Mariska Hargitay Named Her Dream SVU Guest Stars: “They Both Start with J…”

And the SVU icon is ready to “manifest” it into existence. 

The lineup of guest stars across the 27-season history of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit reads like a who’s-who in Hollywood. But as it turns out, there are still a few stars out who Mariska Hargitay would like to bring on board for an episode or two alongside Captain Olivia Benson.

During a May 2026 visit to TODAY, Hargitay sat down for a conversation with co-anchor Savannah Guthrie. As the topic of future Law & Order: SVU guest stars came up, Guthrie asked Hargitay who is left on her own personal “bucket list.”

“Is there anyone on your bucket list? Like, your dream guest star that you haven’t had yet?” Guthrie asked. “You’ve had everywhere on there. I mean, Viola Davis, Robin Williams, Bradley Cooper. Is there someone you’re like, ‘Gotta get them on the show’?”

Hargitay didn’t hesitate at all when she answered. 

“Two people, and they both start with ‘J,'” Hargitay teased. “Jamie Lee Curtis and my Jalen Brunson.”

The longtime Law & Order: SVU icon is close with both famous stars, so it shouldn’t surprise any fan to hear that she wants her two close friends to appear in a future episode. After all, Hargitay never passes up an opportunity to pose for a selfie with the actress, with whom she has a “fierce female friendship.”

It’s also well documented how much of a fan Hargitay is of New York Knicks superstar Brunson — she frequently cheers on the perennial NBA all-star from her court-side seat during Knicks home games at Madison Square Garden. The two have a sweet real-life friendship that has even stirred up jealousy in Ben Stiller!

So, will Hargitay actually be able to procure Curtis and Brunson for a guest stint on SVU? Guthrie sure thinks so.

“Okay, let us manifest, and I have to say, when you manifest, things happen,” Guthrie said.

“They do — and I think they’re both gonna happen,” Hargitay said. “They’re both a little bit busy right now, but I’ll wait, I’ll wait.”

In an adorable moment, Guthrie then offered to appear as an extra in SVU in the meantime, “if you need anyone standing around.”

Hargitay, who has been an executive producer on the show since Season 15, was on board. “Savannah, good to know, we can make that happen!”