Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler (Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni) have always had a close relationship on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, but it’s Benson’s relationship with Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) that’s most important to her. Now that Rollins is returning for SVU season 27 as a series regular, there is no doubt that fans will get to see Benson and Rollins back in action. While Benson and Stabler have captivated fans with their bond for two decades, with many wanting their relationship to turn romantic, it’s Benson’s friendship with Rollins that’s truly the most important to her.

No one expected Giddish to return to the show so soon, let alone SVU season 27, after all these years. Hargitay said she was upset when Giddish left mid-season 24 as a series regular, even though she’s made guest appearances since. Rollins and Benson’s friendship changed the game for Benson’s relationships on SVU. Working in a male-dominated space for so many years and barely having any friendships with women, Rollins provided Benson with a new type of relationship that fans have never seen her have before, and because of that, she’s her most important relationship.

Kelli Giddish’s Return To Law & Order: SVU Confirms How Important Benson’s Relationship Is With Rollins

On the day the SVU season 26 finale aired, it was confirmed that Giddish would be returning as Rollins in season 27 as a series regular. After her departure, fans were sad to see Rollins leave, especially because of her connection with Benson. As it was mentioned earlier, Rollins and Benson had a relationship fans hadn’t seen from Benson since the start of SVU. Benson only had close bonds with her male coworkers before Rollins came along. Now, with Giddish back, Rollins and Benson can pick up where they left off.

Rollins is needed on SVU because her relationship with Benson is different from her other relationships. Giddish’s return not only means she and Hargitay get to film together, but fans get to see Rollins and Benson work on cases again. They truly are a dynamic duo, and bringing Rollins back reinforces the show’s commitment to its core relationships.

Why Rollins’ Relationship With Benson Is More Important Than Her Dynamic With Stabler

While Benson’s history with Stabler was usually the focal point on SVU, her relationship with Rollins offers a deeper, more emotionally grounded connection. Unlike the unresolved tension with Stabler, Benson and Rollins built a bond based on trust, vulnerability, and shared personal growth. Plus, Rollins was Benson’s first close female friendship on SVU, which is much different from her connections with her male coworkers.

Rollins offered Benson a safe space for honesty, which is something Stabler never really provided for her. Rollins and Benson’s friendship was never defined by past tension or a possible romantic connection like with Stabler, but by communication and genuine support. In many ways, it’s this steady, evolving relationship that makes Rollins one of the most significant figures in Benson’s life.

What Rollins’ Return In Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Might Mean For Benson & Stabler’s Stagnant Relationship

Now that Meloni stars in the newer series Law & Order: Organized Crime, Stabler’s presence on SVU isn’t as recurring. In seasons 25 and 26, Stabler made guest appearances but is no longer a constant presence. While Stabler’s appearances are rare now, his continuing bond with Benson continues to resonate with viewers, and their complex relationship remains a major theme whenever he returns. However, with Rollins back in the picture, Benson can finally put her relationship with Stabler on the back burner.

Rollins’ history of providing candid advice and emotional support to Benson might help her confront unresolved feelings for Stabler, which could potentially lead to meaningful developments in her personal life. Benson’s lingering feelings for Stabler have prevented some of her character development, and having Rollins back on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will help her flourish personally and professionally.