Mariska Hargitay Once Joked About the ‘Law & Order SVU’ Season That She Wanted to ‘Phone in’

Law & Order: SVU has remarkably sustained its quality over its impressive 25-season run. Yet, there was a time when even Mariska Hargitay, the show’s iconic star, humorously admitted they took their foot off the pedal.

The Exhaustion of Season 16

Hargitay, who has been with SVU since its inception, has witnessed numerous changes and cast turnovers. Her commitment to the show stems from its consistent quality and the fresh, engaging storylines that each season brings.

“I’m in it for the long haul,” Hargitay once told The Hollywood Reporter. “I said, ‘You keep writing like this, I’ll stay for 25 years.’ Why would I leave? I’m so grateful.”

Season 16 was a high point for Hargitay, particularly as her character, Olivia Benson, navigated the complexities of adopting a child. However, the season’s intensity left the team utterly exhausted. Hargitay quipped with then-showrunner Warren Leight that they’d take it easy in season 17.

“The joke with Warren Leight and I was season 16 was good, and we said season 17, we’re going to phone it in,” Hargitay recalled. “That was our schtick on set because we were so exhausted. And then season 17, we killed it. And then season 18 … we had a wobbly year. But season 19, I was like, ‘I’m sorry, did anyone see the show?’ [New showrunner Michael] Chernuchin, every single episode, he outdoes himself.”

The Milestone of the 500th Episode

SVU reached a monumental milestone during its 23rd season in 2021, celebrating its 500th episode. This special episode brought back familiar faces, like Danny Pino, and referenced past cases that influenced the current storyline. Despite her long-standing role, Hargitay found herself unusually nervous about watching this particular episode.

“They sent me the link so many times and I was actually too nervous to watch it,” she shared on Live with Kelly and Ryan. “I’ve been doing this show for so long, and Olivia Benson is in me, but the idea of the 500th episode was so much pressure. I was so nervous coming to work that day.”

Hargitay reflected on the significance of this milestone, noting how it made her appreciate the show’s legacy and success.

“Some episodes aren’t quite as difficult, but for me, this was a moment to take in what we’ve made, what we’ve created,” she said.

The Future of Law & Order: SVU

According to one showrunner, the decision to end SVU may ultimately rest with Hargitay. Michael Chernuchin, who joined the series in 2017 and has deep roots in the Law & Order franchise, believes the show’s continuation hinges on Hargitay’s involvement.

“I don’t see any reason why this show will end,” Chernuchin told TV Guide. “[We’re going to continue] until Mariska says, ‘let’s end it,’ because we’re dealing with things that are on the front page in the papers every day. Now, more than ever.”

Hargitay’s unwavering dedication and the show’s timely tackling of relevant issues ensure that Law & Order: SVU remains a vital part of television. As long as Hargitay remains passionate about her role, fans can look forward to many more seasons of this beloved series.