In this week’s Sunday Sitdown, Mariska Hargitay joins Willie Geist for a discussion on the real-world impact of “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and her character Olivia Benson that she made her own more than 25 years ago.

SVU’s 26-season history, one element that has remained a fan-favorite is the relationship between Olivia Benson and Chris Stabler. Although Stabler isn't a regular on the show anymore, viewers remain invested in the dynamic between the two law enforcement officials.

"It’s really been a gift," Hargitay said of working on the show. "Because although it’s 26 years of one show, you know, there was the first 12 years with Chris Meloni, and (Richard) Belzer, and Dann Florek, and all these other people, and Stephanie March and Tamara Tunie ."

It is undeniable that Mariska Hargitay is the star of Law & Order: SVU. The actress has starred in the production since its first season, which premiered 26 years ago. Hargitay has been associated with the procedural TV series ever since, in which she plays the role of Olivia Benson.

SVU stars Mariska Hargitay and Christopher Meloni‘s friendship has spanned over more than two decades. Most recently, Hargitay recalled their sweet moments of auditioning together for the iconic crime drama show.

Celebrating more than 26 seasons and counting, few will deny that Dick Wolf captured lightning in a bottle with the creation of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and in a January TODAY interview, SVU legend Mariska Hargitay looked back on the "magical" final audition with Christopher Meloni that changed her life forever.

Mariska Hargitay talked about her plans for the future, revealing whether a departure from the series Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is among them.

Olivia Benson and Elliot Stabler almost locked lips! Hargitay shared how both actors went all out to make the scene just right.