"Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" debuted in 1999 and quickly became one of the best crime shows of all time . That same year, sitcom juggernaut "Friends" launched its sixth season, where it was already among the most beloved TV comedies ever made. But both shows might have looked very different, according to "SVU" star Mariska Hargitay. She revealed in 2025 that she auditioned for the role of Monica Geller back in the early '90s. In fact, she says she auditioned more than once, testing for the role years before her shot at "SVU."

"I tested for 'Friends' so many times," Hargitay said while appearing on the "Good Hang" podcast hosted by Amy Poehler. The eventual "SVU" star says that, during that point in her career, she believed her future was anywhere but in a police drama. Hargitay was

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