Fans have long hoped for a romantic relationship between Law and Order SVU detectives Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler. However, Ice-T, who plays Fin Tutola in the show, initially disapproved of the idea due to Christopher Meloni's real-life marriage. After Meloni's return to the show in Season 22 following his character's exit in Season 12, fans' hopes were reignited when it was revealed that Stabler's wife had died. Despite his previous opposition, Ice-T now supports the idea of a Benson-Stabler romance, but recognizes the need to give Stabler time to grieve. Mariska Hargitay, who plays Benson, has also addressed the potential for a romantic relationship between the two characters, acknowledging that Benson has long been in love with Stabler.
