Crossovers between Dick Wolf’s expansive television universe have given fans plenty of thrilling cases, unexpected alliances, and memorable moments. But few people realize that one of the most intriguing crossovers never quite made it to screen: a potential romance between Chicago P.D.’s Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) and Law & Order: SVU’s Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).
When Chicago P.D. first launched in 2014, NBC leaned heavily on SVU to establish the new show’s credibility. Voight, introduced in Chicago Fire and later connected to Benson’s SVU squad, quickly proved to be a complex and morally gray character. His no-nonsense style and willingness to bend the rules made him both a natural ally and a foil for Benson, whose unwavering moral compass defines her leadership.
Behind the scenes, producers toyed with the idea of pushing this dynamic beyond professional respect and into romantic territory. For longtime fans, it’s easy to see why. Both characters carry the weight of trauma, both are fiercely protective of their teams, and both navigate the impossible balance of justice and compassion. A romance could have deepened their storylines, offering a surprising yet believable connection between two of Wolf’s most iconic leaders.
Jason Beghe himself acknowledged the chemistry between the characters, noting in interviews that there was “something there” when Voight and Benson shared scenes. The crossover episodes they did appear in were charged with mutual understanding, often showing moments of quiet empathy beneath their tough exteriors. Fans noticed too, sparking speculation about whether NBC would actually bring the two together.
Ultimately, the idea was shelved. Creative teams decided that a romance might distract from the shows’ central themes, especially as Benson’s arc on SVU was moving her toward independent leadership after years of defining herself through her partnerships. Similarly, Voight’s trajectory on Chicago P.D. leaned into his darker tendencies and ongoing battles with corruption and loss — arcs that might have clashed with the demands of a high-profile cross-show romance.
Still, the “what if” lingers. Fans continue to imagine how the pairing might have played out, especially given the strength of both characters. Would Benson have softened Voight’s harder edges? Would Voight’s brutal pragmatism have challenged Benson’s ideals? The relationship could have been as explosive as it was fascinating.
In the end, their bond remains rooted in mutual respect and professional trust — a reminder that even in Wolf’s sprawling TV universe, not every connection has to turn romantic. Yet the near-romance between Voight and Benson stands as one of the great “almosts” in One Chicago and Law & Order crossover history, a tantalizing glimpse at a storyline that could have changed both series forever.
