Law and Order fans hopeful for Stabler and Benson reunion following spin-off news

'The thought of these crossovers is giving me life,' one excited fan wrote

(NBC)

A beloved character from Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is returning for their very own spin-off show, which has elated fans hoping for one special reunion.

It’s been announced that NBC is developing a brand new series from Dick Wolf, the producer behind the long-running TV franchise, fronted by Christopher Meloni’s Elliot Stabler.

Meloni, who left SVU nine years ago, will take centre stage in 13 episodes that will focus on his NYPD crime unit.

Considering it will be set in the same place as SVU, there is an opportunity for Stabler to cross paths with former partner Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay.

Meloni and Hargitay appeared on-screen together for 12 years and their partnership was a high point for many viewers.

Naturally, fans have been expressing their excitement over a potential reunion on social media.

It’s the first of many planned projects from Wolf, who recently signed a five-year deal with Universal Television worth nine figures.

The last fans saw of Meloni's character he had retired from the police force