Christopher Meloni Honestly Discusses the Almost-Kiss Between Benson and Stabler and His Reluctance to Tease the Fans

Law and Order: Criminal Conspiracy
is back and better than ever on the
2025 TV schedule
, with its first two episodes available now on Peacock. The Season 5 premiere was
frequently promoted with quite strong advertisements
that showed Christopher Meloni’s Det. Elliot Stabler in the hospital following a car crash. Of course, his longtime partner,
Law and Order: Special Victims Unit
’s Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), shows up to visit Stabler in the hospital. Obviously, fans are desperate to know if this is the season the two former
SVU
partners finally get together. Thankfully, Meloni got real about their near-kiss, trying not to \”bait\” fans and the future of their relationship.

Some Background on Benson and Stabler’s Almost Lip Lock in the Kitchen

Before
Last week\’s grand Dick Wolf Universe event
, Benson and Stabler had not appeared onscreen together since 2023. In season 24 of Dick Wolf’s enduring police procedural series, significant romantic chemistry developed between them, leading to an
semi-awkward near kiss
In Benson’s kitchen. During a recent interview with
TV Line
, Meloni delved into the reasons behind the missing kiss, though he largely lets fans speculate about much of his explanation:.

Kissing as former partners isn’t inherently uncomfortable, yet Elliot’s arrival didn’t quite hit the right moment. He had come over to her flat initially because of a recent gang assault she’d endured, aiming to ensure she was okay. Although I believe Stabler’s appearance was probably reassuring for Olivia, she was too emotionally taxed to navigate through their intricate romantic history at that time.

Once Elliot expressed his feelings for Liv and leaned in for a kiss, she hesitated and moved back just before their lips touched. As they were moments from sharing a passionate embrace, she placed her forehead gently against his and murmured, \”I wish I could, but I\’m not able to.\” Puzzled, he questioned her reasons, and then she confessed that she simply was not prepared yet.

I\’m not sure about you, but I found myself holding my breath throughout the whole scene. Even two years later, with #Bensler,
reassembling and dividing the online world
I can’t help but think whether Olivia is now prepared to make that subsequent move.

Christopher Meloni Discusses Teasing Viewers with the Will-They-Won’t-They Dynamic

Benson and Stabler have been together for 26 years, yet their relationship continues to be drawn out.

Ever since
SVU
Premiering in 1999, it has been evident that Meloni and Hargitay share remarkable on-screen chemistry. This was something Hargitay acknowledged feeling from the very beginning.
initial
SVU
audition together
decades ago.

Their close bond and unwavering loyalty were often at the heart of Elliot’s marital issues with his spouse, Kathy. Unexpectedly, Kathy passed away in the
SVU
crossover with the
L&O:
Organized Crime
pilot
It was a heart-wrenching turn of events for both viewers and Stabler alike. However, this marked the first occasion where the committed detective could openly recognize his deep-seated emotions towards Benson.

Now, over
Organized Crime
In its four-season run, we\’ve observed the detectives engage in more romantic relationships than they did throughout their combined 12 years of working together previously.
SVU
However, it has not led to anything beyond clear admissions of emotions.

In general, enthusiasts have been left questioning whether this might be
deceived by the authors once more
, and Christopher Meloni finally spoke about the Bensler baiting, stating:

It\’s pleasant to see that the actors genuinely connect with these characters. Similar to the fans, Mariska Hargitay confessed to
Variety
She hoped for a Bensler kiss, and I believe this interview with the protagonist will shed some light.
Happy
The actor serves as confirmation that everyone involved is on the same wavelength.

Sadly, as Meloni pointed out, it depends on those in charge. Here\’s hoping,
SVU
’s first female showrunner
, who served as a primary author and creator for
SVU
In Seasons 4-7, particularly when Stabler prioritized his partner\’s safety over that of a victim, the narrative will shift, placing the outcome of their relationship squarely within her control.

While the
Organized Crime
Season 4 finale
left Benson and Stabler on good terms as friends.
Once more, I believe this might be the year they ultimately end up together. Still, only time will tell.

New episodes of both SVU and Organized Crime become available for streaming every Thursday with a
Peacock subscription
.

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