Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 7 hrs ago
Law & Order: SVU marks 600 episodes with Benson and Stabler revisiting an old case
Law & Order: SVU has reached 600 episodes, a rare milestone for a scripted television show.
Mariska Hargitay has played Olivia Benson since the series began in 1999, and Christopher Meloni returns as her former partner, Elliot Stabler.
In “Obedience,” Benson and Stabler reopen the 1998 rape and murder of a young nun after a jury consultant argues that the man in prison may be innocent.
Their investigation points to a retired priest, while also bringing past mistakes and tensions between the former partners back into view.
Hargitay is reported to earn nearly $850,000 per episode in the show’s 28th season, where she also serves as an executive producer.
Fifteen more episodes remain this season, according to the showrunner.
Mariska Hargitay reportedly earns nearly $850,000 per episode of Law & Order: SVU, according to a Variety report cited by several outlets.
The reported salary comes as the NBC series reaches its 600th episode.
Hargitay has played Olivia Benson since the show premiered in 1999 and has been an executive producer since season 15.
The milestone episode, titled “Obedience,” features Christopher Meloni returning as Elliot Stabler.
Hargitay said the episode explores a woman finding her voice and the power dynamics in relationships.
- Who
- Mariska Hargitay, star of Law & Order: SVU.
- What
- She reportedly earns nearly $850,000 per episode, according to a Variety report.
- When
- The report was published on November 12, 2026.
- Where
- On the NBC series Law & Order: SVU.
- Why
- The sources say her executive producer role, which began with season 15, increased her pay.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Law & Order: SVU premiered, with Hargitay starring as Olivia Benson.
Christopher Meloni left the show after contract negotiations failed.
Hargitay added executive producer to her roles on the series.
Variety reported that Hargitay earns nearly $850,000 per episode.
The series aired its 600th episode, “Obedience,” featuring Meloni’s return.
- Reported pay
- Nearly $850,000 per episode, according to Variety
- Milestone
- 600th episode
- Episode title
- Obedience
- Hargitay’s role
- Olivia Benson
- Executive producer
- Since season 15
4 sources
‘Law & Order: SVU’ Goes Back to (Before) the Beginning With Its 600th Episode
Mariska Hargitay's eye-popping Law & Order: SVU salary is revealed as she celebrates 600 episodes
Mariska Hargitay’s Eye-Popping Law & Order: SVU Salary Revealed
Mariska Hargitay reflects on Law & Order: SVU milestone with surprise guest appearances
What people are saying
It's about a woman having her voice and being submissive or subservient in a way, or giving up our power or our instinct, and that's an important story to tell,
Every relationship is fraught,
That’s just doing television,