Mariska Hargitay Says She Won’t Leave “Law & Order: SVU”

In a recent interview with *Variety* reported by USA Today, Mariska Hargitay—who has portrayed Detective Olivia Benson since the series premiered in 1999—said she has no plans to exit *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*. She explained that while she considered leaving around the Season 25 milestone, she ultimately decided the show “gives her purpose” and she is not “thinking about leaving right now.”

USA Today

Hargitay is diversifying beyond the procedural. She hosted the 78th Emmy Awards, describing the event as “my great honor” and praising the collaborative spirit of television creators. She is also nominated for directing and producing the HBO documentary *My Mom Jayne*, which explores the legacy of her late mother, actress Jayne Mansfield.

USA Today

She added that her recent projects—film, theater, and documentary work—allow her to “exercise another part of myself” without abandoning the series that has defined her career.

USA Today

• “Next summer, if I don’t make another movie, I’ll probably do another play. And I love it!” — Mariska Hargitay

USA Today

• “I said, ‘I’ve got to leave the show too. I don’t want people to think I’m a one-trick pony.’ And she goes, ‘Sweetheart, that ship’s sailed,’” — Mariska Hargitay

USA Today

• Eight Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series for her role as Benson, with a win in 2006.

USA Today

• The series entered its 28th season in 2026, confirming Hargitay’s continued involvement.

Mariska Hargitay Has a Totally Unexpected Idea for SVU: "I've Always Wanted to Do..."

• Hargitay was announced as the emcee for the 78th Emmy Awards and received nominations for directing and producing *My Mom Jayne* at the 2026 Emmy Awards.

USA Today