Mariska Hargitay Praises Taylor Swift’s Acting — and ‘Best Cookies’ — on Emmys ‘SVU’ Set

Mariska Hargitay says that working with Taylor Swift on the set of their Emmys Law & Order: SVU sketch was sweet — literally and figuratively.

While speaking to People for a story published Wednesday (Oct. 7), the actress opened up about what it was like to have the pop superstar join her in the SVU universe. After playing Capt. Olivia Benson on the drama series for going into 28 seasons, she and her costars welcomed in “rookie” Det. Swift to help solve a mystery in a spoof that aired during Hargitay’s debut hosting stint at the 2026 award show.

“Taylor Swift showed up on the set of SVU with a box this big of sourdough chocolate chip cookies, and I was so blown away because she made them,” the TV star told the outlet. “They might have been the best cookies I’ve ever had, and it was extraordinary.”

But the 14-time Grammy winner’s baking skills weren’t the only highlight of getting Swift involved in the segment. “We just had such a great time,” Hargitay said. “It was so cozy and familiar, and she’s such a pro, and she was such a great sport to do anything and everything.”

“She’s such a good actor and so charming and charismatic,” she added. “It was such a thrill for everybody — not only obviously me and the cast, but for everybody, the entire crew. She is extraordinary.”

Aside from the pre-filmed cameo, Swift wasn’t present at the 2026 Emmys. The question of whether she would attend was actually the subject of the meta SVU skit; Benson and her team attempted to crack the case using “Swiftie” logic, but only after the Eras headliner appeared to help them did they finally conclude she’d be busy supporting Travis Kelce at the Kansas City Chiefs game the night of the ceremony.

“Well, that case is solved: Taylor Swift will not be at the Emmys,” Hargitay said at the end of the spoof, to which Swift said cheekily, “Maybe she’s gonna do one of those cool pre-taped sketch things to support the host.”

Swift also used the skit as an opportunity to drop some Easter eggs, which ended up teasing The Life of a Showgirl: The Encore, a deluxe edition of her 2025 album that dropped at the end of September and featured four new tracks: Billboard Hot 100-topper “Patient Zero,” “Pink Clouding,” “Babylon” and “Cleveland!”