Mariska Hargitay Sparks Wave of ‘SVU’ Fan Excitement With Photo Promising She’s ‘on the Case’

Fans of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit were thrilled to see proof this week that their favorite show already started filming for its next season, thanks to an update from Mariska Hargitay .

The procedural crime drama, which made history last year by airing its record 25th season, was renewed in the spring for a 26th go-around. NBC announced earlier this month that the new season will premiere in October .

On Friday , July 19, Hargitay fueled fan excitement when she shared a photo on social media from the set of SVU. The snap was taken earlier that day while filming in New York City.

“On the case,” she wrote simply to caption the Instagram image , which showed her dressed in character wearing black pants, a black jacket and a burgundy top. Though a pair of large dark sunglasses hid her eyes, her mouth was slightly pursed, giving her a serious expression as she looked toward the camera.

“Welcome back Captain 😎,” one fan wrote in the post’s comment section as others echoed similar greetings to Hargitay’s character, Captain Olivia Benson. While her character has climbed the ranks throughout the show, Hargitay has remained a constant presence since SVU first premiered in 1999.

“Our Captain is back in action!! Season 26, we bow in the presence of your legendary iconicness!! 🙌🏿👏🏿🙇🏿‍♀️,” one fan applauded as another urged Hargitay to “slay all s26 😍.”

“Benson on the Beat!” one person cheered while another declared there is “No one better for the job👏🏼🔥.”

“Benson is backkkk to solve some cases!! The look is serving, the hair is on point every season, the glasses is a slay. You are the biggest icon of em all,” one Instagram user gushed.

The Season 26 premiere of SVU is scheduled to air on Thursday, Oct. 3, at 9 p.m. ET on NBC.

Next: Mariska Hargitay Hits the Beach With 'SVU' Co-Stars Kelli Giddish and Peter Scanavino