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NBC Insider Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Mariska Hargitay Revealed Benson and Stabler's Friendship Song, and It's Perfect

BRB, adding it to every playlist.

By Christopher Rosa
Benson Thanks Barba for Taking on a Tricky Case | NBC’s Law & Order: SVU

Mariska Hargitay (Benson on Law & Order: Special Victims Unit) and Christopher Meloni (Stabler on Law & Order: Organized Crime) are the best of friends. Diehard fans know this. What started out as a working relationship on SVU has evolved into a decades-long friendship that's just as vibrant off-screen as it is on. Thankfully, with crossover moments like September 22nd's Law & Order Premiere Event, we get to see these two interact both as "Bensler" and their IRL selves on a regular basis. And in a new Twitter chat with EW, Hargitay reveals even more tidbits about their friendship—including Benson and Stabler's song. Read on. 

How to Watch

Watch Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and next day on Peacock.

Twitter/EW: If you could play any other character in the Law & Order universe, who would it be and why?

Mariska Hargitay: I wouldn’t want to play another character. I’d want to be the boom operator. Best arm and shoulder workout there is. 

Who makes you laugh the most on set?

Peter Scanavino comes up with so many characters, it’s amazing he remembers to play Carisi. He has me in stitches all day.

What’s your reaction to being frequently coined the “Queen of TV?”

To rule is to serve. And we all serve together. 

If you could choose a song that represents Benson and Stabler’s relationship, what would it be?

"Higher Love," Steve Winwood. 

What is Benson’s pump-up jam?

"September," Earth, Wind, and Fire.

Did you know Christoper Meloni was a “Zaddy” before the Internet did?

When Chris and I started working together on the show, the internet was 50 years away from being invented, so yes.

Watch Law & Order: SVU on NBC Thursdays at 9/8c and next day on Peacock.