Law & Order: SVU Returns Octavio Pisano Season 27 Premiere

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is set to return for its 27th season with significant cast changes, including the return of Octavio Pisano as Detective Joe Velasco for the season premiere. Pisano, who was previously let go after Season 26, will appear to potentially wrap up his character's storyline, while Juliana Aidén Martinez, who played Detective Kate Silva, will not be returning due to her new role on CBS's FBI. Longtime cast member Kelli Giddish will return full-time as Sergeant Amanda Rollins, and Aimé Donna Kelly has been promoted to series regular as Captain Curry. Behind the scenes, Michele Fazekas will take over as showrunner, marking the first time SVU has a female showrunner. The show, led by Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson and supported by Ice-T, Peter Scanavino, and Kevin Kane, is expected to premiere in the fall of 2025 on NBC's Thursday lineup. Despite budget cuts affecting many NBC shows, SVU continues its legacy as a staple procedural drama with a refreshed cast and leadership.