When Chris Meloni unexpectedly left the show, Mariska Hargitay found herself leading “Law & Order SVU” without her partner. Some doubted if she could handle the role on her own, but showrunner Warren Leight was confident in her abilities. He believed that the chemistry she had with Elliot was not the only thing she had going for her.

Despite the skepticism, Mariska proved her worth with the continued success of the show. Her character, Olivia Benson, became a trailblazer in the industry, paving the way for strong, empowered female characters like her. Mariska felt proud to see other characters following in Olivia’s footsteps and hoped for more representation on TV.

While Mariska has no immediate plans of leaving the show, she has thought about a fitting end for Olivia Benson. She envisions a conclusion where Olivia finds peace, balance, and love. And if the day comes when she decides to move on, she trusts that the show and the fans will support her decision.

Mariska compared her journey on “SVU” to a marathon, approaching the possibility of an exit with determination and energy. She sees the finish line as an opportunity to give it her all and sprint towards new horizons. The impact of her character and the show on audiences worldwide has motivated Mariska to continue making a difference on and off the screen.