Mariska Hargitay and Jalen Brunson have developed an surprising friendship, with the “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” star and New York Knicks level guard usually exhibiting their assist for one another. Now, their friendship is crossing into the actress’ longtime tv world. Hargitay just lately confirmed that Brunson is “undoubtedly” showing within the procedural crime present, although followers must wait to see what function the athlete will play.
Mariska Hargitay and Jalen Brunson are shut buddies, and the actress supported the NBA star throughout the Knicks’ current championship run. Now, Brunson is stepping out of the court docket and crossing over into the world of leisure.
Since Brunson expressed his need to seem within the long-running sequence, followers have been ready to seek out out if it could ever occur.
At a current occasion, Hargitay, who has starred as Olivia Benson in “Legislation & Order: SVU” since 1999 and likewise serves as an govt producer, confirmed to Variety that Brunson will certainly make a visitor look.
Hargitay mentioned the script isn’t fairly prepared but, but it surely’s “within the works,” including, “Nevertheless it’s taking place. It’s undoubtedly taking place.”
The Actress Says Jalen Is ‘Open And Prepared’ For Any Position
After the Knicks received the NBA championship in June, breaking a 53-year drought, Brunson was requested what his subsequent huge plans had been, to which he replied, “Attempt to get on ‘SVU’.”
Hargitay mentioned Brunson didn’t say what sort of function he needed, however she believes the athlete may do something.
“He’s sort of magnificent that approach. He’s simply open and prepared. I don’t assume there’s a lot that Jalen can’t do,” the actress mentioned. The reporter then requested if she desires to get Brunson an Emmy nod, and she or he jokingly mentioned, “I don’t assume he can deal with any extra awards, to be trustworthy.”
Brunson obtained many accolades throughout the 2026 NBA season, together with NBA Finals MVP, Japanese Convention Finals MVP, and three particular person awards on the ESPYs: Greatest Athlete, Greatest NBA Participant, and Greatest Championship Efficiency.
Jalen Brunson Was On Mariska Hargitay’s ‘SVU’ Bucket Checklist
“SVU” has been on the air for nearly 27 years, and plenty of huge names have appeared as visitor stars, together with Whoopi Goldberg, Bradley Cooper, Robin Williams, Jeremy Irons, and Cynthia Nixon, amongst others.
In a visitor look on TODAY in Might, Hargitay revealed that there have been two folks she had on her bucket listing when it got here to “Legislation & Order: SVU” visitor stars, and so they’re each near her coronary heart. “Two folks, and so they each begin with ‘J.’ Jamie Lee Curtis and my Jalen Brunson,” she revealed.
A number of months later, the actress went on the present once more and coyly teased Brunson’s potential look, telling anchor Savannah Guthrie, “I’m hoping we’d – don’t inform anybody, however – see him on ‘SVU’… However we’ve obtained some issues within the works.”
Inside Mariska Hargitay And Jalen Brunson’s Friendship
Hargitay and Brunson’s friendship grew out of mutual admiration. The actress is a faithful New York Knicks fan and repeatedly attends video games, whereas Brunson mentioned he has watched “SVU” since he was a toddler.
In an episode of “The Roommates Show” podcast in Might 2025, Brunson shared that “Legislation & Order: SVU” was a staple in his dwelling. “The older I obtained, the extra I watched. The extra I see now, I’m like, ‘I’ve seen that episode,’ I’ve seen so many various episodes,” Brunson mentioned, including that it’s his “pregame present.”
The 2 shaped an on the spot bond when the actress discovered the athlete was a fan, and so they have supported one another since. In June, Hargitay joined the athlete and his household on their float on the New York Knicks’ victory parade.
‘Legislation & Order: SVU’ Season 28 Is In Manufacturing
“Legislation & Order: SVU” is at present on its summer time break, following the Season 27 finale in mid-Might. Stories say manufacturing on Season 28 has begun. Whereas Hargitay didn’t reveal when Brunson will make his visitor look, it is going to most certainly be throughout the upcoming season.
“Legislation & Order: SVU” Season 28 is scheduled to premiere on October 8.
