The banter between on-screen brothers Elliot and Randall Stabler transcends television and is on full display in real life between the actors who play them.
“Our relationship is so good that I feel in a place of trust to be able to say that I never wanted him in my life,” says Chris Meloni, who plays Elliot Stabler on “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” of his TV bro Dean Norris, who cackles at Meloni’s answer during a chat with TODAY.com.
“So true,” Norris responds.
The two reprise their roles on the drama, which is moving from NBC to Peacock and returns for Season Five Thursday, April 17. The shift to streaming from network TV also means the show will contain cursing — much to the delight of fans and the actors.
When Norris is informed Meloni previously told TODAY.com he would like to see his character curse at brother Randall first, he had some fighting words to share in response.
“He’s nervous that Randall might be trying to hit on Benson,” Norris says.
Benson is, of course, Capt. Olivia Benson and is played by Mariska Hargitay, a special guest star in an upcoming “OC” episode written by Meloni.
“I think he’s feeling a little jealous,” Norris continues. “I think me and Mariska have a little thing. I mean, just saying!”
The feeling appears to be mutual, as Hargitay left comments on Norris’ most recent posts about his April 14 appearance on TODAY and the upcoming season of “OC.”
“So ready,” Hargitay commented on Norris’ post about Season Five.
When asked if he’s jealous about Hargitay leaving comments on Norris’ posts, Meloni says, “She had one scene with him, and she goes, ‘Who is this Dean Norris? I love him.’
“I mean, she fell so hard for this,” Meloni continues, gesturing at Norris. “For this!”
“Yeah, baby. She’s got good taste,” Norris chimes in, adding Hargitay “had 20 years of falling” for Meloni.
Hargitay and Meloni started out together on “Law & Order: SVU” in 1999 as partners Benson and Stabler.
Meloni left “SVU” in 2011 after 12 seasons but began reprising his role as Stabler in April 2021 on “OC.” Benson and Stabler have since crossed over to each other’s shows multiple times.
In addition to Episode Two of “OC,” they will share the screen on this week’s episode of “SVU,” according to a recent promo.
In honor of the return of “OC,” Episode One will air at 10 p.m. ET on NBC after “SVU.” Both Episodes One and Two will be available to stream on Peacock that same day, April 17.
(Peacock is part of our parent company, NBCUniversal.)
