Christopher Meloni on the Cancellation of ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’

Christopher Meloni is saying goodbye to Elliot Stabler, the ‘Law & Order’ detective he has played on and off since 1999.

News broke on Thursday that ‘Law & Order: Organized Crime’ has been canceled after five seasons. Although Meloni occasionally stops by “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 that ‘Organized Crime’ is not coming back. I wanted to take this moment to thank the fans who not only contributed to the life and longevity of Elliot Stabler’s character, but also for sticking with him and welcoming him back. It’s been a good ride,” said Meloni said in an Instagram video on Thursday evening. “I loved playing with him. It was a great ride. Thank you. You helped give me a career I never dreamed of for almost seventeen years.”

Meloni led ‘Special Victims Unit’ opposite Mariska Hargitay, who plays Olivia Benson, from the series premiere in 1999 through the twelfth season in 2011. In 2021, he returned to the franchise as a guest star on ‘SVU’ while launching the spin-off ‘Organized Crime’ 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 as a guest star on the flagship “Law & Order” in three episodes over the years; the flagship series has yet to be renewed. “SVU” returns in the fall for season 28.