Christopher Meloni Reveals His Dream Ending for Benson and Stabler — and Why Their Chemistry Still Sizzles After 20 Years
Christopher Meloni, one of PEOPLE’s Sexiest Men Alive for 2025, is opening up about one of television’s most iconic duos — Elliot Stabler and Olivia Benson. The Law & Order: Organized Crime star shared what he believes would be the perfect ending for his character and longtime co-star Mariska Hargitay’s beloved captain.
For over two decades, fans have watched the undeniable chemistry between the two on NBC’s Law & Order franchise. Their “will-they-won’t-they” tension has defined crime TV for a generation, and Meloni knows exactly why viewers can’t get enough of it.
“They know each other in an unspoken way,” Meloni, 64, tells PEOPLE. “It’s the depth of their friendship — and those moments where they almost make it something more.”
Of course, fans remember that near kiss and the heartfelt “Love you” moments that have kept social media buzzing for years. When asked if Benson and Stabler could ever officially get together, Meloni couldn’t help but laugh.
“For Benson and Stabler to get together? It’s hard! Hard,” he joked, before teasing, “Oh, I have the energy — just not the time.”
But when the conversation turned serious, Meloni shared his heartfelt vision for how things should end.
“Some conclusion to Benson and Stabler,” he said thoughtfully. “I think both characters should ride off into the sunset.”
Meloni first stepped into the role of Elliot Stabler back in 1999 and has since become one of Law & Order’s most iconic characters. After leaving SVU in 2011, he reprised the role in 2021 for Law & Order: Organized Crime, which is now airing its fifth season on NBC and streaming on Peacock.
When asked to compare his characters, Meloni admitted with a grin:
“Organized Crime Stabler is sexier. There’s a certain fine wine quality to him.”
The actor also revealed he helped shape Stabler’s family dynamic from the start.
“When I first read the script, I thought, ‘Wow, this job is stressful,’” he explained. “I asked Dick Wolf if I could have four kids instead of three. Then the twins came — and suddenly Stabler had five! I just wanted to show he’s a man who handles pressure.”
From his early SVU days to his current Organized Crime run, Meloni’s portrayal of Stabler continues to captivate audiences. And as fans wait to see if Benson and Stabler finally get their happy ending, Meloni’s own wish for them is clear — a quiet sunset and maybe, at last, some peace.
Law & Order: Organized Crime airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC and is available to stream on Peacock.
