Which Law and Order: SVU Stars Are Returning for Season 28?
Law & Order: SVU has seen some shifts in its cast—what implications does this have for season 28?
The show, which debuted in 1999, chronicles the efforts of detectives from the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit as they tackle various sexual crimes. The legal drama features Mariska Hargitay, Ice T, Peter Scanavino, among others, but has experienced several character departures over the years.
Prior to NBC’s renewal of Law & Order: SVU for season 27, multiple sources reported in May 2025 that Octavio Pisano and Juliana Martinez, portraying Detective Joe Velasco and Detective Kate Silva, respectively, would exit at the end of the current season following Michele Fazekas being appointed as the series’ first female showrunner.
Kelli Giddish’s Amanda Rollins made her official return to SVU in season 27 after her departure during season 24 in 2022, following over a decade with the show. She appeared as a guest star in several episodes during seasons 25 and 26 before being reinstated as a series regular.
Giddish isn’t the sole cast member experiencing changes. Keep reading to find out who is—and isn’t—returning for season 28:
Mariska Hargitay
The show wouldn’t be the same without Hargitay’s Olivia Benson.
Ice-T
Ice-T has confirmed that his character, Fin, will feature in every episode of season 28 after having reduced screen time last season.
Chris Meloni
With the conclusion of Meloni’s spinoff, fans are hopeful for the return of Stabler.
Peter Scanavino
Scanavino’s Carisi remains a fan favorite, guaranteeing his place on Law & Order: SVU.
Octavio Pisano
Pisano is anticipated to have diminished screen time after his exit from the show.
Kevin Kane
Kane is also likely to make a return to the series.
Aimé Donna Kelly
After her promotion, Kelly is set to return as Captain Renee Curry.
Kelli Giddish
Giddish’s Rollins is back and better than ever in Law & Order: SVU.
Corey Cott
Cott has become more prominent as Detective Jake Griffin after his promotion on the show.
