Christopher Meloni Says Stabler’s ‘Love You’ to Benson in ‘SVU’ Premiere Was an ‘Ad Lib’

Warning: This story contains spoilers from the Sept. 25 episode of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

In the criminal justice system, SVU fans everywhere are rewinding their TVs.

The season 27 premiere of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit kicked off on Thursday, Sept. 25 in a major way. Not only has beloved Captain Donald Cragen died, but outside his memorial service, Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) was communicating his feelings to Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).

“You alright?” Benson asked Stabler, having found him waiting for her outside the memorial. Stabler admitted he didn’t like funerals, to which Benson agreed, and the two talked about how many they had attended together throughout the years.

“I just feel like we’re entering into our All Our Friends Are Dying era,” Benson said.

“It’s the worst era,” Stabler replied, before adding, “Not that you can go back, and not that I’d want to, but we had a pretty good run there for a minute.”

“We still do, just different,” Benson mused before hugging Stabler and telling him to “get off my car.” Stabler smirked before opening the door for her, and delivering the two words that had long-time fans reeling.

“Love you,” he said. “Night.”

On Friday, Sept. 26, Meloni shared a post to X, in which he revealed the “love you” line was actually improvised.

“Ad lib. Made the cut. Ur welcome,” he wrote in response to one fan who asked if he “cared to comment” on Stabler’s line to Benson.

While Benson didn’t say anything in return, this isn’t the first time Stabler has used the “L” word.

In season 1 episode 4 of Organized Crime, Stabler — who was visibly struggling after the then-recent death of his wife, Kathy — makes an admission.

“Elliot, I’m here because your family is worried about you,” Benson pleaded. “They’re worried about you because of all the things that we have witnessed… Elliot, tell us what you need.”

Stabler then blurted out, “I love you,” to Benson, before attempting to save the awkward moment he created.

“I love all of you,” he finally said. “I … I don’t think I can do this.”

Benson and Stabler also had a near-kiss in season 24 episode 12 of SVU after the pair find themselves sharing an intimate moment one night in Benson’s apartment.

“I care for you,” Stabler admitted, then moving closer, adding, “Liv, look at me.”

After the pair touched foreheads, Stabler appeared to lean in to kiss her — but Benson pulled away.

“Elliot, I want to — I want to,” she said. “But I can’t.”

“Why not?” Stabler asked.

“Because what if it doesn’t work out?” Benson said.

“And what if things work out?” Stabler tried.

Benson, however, remained hesitant and eventually fully backed away.

“Elliot, I’m not ready for this,” she said, before repeating several times: “I’m not ready for this.”

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SVU airs Thursdays on NBC at 9 p.m. ET.