Why Mariska Hargitay Almost Quit ‘Law & Order: SVU’

Mariska Hargitay has been a cornerstone of “Law & Order: SVU” since its inception, continuing to captivate audiences with her exceptional talent. Known for her feminist stance and her impressive skills in both acting and producing, Hargitay is also a dedicated advocate for women and the underprivileged. For many viewers, Hargitay herself is a primary reason to tune into SVU, a show that would be unrecognizable without her. Surprisingly, she once considered leaving the series.

Hargitay revealed that she contemplated quitting after her co-star Christopher Meloni’s departure in season 12. Reflecting on that period, she shared, “I did a lot of soul-searching about whether I wanted to go on. I was on my way to being at peace with being done… I feel so newly challenged and inspired and excited, which just surprises me. I can’t believe how much I care now.”

When Will ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Return for Its 21st Season?

The eagerly awaited show is set to return on Thursday, September 26, at its usual 10 p.m. ET slot. This upcoming season will be a landmark in television history.

The renewal will make SVU the longest-running primetime live-action show in American history, a monumental achievement for a series that has never shied away from tackling difficult and taboo subjects. The writers’ room of “Law & Order: SVU” posted images on Twitter showing the cast reuniting for a table read, signaling that filming is about to commence.

New Faces and Familiar Ones

While the identity of the new ADA remains a mystery following Philip Winchester’s exit as Peter Stone at the end of season 20, Mariska Hargitay and other familiar faces were present for the table read of this historic moment.

Where to Get Your ‘SVU’ Fix Until the Premiere

Die-hard SVU fans don’t have to wait until September to get their fix. Reruns air on NBC, and episodes can be streamed on NBC.com. Additionally, Hulu subscribers can watch every episode from virtually any device. Amazon users can purchase individual episodes or entire seasons to stream.

The Enduring Appeal of ‘Law & Order: SVU’

Anyone who has watched “Law & Order: SVU” understands its unique appeal. The show stands out among police dramas for its willingness to delve deeply into some of life’s most harrowing situations, bringing these stories into viewers’ living rooms.

The desire to see justice served and wrongdoers apprehended resonates with audiences. The detectives on SVU are relentless in their pursuit of justice for victims who cannot fight for themselves. The show is not only entertaining but also profoundly moving, thanks to its compelling character stories. Fans eagerly await the return of “Law & Order: SVU” for its next gripping season.