Christopher Meloni tears up over ‘Law and Order’ spinoff cancellation in emotional video

He teared up over the “good ride” portraying Detective Elliot Stabler.

“I had a great time playing him,” Meloni told his followers. “Thank you. You helped give me a career that I never dreamed of. Nearly 17 odd years.”

The Emmy nominee’s role as the beloved character began in 1999, alongside Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson.

While “Law & Order: SVU” is still going — currently on its 27th season — Meloni exited the series in 2011, only to return from 2021 on for recurring guest appearances.

His spinoff premiered that same year.

Hargitay was “devastated” by her co-star’s departure, she told “Call Her Daddy” podcast listeners in June 2025.

“It happened very quickly, and it was surprising. It was over a negotiation,” she recalled during last year’s interview. “And I tried everything I could to fix it and change it.”

However, Hargitay noted Meloni was “ready to go” and do “all these other great shows,” from “Happy!” to “The Handmaid’s Tale.”

As for their friendship, she said, “We are just connected. We are so close. It’s like we’ve been through the battle together. We know each other so well. We love each other so much. We respect each other so much.”

The actress, 62, sent Meloni her support in an Instagram comment on Thursday.

“Not a good bye but a see you later to the one and only Elliot Stabler,” she wrote. “I can’t wait to support you in everything you do next 🩷.”

Co-star Emilio Rivera, for his part, wrote, “Congratulations, It was great working with You. You will be back ,You have much more to do yet.”

Allison Siko chimed in, “Hope to work with you again in the future. Thank YOU, for everything.”