**1 Showrunner Felt Mariska Hargitay Was the Only Person Who Could End ‘Law & Order: SVU’**
For over two decades, *Law & Order: SVU* has been a defining force in television, with Mariska Hargitay at its helm as the iconic Olivia Benson. As the longest-running primetime drama in TV history, fans have grown attached to both the compelling stories of justice and the unwavering leadership of Hargitay’s character. However, behind the scenes, there has been a belief among showrunners that when it comes to the eventual end of *SVU*, only one person has the power to make that decision: Mariska Hargitay.
Warren Leight, a former showrunner of *SVU*, famously shared his thoughts about the future of the series in interviews, revealing that he believed the only fitting conclusion for the show would be when Mariska Hargitay decided it was time. “Mariska is the heart and soul of this show,” Leight once said. “There is no *SVU* without her, and when she’s ready to move on, that’s when the show should end.”
It’s a sentiment shared by many fans, who have long considered Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson to be the cornerstone of the show’s success. Over 24 seasons, Benson has evolved from a compassionate detective working with the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit to a commanding, empathetic captain who fights for the victims of some of the darkest crimes imaginable. The depth Hargitay has brought to the character, both in her professional and personal life, has made Olivia Benson one of the most beloved and complex characters on television.
What sets *SVU* apart from other crime dramas is the emotional journey it takes its viewers on. With Hargitay at the center, the show doesn’t just focus on solving crimes but on healing, survival, and the emotional toll that comes with working in law enforcement. The audience has watched Benson face trauma, loss, and unimaginable challenges over the years, and through it all, Hargitay’s nuanced performance has kept viewers invested.
Leight and other showrunners recognize that Hargitay’s influence on the show goes far beyond acting. As an executive producer, she has been deeply involved in shaping storylines, characters, and the overall tone of the series. Her advocacy work for survivors of sexual assault mirrors the themes of *SVU*, and her dedication to justice is palpable in every episode. Hargitay’s passion for the material has always been personal, which is why the idea of anyone else ending the show feels inconceivable to those who know it best.
In interviews, Hargitay has spoken candidly about her connection to *SVU* and what it means to her, often expressing how much she cares about the show’s message and impact. “It’s more than just a job,” she’s said. “It’s a responsibility, a calling, and I’m proud of the work we do. I want to continue as long as the stories are there to be told.” This dedication has kept her at the forefront of the series for over two decades, and she shows no signs of slowing down.
But even as the show continues to break records, the question lingers: how will it all end? For many, the idea of *SVU* without Olivia Benson is unimaginable. Her departure would mark the end of an era, not just for the show but for television as a whole. When that day comes, it’s clear that the end will be on her terms. As Leight once remarked, “It’s her show. She’s earned the right to say goodbye when she’s ready.”
Until then, fans can continue to enjoy the groundbreaking stories, the gripping drama, and the powerful performances that have made *SVU* a staple in primetime television. And whenever the final chapter is written, it will be fittingly written by the one who has carried the torch for so long: Mariska Hargitay. Her legacy, much like Olivia Benson’s, will continue to inspire and resonate for years to come.
