Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 27 is shaping up to be more promising than ever, with a highly anticipated storyline set to be showcased. The popular NBC series first aired in 1999 and has since run for 25 seasons. It has become known for its memorable cases and storylines.

 

Main characters, such as Olivia Benson, Elliot Stabler, and Fin Tutuola, have stood out due to their unique personalities and on-screen presence. Recently, the network announced that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 27 will return to TV on September 25, featuring 24 episodes with some interesting twists.

With the upcoming release of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 27, NBC has made some changes to the producers, cast, and storyline. The show has said goodbye to showrunner David Graziano, replacing him with the show’s first female showrunner, Michele Fazekas. In addition, the new season will see the departure of Detective Kate Silva and Detective Joe Velasco.

Reports suggest that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 27 will return to its original focus on unique cases, addressing viewers’ concerns from previous seasons. Fans can also expect to see Olivia Benson’s most anticipated storyline.

Elliot Stabler Is Confirmed To Appear In Law & Order: SVU Season 27

Elliot Is Excited To Share The Screen With Olivia


While some characters are poised to leave the show, a few others are returning to take center stage. Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni, left the series in 2011. He was not only a main character on the show but also had a close relationship with Olivia.

 

The pair worked together for more than twelve years, developing a strong bond with undeniable chemistry. However, their dynamic changed when Stabler left the SVU following a traumatic shootout. His departure had a profound impact on Olivia, bringing an end to the potential romantic relationship that the show had been hinting at.

The recent reports reveal that Stabler is once again returning to the series. Meloni posted photos of himself with Mariska Hargitay (Olivia) and Dann Florek (Captain Donald Cragen) on Instagram, confirming that he’s back in season 27 during the uncertainty of his spin-off, Law & Order: Organized Crime. He wrote, “Hangin with friends on a Friday nite,” tagging his co-stars in the post.

Meloni appeared really happy to reunite with his old friends. His post received over 178k likes, with fans welcoming him back to the show. One viewer commented, “Welcome home Captain Cragen!” Another wrote, “LOVE LOVE LOVE literally everything about this.”

Chris Meloni Promises That He’s Trying To Make Benson & Stabler’s Romance Happen

Show Makers Are Taking Note Of Fans’ Wishes

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There are several reasons fans are excited about Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 27. The most important reason is that Meloni is trying to make the romance between Elliot and Olivia happen. Previously, one viewer took to X and begged him to give fans what they wanted.

 

The fan wrote, “@Chris_Meloni for f— sake, kiss her already!” While most actors would ignore such a comment, Meloni addressed it directly. He replied, “I’m f**** trying,” letting fans know that he’s doing all he can to make Benson and Stabler a couple.

Meloni’s statement not only shocked fans but also indicated that the new season may be the one where Elliot and Olivia finally make their relationship official. Over the years, the show has hinted at a possible romance between Stabler and Benson

In Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 24, the two almost shared a kiss, but creator Dick Wolf decided to veto the romantic scene, leaving many fans disappointed. Nevertheless, Meloni defended the decision to cut the near-kiss scene, explaining it simply “didn’t work” at the time.

Meloni has expressed his opinion on the potential relationship between Elliot and Olivia. In early 2025, the 64-year-old actor stated that things between the two characters are complicated.

He mentioned Elliot’s convictions and hinted at his Catholic faith, suggesting that the writers are working diligently to develop the storyline in a satisfying yet unhurried manner. Hargitay shares Christopher’s sentiments about their characters. She believes that Elliot and Olivia are soulmates and that their romance should be the conclusion of the show.

Why Law & Order: SVU Is The Perfect Time To Bring Benson & Stabler Together

Elliot & Olivia’s Story Should Have A Memorable Conclusion


Most fans believe that in Law & Order: Special Victims Unit season 27, Benson and Stabler should finally begin a romantic relationship. Several reasons support the idea that season 27 is the perfect time for these two characters to get together. Benson, who has been raising her child as a single parent, is now single and independent, making her more open to a new romance.

Meanwhile, it has been a few years since Elliott’s wife passed away. He appears to have moved on emotionally and is ready to pursue a serious relationship.

It’s also the ideal time for Elliot and Olivia to reunite because their relationship has been developing for a long time. The two characters have been close since the beginning of the show, sharing a deep, unresolved emotional history that needs a sweet resolution.

In a TV landscape where many shows rely on shock value and dramatic endings to keep viewers interested, their story deserves a happy conclusion. Their longstanding connection deserves a proper ending, and Stabler’s return to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit presents the writers with the perfect opportunity to make it happen.