Christopher Meloni Jokes About 'Freshly Unemployed' Status After 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Cancellation, Reunites with Mariska Hargitay

Christopher Meloni is turning a career setback into a lighthearted reunion with an old friend. The actor, best known for his role as Detective Elliot Stabler, recently shared photos on Instagram with his former Law & Order: Special Victims Unit co-star Mariska Hargitay, following the cancellation of Law & Order: Organized Crime.

Meloni played Stabler for 12 seasons on SVU and five seasons on Organized Crime. On Friday, he posted a series of selfies featuring himself and Hargitay enjoying a meal together. The photos also included a surprise cameo from actress Rachel McAdams.

In the caption, Meloni wrote,

"What one does on a random Thursday when still in LA and freshly unemployed. Dinner hang with pals."

The cancellation of Organized Crime was announced by Peacock just over a week before Meloni’s post. In response, the actor shared an emotional farewell video on Instagram, thanking fans for their support.

In the video, Meloni said,

"I just saw that they announced ‘OC,’ ‘Organized Crime,’ won’t be coming back. So, I want 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."

He added,

"Good ride. It was a good ride. I had a great time playing him… it was a great ride. But thank you. You helped give me a career that I never dreamed of. Nearly 17, 17 odd years."

Meloni has portrayed Stabler since Law & Order: SVU debuted in 1999. He returned to the franchise in Organized Crime in 2021 on NBC, where it aired for four seasons before moving to Peacock for its final season.

Despite the cancellation of Organized Crime, Law & Order: SVU was renewed for Season 28 at NBC. Both shows are available to stream on Peacock.