"Something Appealing About a Flawed Hero": Law & Order's Christopher Meloni Breaks Down His Character's Longevity From 'SVU' to 'Organized Crime

The undertaking of returning to a character after an absence can be daunting for any actor. When Christopher Meloni left Law & Order: Special Victims Unit after 12 seasons of playing Detective Elliot Stabler, the character's departure was abrupt, and had lasting effects for seasons to come, particularly on Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson. In Season 22 of SVU, Meloni and his character made a shocking return to the franchise in the episode "Return of the Prodigal Son" before going on to lead his own show, Law & Order: Organized Crime. Now, ahead of being honored at the North Fork TV Festival, Meloni talked with TV Insider about returning to the character.