Christopher Meloni Says Goodbye to Stabler After ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ Cancellation: ‘It Was a Great Ride’

Christopher Meloni is saying something of a farewell to Elliot Stabler, the “Law & Order” detective he’s been playing on and off since 1999.

On Thursday, news broke that “Law & Order: Organized Crime” has been cancelled after five seasons. Though Meloni occasionally pops into “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” for guest appearances, the cancellation means he will no longer play Stabler full-time.

“I just saw that they announced ‘Organized Crime’ won’t be coming back. I wanted to take this moment to say thank you to the fans who not only helped give the character of Elliot Stabler life and longevity, but for sticking with him and welcoming him back. It was a good ride,” Meloni said in an Instagram video on Thursday night. “I had a great time playing him. It was a great ride. Thank you. You helped give me a career that I never dreamed of, nearly 17 odd years.”

Meloni led “Special Victims Unit” opposite Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, from the series premiere in 1999 through its 12th season in 2011. In 2021, he returned to the franchise as a guest star in “SVU” while launching the “Organized Crime” spinoff as the lead. “Organized Crime” aired on NBC for its first four seasons before moving to Peacock for Season 5, which streamed in 2025.

Meloni has also appeared in the flagship “Law & Order” as a guest star in three episodes over the years; the flagship series has yet to be renewed. “SVU” will return for Season 28 in the fall.