Law & Order: SVU has never been the same since the exit of Det. Elliot Stabler back in 2011 when his portrayer, Chris Meloni, exited the Dick Wolf-created series. Now, there’s some news that’s going to make Meloni and Elliot fans extremely happy!
Chris Meloni To Return With Own Series
Deadline broke the news that Meloni is bringing Stabler back to a new series on NBC that will be produced by Dick Wolf. The untitled series has received a 13-episode order.
The story will continue Elliot’s journey in his new job, heading up NYPD’s organized crime division. Wolf will executive produce the show along with Arthur W. Forney and Peter Jankowski. Matt Olmstead is rumored to be coming on board as the program’s showrunner and writer.
Don’t be surprised if Elliot reunites at some point with his former partner, Olivia Benson, now a Captain with the Special Victims Unit. Wolf’s other series — Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med — have had numerous crossovers. Fans of Elliot and Olivia have longed for the pair to share the screen again.
Life After Law & Order: SVU
Post-SVU, Meloni has worked regularly on series including Happy!, True Blood, and Surviving Jack. Recently, he voiced the role of Commissioner Gordon on the DC Universe animated Series Harley Quinn. The actor also has a loyal following from his run on the HBO prison-themed series Oz.
Meloni, who is very active on Twitter, engaging even vocal critics with wit, has yet to respond to the news on social media. However, he was recently asked if he stayed in touch with his SVU pals. “Yup,” he tweeted in response. “Big love and respect for them all.”
No other casting has been announced as of yet, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see Elliot’s wife, Kathy, played by Isabel Gilles pop up on the new show. Elliot and Kathy have five children. Meloni earned a Primetime Emmy Nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series in 2006.
Law & Order: SVU, having been picked up for additional seasons, stands to become the longest-running primetime drama, surpassing Gunsmoke, which ran for 21 seasons.
Yup. Big love and respect for them all https://t.co/edbTMwNS8c
— Chris Meloni (@Chris_Meloni) March 31, 2020
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