Christopher Meloni Will Return to Law & Order: SVU as Elliot Stabler in the Season Premiere

Stacey Leasca
·2 min read

In March it was announced that Christopher Meloni will be returning to the Law & Order franchise as Elliot Stabler, the role that made him a household name. Sadly, it was originally reported that Meloni wouldn't necessarily be returning to his Law & Order: SVU roots: Instead, Meloni would be getting his own brand-new spin-off show. While that was cool and all, people (i.e., me) were disappointed that Stabler wouldn't be sharing screen time with his legendary TV partner, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). But just hang on, because we've got some really, really, really good news to share.

On Friday, May 1, Law & Order: SVU showrunner Warren Leight shared that Meloni will indeed return as Stabler for the season-22 premiere of the show, just before launching into his own series. "It’s pretty clear that Elliot will be in the SVU season opener," Leight said on an episode of SVU's behind-the-scenes podcast, per Entertainment Weekly. "I think that much I know."

<h1 class="title">LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, (Tragedy), Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni. 1999-, © N</h1><cite class="credit">©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection</cite>

LAW AND ORDER: SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT, (Tragedy), Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni. 1999-, © N

©NBC/Courtesy Everett Collection

However, Leight went on to say it still remains unclear when this new season will actually shoot, let alone air. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, production has shut down, potentially delaying Meloni's television return. Leight also mentioned that Meloni's character was set to return at the end of season 21 alongside his family, but the appearance was scrapped due to production shutdown. Now it's unclear whether Stabler's family will return at all.

"Whether we'll get to see his family as well remains to be seen," he said. But honestly, that's okay. As long as Stabler comes back as soon as possible, we're sure fans will be happy. (Read: I will be happy.)

For now, fans can at least look back at Hargitay's delightful response to the original announcement. “Happy Birthday @chris_meloni," Hargitay wrote in an Instagram caption in April. "Congratulations and welcome home Elliot Stabler #It’sBeenAWhile #MissedYou #ElliotStabler."

At the time, Meloni responded, “Saddle up gurl, we ridin' again." We sure are!

Watch Now: Glamour Video.

Originally Appeared on Glamour