#Bensler is forever. There are many great TV partnerships, but nothing like the relationship between them Law & Order Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler.
Two people, described by Mariska Harti and Christopher Melonithey were partners for over a decade Law & Order: Special Victims Unit until Meloni’s departure from the series in season 13. When the couple has risen and fallen through the course of the degree together, the dynamic develops because of opposing personalities. Empathy Benson juxtaposed with the blunt nature of Stabler which made two complex characters that work well together – and cause fans to fall in love with their relationship.
When Meloni came out S.V.U in May 2011 before anything romantic could happen between the two characters, which returned in Stabler’s spinoff, Law & Order: Organized Crime in April 2021, giving viewers a glimmer of hope that the duo will take their relationship to the next level.
“I think there is a world [where they could get together],” in Man of Steel star to Today in January 2023 Benson and Stabler. “I used to not, but I’m all still trying to figure out what the right steps are and what the endgame is.”
Meanwhile, Hargitay confirmed in January 2022 that fans aren’t the only ones feeling the chemistry between the detectives.
“Olivia Benson is sick! I mean, he left me for 10 years. He’s scared,” she explained The Drew Barrymore Show in time. “The energy is there. Olivia has loved him for years and I think we’re slowly finding our way back, but I want to give him the time he needs to grieve. [late ex-wife] Kathy Stabler.”
However, the Leaving Las Vegas star played coy later this year when asked about long-time partners became romantic when asked on the 2022 Emmys red carpet.
“You want some tea, baby? Honey, wait,” he joked AND! News in time.
While not giving away any spoilers about the couple’s romantic future, both Meloni and Hargitay have worked together for years — and how they knew they had a special relationship from the start.
“I just knew that Mariska was going to be The One,” Meloni admitted 2009 which The Law & Order: SVU Unofficial friends book. “I was in the middle of this story, this joke. So we got on stage and I was like, ‘Wait a minute, I’m going to finish this story.’ Not to be rude, but this is very important. This could change my life, but the story is very funny. And I feel comfortable, and unconsciously there is a relationship that can be seen: He is now my partner.
Hargitay echoed Meloni’s sentiments during the interview TV channels in 2018. “From the second we met, the bell rang. We knew we would be a great force in each other’s lives. He was strong and lively but also fun,” she said.
Keep scrolling for Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler’s complete relationship timeline: