Some might complain about TV shows that go on "too long" but one TV hit that we'll never tire of — even if it is in the midst of its 26th season — is Law and Order: SVU. This is, of course, largely thanks to the woman leading the series.
Since 1999, SVU fans have watched Mariska Hargitay as Detective Olivia Benson, a fierce and devoted cop who we've seen rise up the ranks to be Captain Benson of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit. And although tonight's episode will only be the fourth of season 26 so far, fans have started to wonder if there will be a season 27 of the hit show, but more importantly, is there a chance our fearless leader might be leaving her squad soon? Recently, the 60-year-old actress gave some insight into retirement.
In an exclusive with E! News, Mariska shared that she has thought about retirement, but thankfully for fans, it doesn't seem to be something she plans to do in the near future. "I have thought about that," Mariska told the outlet. "Not yet. Just thought about it for way later. But I'm open."
Along with Ice-T, Mariska is the only other SVU cast member who has been on the show since it originally premiered in 1999, and although she doesn't have any concrete plans to leave anytime soon, she did say that whenever she does she knows it'll be the right time.
"I'm a very active person with a lot of irons in the fire," Mariska said to E! News. "I am somebody who follows the signs. I trust that the future will be right and that I will be where I'm supposed to be. I'm very engaged and fulfilled at SVU right now and there's definitely things that I want to do and achieve challenge myself with."
In fact, speaking of the future, Mariska actually teased major news in the same interview, sharing only a hint of information about a secret project she has been working on. "I will have a big, big announcement in January," she said.
Talk about leaving us eager with anticipation! Luckily, we still get to watch her on-screen every Thursday on NBC at 9 E.T. (or stream on Peacock) until we find out her big news in the new year!
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) covers holiday, gift guide, travel, and lifestyle content at Good Housekeeping. She has a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runner’s World, NBC New York/NY 4 and Woman’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-focused content.
