The SVU Cast Shockwave: Kelli Giddish's Full-Time Return And The Power Players Of Season 27

The *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* cast is experiencing one of its biggest shake-ups in years, and the news is electrifying for dedicated fans of the long-running procedural. As of December 2025, the confirmed lineup for the landmark Season 27 features the return of a beloved series regular, ensuring the squad room drama remains as compelling as ever. This deep dive provides the most current information on who is—and who isn't—reporting for duty at the 16th Precinct. The core of the *Special Victims Unit* remains intact, anchored by the longest-running female character in a primetime live-action series, but the official cast list for Season 27 has expanded to include a fan-favorite who was dearly missed. This comprehensive profile breaks down the current cast, their characters, and the essential off-screen details that define the actors who bring this iconic Dick Wolf franchise to life.

The Unstoppable Pillars: Main Cast Biography & Profiles

The success of *Law & Order: SVU* rests squarely on the shoulders of its two longest-serving members, whose on-screen chemistry and off-screen dedication have cemented the show’s legacy. Their personal and professional lives are as rich and impactful as the characters they portray.

Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson

• Full Name: Mariska Magdolna Hargitay
• Date of Birth: January 23, 1964
• Birthplace: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
• Role on SVU: Captain Olivia Benson (formerly Detective, Sergeant, Lieutenant)
• SVU Tenure: Since 1999 (Season 1)
• Notable Off-Screen Work: Founder and President of the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization established in 2004 to support survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. She is a certified rape crisis counselor.
• Personal Life: Married to actor Peter Hermann (who also appeared on *SVU* as Defense Attorney Trevor Langan).

Hargitay’s portrayal of Captain Benson has made her an icon of strength and resilience. Her commitment extends beyond the screen through her Joyful Heart Foundation, which actively works to end the backlog of untested rape kits and provide healing to survivors. Her relentless advocacy mirrors the compassion of her on-screen counterpart, Olivia Benson, making her a true champion for the show’s themes.

Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola

• Full Name: Tracy Lauren Marrow
• Date of Birth: February 16, 1958
• Birthplace: Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
• Role on SVU: Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola (formerly Detective)
• SVU Tenure: Since 2000 (Season 2)
• Notable Off-Screen Work: Renowned rapper, musician, and actor. He is the lead vocalist of the heavy metal band Body Count, which actively tours and releases new music.
• Personal Life: Married to Coco Austin; they have one daughter.

Tracy Marrow, professionally known as Ice-T, is a rare talent who successfully navigates two demanding careers. While his character, Fin Tutuola, provides the show's sardonic wit and street smarts, Ice-T continues to perform with his Grammy-winning band, Body Count, showcasing his versatility in both hip-hop and heavy metal. His long tenure as Fin has made him the second longest-serving cast member in the history of the franchise.

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The Shockwave Return: Kelli Giddish is Back as a Series Regular

The biggest news to hit the *SVU* universe for Season 27 is the confirmation that Kelli Giddish will be returning as a full-time series regular, reprising her role as Sergeant Amanda Rollins. This announcement, made in the lead-up to the new season, has sent waves of excitement through the fanbase.

Giddish’s character, Detective Amanda Rollins, left the squad room in Season 24 to pursue a new career as a criminal justice professor at Fordham University, shortly after marrying A.D.A. Dominick Carisi Jr. While she made a few guest appearances, her full-time return as Sergeant Rollins indicates a major shift in her character's professional life, and potentially her marriage to Carisi.

The Future of 'Rollisi' in Season 27

The relationship between Rollins and A.D.A. Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr., affectionately dubbed "Rollisi" by fans, is one of the most compelling romantic storylines in *SVU* history. Rollins' return as a series regular alongside Peter Scanavino (who plays Carisi) means the dynamics of their married life will be a central focus. Their on-screen chemistry is a testament to the actors' mutual respect and long-standing working relationship, which fans are eager to see explored as they navigate two high-pressure careers in the same legal and law enforcement ecosystem.

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The Full Season 27 Squad: New Faces and Key Players

Beyond the core trio of Benson, Fin, and the returning Rollins, the *Special Victims Unit* team for Season 27 is rounded out by several other crucial players who keep the wheels of justice turning in New York City. The ensemble cast ensures that every aspect of a case, from the initial investigation to the courtroom trial, is covered.

Peter Scanavino as A.D.A. Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr.

Scanavino’s character has had one of the most significant professional evolutions on the show, transitioning from a Detective in the squad to a dedicated Assistant District Attorney (A.D.A.). His role is vital as he represents the legal side of the franchise, often clashing with his former colleagues, and now, his wife, Rollins, over the pursuit of justice. His presence highlights the complex interplay between law enforcement and the district attorney’s office.

The Next Generation of Detectives

Season 27 solidifies the roles of the newest members of the squad, ensuring the unit has the manpower needed to tackle the most heinous crimes. These actors have been promoted or featured heavily in recent seasons, providing fresh energy to the veteran unit.

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• Kevin Kane as Detective Terry Bruno: Kane’s character, Detective Bruno, has become a more prominent figure in the squad room. Interestingly, Kane has a long history with the *Law & Order* franchise, having played various minor characters in earlier seasons before landing the role of Bruno in Season 24.
• Aimé Donna Kelly as Detective Renee Curry: Aimé Donna Kelly, who plays Detective Curry, is another important addition to the main cast lineup. Her character brings a new dynamic and perspective to the team, further expanding the procedural's narrative possibilities as it delves into complex cases.

The Enduring Legacy of the Dick Wolf Universe

The longevity of *Law & Order: SVU* is a testament to the vision of creator Dick Wolf and the show's ability to tackle sensitive and relevant subject matter. The show has become the longest-running live-action primetime series in U.S. television history, a record that Season 27 continues to extend.

The cast’s deep ties to the wider Dick Wolf Universe remain a key element of the show's appeal. Crossovers with *Law & Order: Organized Crime*, starring Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler, are always highly anticipated events. The on-again, off-again "Benson and Stabler" dynamic continues to drive massive fan engagement, even as the two characters operate in separate spheres of the New York Police Department (NYPD). The return of Rollins, who has a history with both the SVU and the Organized Crime unit, opens the door for even more interwoven storylines across the franchise.

With the return of Sergeant Amanda Rollins and the continued dedication of Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T, Season 27 of *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* promises to be a powerful and emotionally resonant chapter. The current cast is a perfect blend of seasoned veterans and compelling new talent, ensuring the unit remains strong as they continue to investigate the city’s most difficult cases.