The Ultimate Guide To The Law & Order: SVU Cast Shakeup: Who’s In, Who’s Out, And The Shocking Season 27 Returns

The landscape of the Special Victims Unit is changing dramatically. As of December 2025, the longest-running primetime live-action series in television history, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, is gearing up for its historic 27th season with a major cast shakeup that has fans buzzing about the future of Captain Olivia Benson’s team. Recent announcements confirm significant departures and an exciting promotion, ensuring that the new season will be anything but predictable.

The core of the squad remains intact, but the supporting detectives are seeing a major overhaul. This comprehensive guide breaks down every confirmed cast member, their latest storylines, and the fresh, unique details you need to know about the actors who bring the iconic characters of the NYPD’s most dedicated unit to life.

The SVU Main Cast: Biographies and Latest Character Updates

The success of SVU is built on the unwavering dedication of its longest-serving members. Here is the definitive list of the series regulars returning for Season 26 and 27, along with their professional profiles and current character arcs.

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Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson

• Character Role: Captain, Commander of the Special Victims Unit, 16th Precinct.
• Latest Storyline: Benson continues to navigate the complexities of her command, balancing her motherly instincts with the demands of the job. Her personal life, particularly the subtle but ever-present tension with Elliot Stabler, remains a central focus for fans.
• Biography & Career Highlights: Mariska Hargitay is the daughter of actress Jayne Mansfield and bodybuilder Mickey Hargitay. She is an Emmy Award and Golden Globe Award winner for her role as Benson. She famously trained as a rape crisis counselor to prepare for the part, leading her to found the Joyful Heart Foundation, a national organization dedicated to supporting survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and child abuse. She is reportedly one of the highest-paid actors on television, earning approximately $500,000 per episode.

Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola

• Character Role: Sergeant and Second-in-Command of the Special Victims Unit.
• Latest Storyline: Fin remains the unflappable anchor of the squad, often providing a grounded, cynical perspective and serving as Benson's trusted right-hand. His character continues to be a crucial part of the interrogation process.
• Biography & Career Highlights: Before his prolific acting career, Ice-T (born Tracy Lauren Marrow) was a pioneer of gangsta rap in the 1980s. He is also the frontman for the heavy metal band Body Count, co-founded in 1990. He has been a series regular on SVU since the second season, making him one of the longest-running actors in a single role in television history.

Peter Scanavino as ADA Dominick “Sonny” Carisi Jr.

• Character Role: Assistant District Attorney (ADA).
• Latest Storyline: Carisi's arc in Season 26 focused heavily on his emotional state after being held hostage, with the trauma arc being far from over. His anger and frustration were shown to affect his performance as a prosecutor, adding a new layer of vulnerability to the former detective. His relationship with Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) remains a strong emotional core of the show.
• Biography & Career Highlights: Scanavino joined the cast in Season 16 as a detective before transitioning to the ADA role. He is a versatile actor who has appeared in numerous stage productions and films. He currently resides in Brooklyn with his wife and children.

The Shocking Cast Shakeup: Promotions, Exits, and a Major Return

The most recent news surrounding the SVU cast centers on a major reshuffling of the detective ranks, which is set to fundamentally change the dynamic of the squad room in the upcoming seasons.

The New Series Regular: Detective Terry Bruno

Kevin Kane, who plays Detective Terry Bruno, has officially been promoted to a series regular for Season 26. Bruno, known for his street-smart demeanor and sometimes-cynical approach, has quickly become a fan favorite. Kane has teased a "lingering revenge" storyline for Bruno, suggesting the character’s past will continue to influence his work with the Special Victims Unit. Interestingly, Kane is a veteran of the Law & Order universe, having previously played at least six other minor characters across the franchise before landing the role of Bruno.

Confirmed Exits: Velasco and Churlish Departures

Two key members of the detective squad are reportedly set to exit the series after the conclusion of Season 26: Octavio Pisano (Detective Joe Velasco) and Juliana Aidén Martinez (Detective Churlish). Velasco’s character, who had a complex backstory involving his time as an undercover officer, and Churlish’s character, who brought a fresh, by-the-book perspective to the team, will be missed. Their departure signals a clear shift in the team structure, making room for new dynamics under Captain Benson.

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The Return Fans Demanded: Kelli Giddish as Amanda Rollins

In a major win for fans, Kelli Giddish is confirmed to return as Intelligence Detective Amanda Rollins for Season 27. Rollins, who left the unit to become a professor, has made several popular guest appearances since her departure. Mariska Hargitay herself has spoken passionately about fighting to keep Giddish on the show, calling her "my favorite actor to work with." Rollins' return, particularly to the world of law enforcement, will undoubtedly bring a new layer to her marriage with ADA Carisi, a relationship affectionately known to fans as "Rollisi."

Key Recurring and Guest Stars Who Define the SVU World

The topical authority of SVU is built not just on its main cast, but on the rich tapestry of recurring legal and law enforcement professionals who inhabit the New York City justice system. These figures are essential to the show's procedural realism and dramatic tension.

• Aime Donna Kelly as Renee Curry: Kelly plays Deputy Chief Renee Curry, a high-ranking officer in the NYPD who often serves as a liaison and sometimes a hurdle for Captain Benson. Her presence adds a layer of political complexity to the squad's investigations.
• Zak Orth as Defense Attorney Harry Kagan: As the adversarial Defense Attorney Harry Kagan, Orth frequently provides a compelling counterpoint to Carisi's prosecution in the courtroom, highlighting the complex legal battles inherent to sex crime cases.
• Tony Goldwyn: The veteran actor joined the cast in a high-profile role, further demonstrating the show's ability to attract major talent for complex, multi-episode arcs.
• Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler: While not a series regular on SVU, Meloni's character, now leading the Organized Crime Task Force, remains intrinsically linked to Benson's story. The potential for a "Bensler" resolution continues to drive fan speculation and is a major ratings draw for the franchise. Meloni is reportedly earning $540,000 per episode for Law & Order: Organized Crime.
• Demore Barnes: Barnes has appeared in the role of Deputy Chief Christian Garland, a character who brought a focus on police reform and internal affairs to the show before his departure.

The combination of veteran presence, fresh blood, and the much-anticipated return of a fan favorite ensures that Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 27 will continue its legacy as a cultural and television phenomenon. With storylines diving deep into Carisi’s trauma and Bruno’s mysterious past, coupled with the ongoing "Bensler" tension, the drama at the 16th Precinct is far from over.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Detective Joe Velasco leaving SVU?

Yes, reports indicate that Octavio Pisano, who plays Detective Joe Velasco, is set to leave Law & Order: SVU after the conclusion of Season 26.

How much does Mariska Hargitay make per episode?

Mariska Hargitay reportedly earns $500,000 per episode for her role as Captain Olivia Benson on Law & Order: SVU.

Is Kelli Giddish coming back to SVU as a series regular?

While she is not a series regular, Kelli Giddish is confirmed to return as Intelligence Detective Amanda Rollins for Season 27, continuing her recurring guest star status.

Who is the newest series regular on SVU?

The newest series regular is Kevin Kane, who plays Detective Terry Bruno, a role he was promoted to for Season 26.