

The unexciting reason Meloni left the show was the result of failed contract negotiations with the network.

So what exactly happened to Elliot Stabler? Why did this powerful and electrifying detective leave SVU? His sudden departure came without warning and left many fans with a lack of closure.
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Watching the endless reruns of the series on the USA network, one might feel like Stabler never left, yet there have been over 100 episodes produced without his character. Following Meloni’s departure in 2011, the series took some time to find its footing while audiences were forced to grow accustomed to Stabler’s absence and new detectives in his place. The two were the heartbeat of the show for over 250 shared episodes. But for many, what greatly contributed to the series’ charm for many years was the on-screen chemistry between Olivia Benson and her partner Elliot Stabler, portrayed by hunky blue-eyed powerhouse Christopher Meloni. It also boasts stellar actor retention Mariska Hargitay has portrayed Olivia Benson since the show’s inception, with Ice-T on board as Finn Tutuola since the second season, and the show has seen decade-plus performances from the likes of cast members Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, BD Wong and Tamara Tunie.
#Svu season 12 finale tv
primetime TV series on a major broadcast network. primetime TV series and the fifth longest-running scripted U.S.

It is currently the longest-running scripted live-action U.S. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit(1999 - ) is the longest-running entry in the Law & Order franchise. The departure shocked fans and rattled the show, breaking the dynamic between its two starring leads and forcing a replacement to be hired in his wake. Quick Answer: Christopher Meloni’s character Elliot Stabler had his final Law & Order: SVU appearance in the Season 12 finale, his character officially resigning off-camera in the Season 13 premiere.
