'Law & Order: SVU' news: Mariska Hargitay and Chris Meloni tease fans with a Benson-Stabler reunion

It has been over five seasons now since "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" fans were subjected to arguably one of the most heartbreaking news on the police procedural: there would be no more Benson and Stabler as Chris Meloni abruptly left the show. Since then, countless petitions to bring back the actor to the Manhattan precinct to reprise his iconic character have swirled around the internet with the hopes that there is some way to hopefully make things work out.

So when Meloni suddenly popped out in an Instagram photo with his former onscreen partner Mariska Hargitay just before Christmas, fans went into a frenzy. The two, who look rather cozy with each other in the snap, have treated longtime followers to a glimmer of hope that just maybe the two will soon be back in action on screen. Unfortunately, it does not seem to be the case as the reunion is nothing more than two good friends catching up over the holidays.

It is no secret that despite Meloni's sudden departure from the Dick Wolf-created show because of pay disputes, he and Hargitay remained friends over the course of the years that they reunite once every so often. And now, with the power of social media, the two's run-ins can now be documented and shared with the online community as a treat for fans.

The small screen duo played partners in "Law & Order: SVU" for more than a decade and despite their chemistry being undeniably palpable, the show did not jump on the opportunity to tread a romantic link. It is possible that it could be part of the undying fascination that someday soon, Stabler and Benson will work on a case once again.

Former showrunner Warren Leight who exited the show just after season 17 wrapped up has been eager about bringing back Meloni into the Manhattan precinct although that did not come to fruition. Still, it would definitely be a missed opportunity from the long-running police procedural if they do not tap on the clamor for Stabler's supposed return. It would definitely make an interesting story given that a lot has already happened since he stepped in his former office with Benson climbing her way on the power ladder. That is, on top of the changes in personnel which now houses Finn (Ice T) and with the rest of the squad arguably new. Furthermore, the lieutenant's new personal life as a mother to Noah and the highly rumored engagement to Tucker (Robert John Burke) also pose some intriguing narrative.

"Law & Order: SVU" season 18 is scheduled to be back with new episodes starting Jan. 11 on NBC.