The SVU Shakeup: Why Two Detectives Left And Who's Taking Over In Season 27

The landscape of the Special Victims Unit is shifting dramatically. As of today, December 18, 2025, the long-running NBC procedural Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is bracing for one of its most significant cast shake-ups in recent years, heading into its highly anticipated Season 27. The core team led by Captain Olivia Benson will look noticeably different following the exit of two series regulars, a move that has stunned many loyal viewers who have grown attached to the squad's dynamic.

The changes come hot on the heels of Season 26’s conclusion, which saw the departure of two key detectives, creating a void in the squad room that will need to be filled. While the exits of Octavio Pisano’s Detective Joe Velasco and Juliana Aidén Martinez’s Detective Kate Silva mark the end of an era for those characters, the promotion of a familiar face promises to inject a fresh dynamic into the show’s narrative as it sails toward its historic 27th season.

The Departing and Ascending Stars: A Full Biography Profile

The recent cast changes involve both beloved departures and a significant promotion, reshaping the ensemble that supports Mariska Hargitay's Captain Olivia Benson and Ice-T's Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola. Here is a detailed look at the actors at the center of the latest SVU cast news.

• The Chilling True Story 5 Key Facts About Richard Evonitz The Serial Killer Who Kidnapped Kara Robinson Chamberlain Xpjje

Octavio Pisano (Detective Joe Velasco)

• Role on SVU: Detective Joe Velasco (Seasons 23–26)
• Character Arc: Velasco joined the squad as an undercover detective from the Bronx Gang Unit, often bringing a complicated past and a nuanced perspective to cases. His character was known for his loyalty to Benson and his occasionally morally grey methods.
• Biography: Octavio Pisano is a Mexican-American actor born on May 25, 1986, in Tijuana, Mexico. Before joining the Dick Wolf universe, Pisano gained recognition for his work in the television series Coyote and the soap opera If Loving You Is Wrong, where he played Julius Escada Jr. from 2014 to 2017. His role in Law & Order: SVU was his most high-profile to date.
• Exit Details: Velasco's character was written out by being recruited by the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), providing a definitive, in-universe explanation for his absence.

Juliana Aidén Martinez (Detective Kate Silva)

• Role on SVU: Detective Kate Silva (Season 26)
• Character Arc: Detective Silva was the newest addition to the squad, joining in Season 26. She was often portrayed as a sharp, young detective learning the ropes of the Special Victims Unit under Benson's command.
• Biography: Juliana Aidén Martinez is an American actress whose career has been rapidly ascending. While her tenure on SVU was brief, she has appeared in other notable projects, including the television series Prodigal Son.
• Exit Details: Martinez's exit was a surprise to many, as her character's departure was not explicitly addressed in the Season 26 finale. Reports suggest the actress was cast in another series within the Dick Wolf production family, possibly The FBI, which is a common practice when actors move from one Wolf show to another.

Kevin Kane (Detective Terry Bruno)

• Role on SVU: Detective Terry Bruno (Season 24–Present)
• Character Arc: Bruno was first introduced as a recurring character, a detective from the Bronx who often assisted the SVU team. His no-nonsense attitude and solid police work quickly made him a fan favorite, leading to his promotion to series regular status.
• Biography: Kevin Kane is an American actor, director, and producer born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is an alumnus of Coastal Carolina University, where he studied theatre. Prior to SVU, Kane was well-known for his various roles on the sketch comedy series Inside Amy Schumer from 2013 to 2022. His promotion is a significant step, cementing his place as a core member of the squad.

Molly Burnett (Detective Grace Muncy)

• Role on SVU: Detective Grace Muncy (Season 24)
• Character Arc: Muncy was a young, tech-savvy detective who brought a modern edge to the unit. She was a series regular for Season 24.
• Biography: Molly Kathleen Burnett, born April 23, 1988, is an American actress with a strong background in daytime television, earning three Daytime Emmy nominations for her role on Days of Our Lives.
• Exit Details: Muncy's departure occurred at the end of Season 24 when her character was offered a position on a special task force, a clean exit that left the door open for future guest appearances. Burnett is now focusing on other projects, including producing and starring in an upcoming indie sci-fi film.

