Chris Meloni To Return as Stabler for SVU's 600th Episode
Christopher Meloni is set to reprise his role as Elliot Stabler for an upcoming episode of Law & Order: SVU. Variety reports that co-star Mariska Hargitay teased the return on her Instagram, posting two photos with Meloni on set. One caption read 'Who dat?' while the other said 'Happy 600...', pointing to the show's milestone 600th episode.
TVLine confirms the actor will appear in the landmark episode, which is scheduled to air during Season 28. The site notes his last appearance was in the Season 27 premiere, where Stabler told Benson he loved her.
This return follows the cancellation of Meloni's spinoff series, Law & Order: Organized Crime, after five seasons. Per Variety, Meloni previously said the end of that series represented 'a closing of the door on Stabler,' though he added, 'You've got to keep moving.'
TVLine reports that SVU showrunner Michele Fazekas had previously expressed a desire to use Meloni more, but his schedule was a constraint. Fazekas is quoted saying any appearance 'has to mean something.'
The 600th episode of SVU will air as part of Season 28, which premieres on NBC on October 8.
