TV Romance

Will Benson & Stabler Ever Get Together in the ‘Law & Order’ Universe? (POLL)

Avery Thompson •July 13, 2025, 3:00 pm
Law Order Organized Crime Season 1 Finale Stabler Benson
Eric Liebowitz/NBC

To Bensler or not to Bensler? That is the question.

There’s no denying the chemistry between Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni). There’s been something there since day one. But whether or not they’re just platonic soulmates or have the potential to be romantic has been the source of debate for years. Bensler fans want the romance, while others believe these two should stay firmly in friendship territory.

Over the years, Benson and Stabler have acknowledged the feelings between them, but they have yet to truly act on them. There was the letter (Kathy Stabler was the world’s strongest soldier) and that almost kiss in Law & Order: SVU Season 24, but these two characters continue to dance along the edge of will-they-or-won’t-they.

Recently, Hargitay was asked about Benson and Stabler getting together. In Hargitay’s opinion, Bensler should finally happen “maybe on the last episode. I think that’s when they should get together.”

Now that would be the slow burn to end all slow burns. Call Her Daddy’s Alex Cooper followed up by asking Hargitay if Benson and Stabler even should get together. “If it’s right. We’ll see when we get there,” she said. “We are soulmates in a way. We are. And I think that. I mean, Chris has had a profound impact on my life, my artistry. I think we’ve had a big impact on each other. And so Olivia and Elliot are. But let’s see where the story takes us, you know?”

Is the magic of Bensler in the slow burn? If they got together, would it ultimately ruin their relationship? Could they ever go back to being just friends? Is it time to just give it the old college try and see where it takes them? There’s so much to contend with — the history alone! — regarding Benson and Stabler.

With Law & Order: SVU set to return for Season 27 (Law & Order: Organized Crime hasn’t been renewed for Season 6 as of yet), the Benson and Stabler question isn’t going away. Here at Swooon, we’re asking you to weigh in. Should Benson and Stabler go there? Vote below and let us know your thoughts on a Bensler romance in the comments below.

Law & Order: SVU, Season 27, Fall 2025, NBC