The Shifting Sands of the SVU Squad Room

The departures of Detective Velasco and Detective Silva mean that Captain Benson will once again find herself with a depleted team, a recurring theme throughout the show's 26-year history. The loss of two detectives so close to the new season premiere creates a narrative vacuum that the writers and the new showrunner will need to address immediately.

Detective Joe Velasco’s exit is arguably the most impactful of the recent changes. Octavio Pisano had been a series regular since Season 23, providing a consistent presence and a bridge to the more street-level, undercover work often featured in the series. His recruitment by the DEA, while a positive career move for the character, removes a key investigator from the precinct.

The departure of Detective Kate Silva, played by Juliana Aidén Martinez, is notable for its abruptness. Having only been a series regular for a single season, her character's absence was not given an emotional send-off or even an in-show explanation in the Season 26 finale. This lack of narrative closure suggests a more sudden, behind-the-scenes decision, likely related to the actress's casting in other projects within the Dick Wolf television empire. This quick turnover highlights the volatile nature of the supporting cast in the Law & Order universe.

• Shania Twains Bold Statement Why The Star Chose Nude Photoshoots At 57 Qf9cg

The Rise of Detective Bruno and New Dynamics

The good news for the 16th Precinct is the official promotion of Kevin Kane's Detective Terry Bruno to a series regular. Bruno, who first appeared in Season 24, quickly established himself as a reliable, seasoned detective with a dry wit and a strong moral compass. His promotion ensures that the squad has at least one experienced investigator to partner with Sergeant Fin Tutuola and support Captain Benson.

The new dynamic for Season 27 will likely focus on the established partnership between Benson and Fin, with Detective Bruno stepping up as the most senior detective. This gives the show a chance to deepen Bruno’s character, exploring his backstory and his relationship with the veterans. This shift also opens the door for new, yet-to-be-announced detectives to join the squad, potentially bringing in fresh perspectives and new conflicts to the investigative process.

What the New Showrunner Has Planned for Season 27

The cast changes are happening concurrently with a major creative transition behind the scenes. Showrunner Michele Fazekas has taken the helm of Law & Order: SVU, and her vision for Season 27 is expected to bring about surprising changes to the show’s storytelling.

• The Unseen Story Jessica Simpsons Battle For Privacy And Body Image In A Digital Age Mlvqa

Fazekas has an established track record in television, and her leadership suggests a fresh approach to the series that has been on the air for over a quarter of a century. A new showrunner often means a renewed focus on character development and a shift in the overall tone and thematic elements of the show. Fans are anticipating how Fazekas will handle the aftermath of the recent departures and how she plans to evolve the storyline for Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson.

One of the most exciting aspects teased for the upcoming season is the potential for more crossover events and a deeper exploration of the interconnected Dick Wolf universe. The departure of Velasco to the DEA, for example, is a perfect narrative device that allows the character to potentially reappear in other shows, maintaining topical authority across the franchise.

The Lingering Question of Amanda Rollins

While not a permanent cast member, the status of Kelli Giddish's Detective Amanda Rollins remains a constant point of interest for the fanbase. Rollins left as a series regular in 2022 but has returned for guest appearances, including the Season 25 premiere. The showrunner's comments and reports suggest that the door is always open for Rollins to return, which could provide a much-needed emotional anchor for Captain Benson amidst the current cast volatility.

The combination of a new showrunner, the promotion of Detective Bruno, and the unexpected exits of Detectives Velasco and Silva sets the stage for a Season 27 that is guaranteed to feel fresh and unpredictable. Fans should prepare for a new era of the Special Victims Unit, one that maintains the show's legacy while embracing significant change.