‘Law & Order: SVU’ Casting: Chris Meloni Considering A Return As Detective Stabler?

“Law & Order: SVU” hasn’t been the same since Chris Meloni, who played Olivia Benson’s partner Elliot Stabler, left that show — at least, that’s what some loyal fans of the show think. It seems, however, there’s a chance we haven’t seen the last of the hot-tempered detective.

ET Online caught up with Meloni, 56, during the NRDC Stand Up for the Planet Benefit to gauge his feelings on returning to “Law & Order: SVU.” The actor, who left the show ahead of Season 13, hasn’t ruled out the possibility, though he admits that there are a few stipulations.

“I have always said I would be open to it,” he told ET. “[The] circumstances have to be right, that is all.”

Meloni recently reunited with former “Law & Order: SVU” co-star Mariska Hargitay.The pair posed together for a photo on Instagram, which sent fans into a frenzy. Hargitay shared the picture, which showed her TV detective counterpart planting a kiss on her cheek.

This isn’t uncommon for Hargitay and Meloni. In fact, the pair — who are close friends off the set of “Law & Order: SVU” — regularly spend time together and occasionally invite fans to be a part of it. They shared a selfie before Christmas 2016, smiling from ear-to-ear.

Meloni left “Law & Order: SVU” after Season 12. Hargitay remains on the show, which is now in its 18th season. It doesn’t seem like Meloni’s return is in progress, or will be anytime soon, but we remain hopeful we’ll see Stabler and Benson back in action again one day.