Mariska Hargitay expresses love for Christopher Meloni's ‘Law & Order' series

Mariska Hargitay has revealed she was moved to tears after seeing Christopher Meloni's emotional response to the cancellation of Law & Order: Organized Crime, describing it as the closing of a significant chapter for her longtime co-star and friend.

Speaking to Extra, Hargitay said she watched Meloni's Instagram video about the show ending and was immediately overcome. 

"I saw it and burst out in tears, first of all," she said. 

"I immediately burst out in tears because it has, just like [Meloni] said, and he was so beautiful and open, because it has been a great ride. And it has been so beautiful and intimate and such a huge part of his life and was life-changing for him."

She also said the news had come as a genuine shock. 

"Chris is working and in demand and such a magnificent actor. But it's, in a way, closing a chapter. So when that happens, one needs to take inventory. It's a real marker in your life."

Law & Order: Organized Crime was officially cancelled after five seasons earlier this month. 

Meloni marked the occasion with a heartfelt video on Instagram. 

"I wanted to take this moment to say thank you to the fans who not only helped give the character of Elliot Stabler life and longevity, but for sticking with him and welcoming him back. It was a good ride," he said.

The series, which premiered in 2021, followed Stabler, the character Meloni first played on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, as he returned to New York after a decade away to rebuild his life and take on organised crime. 

It aired on NBC for its first four seasons before moving to Peacock for its fifth and final season, which concluded in June 2025. 

The cast also included Danielle Moné Truitt, Rick Gonzalez, Ainsley Seiger and Dean Norris.