Law & Order: SVU is set to undergo significant cast changes as it gears up for season 27, reflecting ongoing shifts within the long-running series. Since its debut in 1999, the show has chronicled the work of the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit, tackling complex and sensitive cases of sexually-based crimes. The cast includes familiar faces, such as Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, and Kevin Kane, all of whom have weathered numerous changes over the years.
As NBC officially confirmed the renewal of Law & Order: SVU for another season, reports surfaced in May 2025 indicating the departure of Octavio Pisano and Juliana Martinez, who portray Detective Joe Velasco and Detective Kate Silva, respectively. Their exits follow the announcement of Michele Fazekas as the series’ first female showrunner, suggesting a new direction for the show.
The evolving landscape of television has seen other series face notable character departures as well. ABC’s “9-1-1” initiated a wave of changes in April 2025 with the on-screen death of Peter Krause’s character, Bobby Nash, following a trend that continued with CBS’s “Fire Country” and “Elsbeth.” Moreover, streaming platforms were not untouched, as evidenced by significant character losses in “Criminal Minds: Evolution.”
As for those who will remain, Mariska Hargitay, who has been a staple of the series since its inception, expressed her contentment with continuing to star in the show. She highlighted the artistic challenges and fulfillment she experiences in her role. Ice-T, too, expressed excitement about the series, hinting at the potential for many more seasons ahead after a successful season 26 that saw renewed audience interest.
Peter Scanavino, a crucial part of the show since 2013, is expected to stick around given his character’s ongoing developments, including the return of Carisi’s wife. Although Pisano’s departure was confirmed, he will make a brief return for the season 27 premiere along with his performance in at least one more episode.
Kate Silva’s short tenure on the show has drawn attention, as she exits after just one season. Kelli Giddish, whose character Amanda Rollins transitioned briefly out of the main cast in season 24, will return as a full-fledged series regular for season 27. Meanwhile, Christopher Meloni, who played Elliot Stabler, continues to make special appearances, leaving fans hopeful for possible romantic developments with Hargitay’s character, Olivia Benson.
Additionally, Aimé Donna Kelly, who has been a recurring presence since 2020, has been promoted to a series regular for the upcoming season, indicating that even amid the departures, the ensemble will adapt and grow. With these changes on the horizon, season 27 stands as a promising chapter for Law & Order: SVU, as it continues to captivate audiences with its intricate storytelling and strong performances.