The SVU Shakeup: Meet The Current Law & Order: SVU Cast And The Shocking Season 26 Departures

The landscape of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit is constantly shifting, and as of the current season, the longest-running primetime drama in television history is undergoing one of its most significant cast shake-ups in years. Fans are reeling from the news of major departures and the promotion of a familiar face to a series regular, all while the legendary core cast continues to anchor the show's intense and crucial storylines. This is the definitive, up-to-date guide to who is currently investigating the toughest cases alongside Captain Olivia Benson.

The latest updates for the 2024–2025 television season confirm that while the heart of the squad remains, the team dynamic will be dramatically different. The promotion of a recurring detective and the unexpected exits of two mainstays signal a fresh chapter for the show as it continues its unprecedented run, cementing its legacy in the Dick Wolf universe. You need to know exactly who is in and who is out before the next major case hits the screen.

Law & Order: SVU Core Cast & Character Biographies

The longevity of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is largely credited to the dedication of its principal actors, many of whom have been with the series for decades. The following list provides a detailed look at the actors who form the backbone of the current cast and their vital statistics, as required by the format for a full biographical profile.

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• Mariska Hargitay (Captain Olivia Benson)
  • Full Name: Mariska Magdolna Hargitay
  • Date of Birth: January 23, 1964
  • Place of Birth: Santa Monica, California, U.S.
  • Role: Captain Olivia Benson, Commanding Officer of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit (SVU). She is the longest-running character in a primetime live-action series in television history.
• Ice-T (Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola)
  • Full Name: Tracy Lauren Marrow
  • Date of Birth: February 16, 1958
  • Place of Birth: Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
  • Role: Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola, second-in-command and the longest-serving detective on the squad. Ice-T is also a legendary rapper and musician, known for his group Body Count.
• Peter Scanavino (A.D.A. Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr.)
  • Full Name: Peter Muller Scanavino
  • Date of Birth: February 29, 1980
  • Place of Birth: Denver, Colorado, U.S.
  • Role: Assistant District Attorney Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr. Originally a detective, he transitioned to the A.D.A. role and is now married to former Detective Amanda Rollins.
• Kevin Kane (Detective Terry Bruno)
  • Full Name: Kevin Kane
  • Date of Birth: Unknown (Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.)
  • Role: Detective Terry Bruno, recently promoted to a series regular for Season 26 after recurring appearances. He previously guest-starred in four different roles within the SVU universe before landing the role of Bruno.

Major Cast Shake-Ups: Departures and Promotions for Season 26

The transition into Season 26 of Law & Order: SVU has been marked by significant shifts in the detective squad, which will undoubtedly impact the show's narrative and the relationships within the Manhattan Special Victims Unit. The news has sent ripples through the fan community, highlighting the high-stakes nature of being part of the longest-running drama on television.

The Shocking Exits of Octavio Pisano and Juliana Martinez

Two series regulars, Octavio Pisano and Juliana Martinez, who played Detective Joe Velasco and Detective Tonya Bell respectively, will not be returning as full-time cast members after Season 26 concludes. Pisano joined the show in Season 23, and his character, Detective Velasco, quickly became a key part of the team, often serving as a counter-balance to the more seasoned detectives. His departure leaves a significant gap in the squad room.

The exit of both actors marks a major cast shake-up, suggesting that the show's creative team is looking to refresh the ensemble. This move follows a pattern in the show's history, where cast changes are often used to introduce new dynamics and investigative perspectives to the long-running series.

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Kevin Kane Upped to Series Regular as Detective Bruno

On the flip side of the cast changes, actor Kevin Kane, who plays Detective Terry Bruno, has been promoted to a series regular for the upcoming Season 26. Kane’s character first appeared in Season 24 and quickly became a fan favorite, known for his grounded and often cynical approach to cases. His promotion is a clear indication of the show’s commitment to integrating new blood into the core team, providing a fresh perspective alongside veterans like Captain Benson and Sergeant Tutuola.

Behind-the-Scenes Drama: Budget Cuts and Returning Favorites

Even a massive, successful franchise like Law & Order: SVU is not immune to behind-the-scenes complications, including budget constraints and the continuous juggling of actor schedules. These elements have directly influenced the screen time of one of the show’s most beloved characters.

Ice-T’s Reduced Screen Time Explained

Fans have noticed that Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola, played by the iconic Ice-T, has had less screen time in recent seasons, leading to speculation about his future on the show. Ice-T himself confirmed that the reduction was primarily due to "budget" reasons, a common issue in long-running network television series. He has assured fans that he is not leaving the show and remains a committed member of the cast, supporting the production's necessary financial decisions. His character, Fin, remains a crucial and grounding presence in the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.

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The Return of Sergeant Amanda Rollins

The biggest news for many fans is the continued presence of Kelli Giddish as Sergeant Amanda Rollins. Though Giddish officially departed as a series regular in Season 24, she has made notable and welcome guest appearances, particularly due to her character's marriage to A.D.A. Dominick Carisi. Her return for key episodes, often involving major crossovers or personal milestones, provides a vital link to the show’s recent past and ensures the ongoing development of the "Rollisi" relationship, a key element of the current narrative.

The Law & Order Universe and Topical Authority

Law & Order: SVU’s cast is part of a much larger narrative tapestry woven by creator Dick Wolf. The show's topical authority is enhanced by its frequent crossover episodes with its sister series, including Law & Order: Organized Crime (starring Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler) and the flagship Law & Order. These crossovers are crucial, as they allow for the continued development of the iconic partnership between Captain Olivia Benson and Detective Elliot Stabler, a relationship fans have followed for over two decades.

The cast’s ability to seamlessly integrate into these larger universe stories, tackling complex legal and ethical issues, is what keeps the show fresh and relevant after more than 25 seasons. With a new showrunner and a dynamically changing cast, the Manhattan Special Victims Unit is poised to continue its groundbreaking run, proving that even with departures, the core mission and the strength of its remaining veterans can carry the weight of television history.