The Ultimate Cast Update: Who’s In And Who’s Out For Law & Order: SVU Season 26 (2024–2025)

The longest-running primetime live-action series in television history, *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit* (*SVU*), is charging into its historic 26th season with a major cast shakeup that fans need to know about. As of late 2024 and heading into the 2025 broadcast year, the core legendary duo remains firmly in place, but the squad room is set to look very different with a key promotion and two surprising departures that will change the dynamic of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.

The upcoming season promises to deliver the high-stakes drama and emotional intensity the series is known for, with Captain Olivia Benson leading the charge. This comprehensive guide provides the most current, up-to-date details on the main cast, their real-life stories, and the fresh faces and farewells defining the 2024–2025 season.

The SVU Legends: Full Biography and Profile of the Core Cast

The heart of *SVU* rests on the shoulders of its longest-running stars, who have become synonymous with their characters and the show's legacy. Here is a detailed look at the actors anchoring the historic 26th season.

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Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson

• Full Name: Mariska Magdolna Hargitay
• Born: January 23, 1964 (Santa Monica, California)
• Ancestry: Part-Hungarian ancestry (through her father, Mickey Hargitay)
• Career Highlight (SVU): The only cast member to appear in every episode of the series. She holds the record for the longest-running female character in a primetime live-action series.
• Salary/Net Worth: Reportedly earns $540,000 per episode. Her estimated net worth is $100 million.
• Philanthropy: Founder of the Joyful Heart Foundation, an organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse.

Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola

• Full Name: Tracy Lauren Marrow
• Born: February 16, 1958 (Newark, New Jersey)
• Career Highlight (Music): A pioneering American rapper, songwriter, and producer, widely credited as one of the first gangsta rappers in the late 1980s.
• Controversy: Known for controversial political songs, including the 1992 track "Cop Killer."
• Military Service: Served four years in the United States Army after graduating from high school.
• SVU Tenure: Joined the cast in Season 2 and has been a main fixture ever since. He has renewed his contract for at least two more years.

Peter Scanavino as ADA Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr.

• Full Name: Peter Muller Scanavino
• Born: February 29, 1980
• Early Career: Grew up in Colorado and initially pursued theater in college before transitioning to television and film roles.
• SVU Role: Originally introduced as a detective, Carisi transitioned to the role of Assistant District Attorney (ADA) in Season 21, providing a crucial link between the police and the legal system.

Major Cast Changes: Promotions and Departures for 2025

Season 26 is marked by significant shifts in the detective lineup, providing both stability with a new regular and high drama with two unexpected exits. These changes ensure the show remains fresh and unpredictable.

The Promotion: Kevin Kane as Detective Terry Bruno

One of the most exciting updates for *SVU* fans is the promotion of Kevin Kane, who plays Detective Terry Bruno, to a series regular.

• Character Arc: Det. Bruno was introduced as a no-nonsense detective who often butted heads with the squad but proved his dedication and skill.
• Impact on the Squad: His promotion to a regular role suggests he will become a permanent fixture in the squad room, potentially filling the void left by other departures and providing a new dynamic for Captain Benson to manage.

The Shocking Exits: Octavio Pisano and Juliana Aidén Martinez

In a move that caught many viewers off guard, reports indicate that two key detectives—Octavio Pisano (Det. Joe Velasco) and Juliana Aidén Martinez (Det. Churlish)—will be leaving the NBC drama after Season 26 concludes in May 2025.

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• Octavio Pisano (Det. Joe Velasco): Pisano joined the cast in Season 23 and quickly became a main character. His character’s departure will mark a significant loss for the current lineup.
• Juliana Aidén Martinez (Det. Churlish): Det. Churlish was a more recent addition, signed on for Season 26, making her reported exit particularly swift and surprising.
• The Vacuum: These two departures, combined with the earlier exit of Kelli Giddish, mean the squad room will be heavily reliant on the core team of Benson, Fin, Carisi, and the newly regular Det. Bruno.

The SVU Legacy: Key Former Cast and Topical Authority

The show's longevity is also defined by the iconic characters and talented actors who have passed through the 16th Precinct. Referencing these entities is crucial for establishing topical authority and satisfying long-time fans.

The Stabler Connection and Crossover Universe

No discussion of *SVU* is complete without referencing Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni. Meloni left the show in 2011 after Season 12 but returned to the *Law & Order* universe to star in the spin-off, *Law & Order: Organized Crime*. The frequent crossovers between *SVU* and *Organized Crime* keep the "Benson and Stabler" partnership alive, much to the delight of the audience.

Notable Departures and Recurring Roles

The list of former main cast members is a testament to the show's rich history and has provided numerous high-profile entities for the *Law & Order* franchise:

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• Kelli Giddish (Detective Amanda Rollins): Kelli Giddish left in Season 24 but has made popular guest appearances since her departure, often crossing over from her new life as a professor.
• Richard Belzer (Detective John Munch): A beloved character who crossed over from *Homicide: Life on the Street*. His character retired after Season 15, and the actor passed away in 2023.
• Dann Florek (Captain Donald Cragen): Cragen was the commanding officer of the SVU for the show's first 15 seasons.
• Stephanie March (ADA Alexandra Cabot): A fan-favorite Assistant District Attorney who appeared in the early seasons and has made several guest returns.
• Diane Neal (ADA Casey Novak): Another prominent ADA who served in the Sex Crimes Bureau.
• BD Wong (Dr. George Huang): The FBI psychiatrist who provided crucial profiling and psychological expertise to the squad.
• Michelle Hurd (Detective Monique Jeffries): One of the original detectives in Season 1.

With a foundation built on the iconic partnership of Captain Benson and Sergeant Tutuola, and the consistent legal presence of ADA Carisi, *Law & Order: SVU* continues to thrive. The new dynamics brought by the promotion of Kevin Kane and the impending exits of Octavio Pisano and Juliana Aidén Martinez ensure that Season 26 will be a must-watch for fans eager to see how the squad adapts to its latest challenges and changes.