Mariska Hargitay’s Greatest ‘SVU’ Moments Airing This September
NBC Celebrates Mariska Hargitay with Special "Law & Order: SVU" Marathon
What’s Happening?
NBC is throwing a television party for one of TV’s most beloved detectives! On September 10th, the network will air three special episodes of "Law & Order: SVU" back-to-back to celebrate the amazing Mariska Hargitay, who plays Captain Olivia Benson.
Important Point: This marathon airs just four days before the 2026 Emmy Awards, where Mariska will make history as the first woman to host the ceremony in 15 years!
The Marathon Lineup
Mark your calendars for September 10th! Here are the three episodes airing in a row:
| Time | Episode | Why It’s Special |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 PM | "Charisma" | Emmy-nominated episode (originally aired Nov. 16, 2004) |
| 9:00 PM | "911" | Emmy-WINNING episode (originally aired Oct. 4, 2005) |
| 10:00 PM | "Undercover" | Emmy-nominated episode (originally aired April 15, 2008) |
Important Point: The 9:00 PM episode "911" is the one where Mariska actually won her Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress!
Why Is Mariska Hargitay Such a Big Deal?
She’s Been There Since the Beginning
- Joined the show in 1999 when it first started
- That’s over 25 years as Captain Olivia Benson!
- The show is now heading into its 28th season (starting October 8th)
Award-Winning Performer
- 8 Emmy nominations for her role as Captain Benson
- 1 Emmy WIN (for that "911" episode you’ll see at 9 PM!)
- 2 Golden Globe nominations with 1 win
She Does It All Now
- Actress – Still starring as Captain Benson
- Executive Producer – Helps run the show behind the scenes
- Director – Sometimes directs episodes herself!
Beyond SVU: Documentary Success
Mariska also got TWO more Emmy nominations for her documentary "My Mom Jayne":
- Outstanding Documentary or Nonfiction Special
- Outstanding Directing for a Documentary/Nonfiction Program
Fun Facts About "Law & Order: SVU"
- Longest-running prime-time live-action series in TV history
- 600th episode coming up later this year!
- New episodes air on NBC, then stream the next day on Peacock
- Created by the legendary Dick Wolf (he’s the executive producer)
How to Watch
The Marathon
- Date: September 10th
- Channel: NBC
- Time: 8:00 PM → 11:00 PM (three hours total)
- No cable? Check if your streaming service carries NBC live
Regular Season 28
- Premiere Date: October 8th
- Channel: NBC
- Streaming: Next day on Peacock
Summary
NBC is honoring Mariska Hargitay with a three-episode "SVU" marathon on September 10th featuring her Emmy-winning performance in "911" plus two other nominated episodes. This leads right into the 2026 Emmy Awards where she’ll make history as host — the first woman in 15 years! Mariska has been the heart of "SVU" since 1999, earning 8 Emmy nods, a win, and now serves as executive producer and director too. The show itself is a record-breaker heading into Season 28 with its 600th episode on the way.
FAQ
Q: Do I need to have watched SVU before to enjoy this marathon?
A: Not at all! These are three standalone episodes showcasing Mariska’s best acting. You’ll understand each story without prior knowledge.
Q: What time zone is the 8 PM start time?
A: The schedule lists Eastern Time. Check your local NBC affiliate for exact times in other time zones.
Q: Can I watch these episodes later if I miss the marathon?
A: Yes! Episodes typically appear on Peacock the next day, and these older episodes may already be in Peacock’s library.
Q: Why is Mariska hosting the Emmys a big deal?
A: She’ll be the first woman to host solo in 15 years — the last was Jane Lynch in 2011. It’s a historic moment for representation!
Q: Is Season 28 really the 28th season?
A: Yes! "SVU" premiered in 1999 and has aired continuously since, making it TV’s longest-running prime-time drama.