay told Kelly Ripa and Ryan Seacrest Wednesday morning of the much-anticipated episode.

“I’ve been doing this show for so long and Olivia Benson is in me,” the star continues in the Wednesday morning interview. “But I think that the idea of the 500th episode was so much pressure or something.”

Mariska Hargitay may be nervous to catch a glimpse of the mile-stone episode ahead of its premiere Thursday night. However, she has plenty of fans giving the Law & Order: SVU star some accolades as the big moment approaches.

Congratulating The ‘Law & Order’

“Congratulations to my friend @Mariska on 500 episodes of @lawandordertv!” wrote Blue Bloods actress Bridget Moynahan in a recent Twitter shout-out to her longtime friend. “An amazing accomplishment and well deserved.”

In her post, the Blue Bloods star made sure to include a photo of her friend standing among an impressive multi-tiered cake and several cupcakes decorated to celebrate the Law & Order: SVU 500th episode milestone.

It’s the perfect pic for Moynahan to choose, too. Mariska Hargitay is clearly channeling her inner Captain Olivia Benson in the photo. Giving the camera her best “on the job” serious look.

The Blue Bloods star also added an extra touching component to her touching Twitter shout-out. Moynahan made sure to include a hashtag that gives us all some serious friendship goals.

Mariska Hargitay is Law & Order: SVU’s longest-running player.

The actress has been an integral part of the acclaimed drama series from its 1999 premiere as then detective Olivia Benson. However, her long history filming the show didn’t keep the nerves at bay as the Law & Order: SVU crew began filming number 500.

“I was so nervous coming to work,” Hargitay told Kelly and Ryan of the day she and her fellow Law & Order stars filmed the episode.

“When you’re doing a show for so long you’re in the grind,” Hargitay adds, noting that this episode was quite different. It was a big moment for all involved.

“For me, this was sort of like this moment,” Hargitay adds. “To take in what we’ve made, what we’ve created.”