Law & Order: SVU recently returned with season 26 of the police procedural drama on October 3, 2024. The long-running crime drama debuted on September 20, 1999, and continues to be beloved by fans to this day. It is one of the longest-running procedural dramas and shows no signs of ending anytime soon.
The series primarily explores both fictional and loosely adapted true crime stories in each episode, which lasts nearly 45 minutes. Moreover, the detectives of the SVU focus on the apprehension and prosecution of perpetrators who have committed crimes of a sexual nature.
Season 26 of Law & Order: SVU promises to get even more intense with Captain Olivia Benson returning with the largest team of detectives in the show's history. Previously, she was somewhat understaffed and had to take on too much; her team felt the strain as well. However, with the introduction of new faces and the return of familiar ones, it’s already off to a great start!
Disclaimer: Parts of this article contain mentions of sexual abuse. Reader discretion is advised.
A complete cast and character guide for season 26 of Law & Order: SVU
1) Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson
Mariska Hargitay is reprising her role as the beloved Olivia Benson in season 26. Benson has come a long way since she was a detective with Elliot Stabler (played by Christopher Meloni). She’s gone through her fair share of trials, which have taken a toll on her over the years.
Often burning the midnight oil supporting her team while juggling being a mom to her son, Noah Benson (played by Ryan Buggle), Benson now has a well-staffed team that should promote efficiency in delivering justice. This might allow her to take a breather and advocate more for victims of sexual abuse like her.
2) Ice-T as Odafin 'Fin' Tutuola
Ice-T plays the nonchalant yet dedicated Sergeant Fin Tutuola. Besides Hargitay, he’s the only other original cast member who has been with the series since making detective and later transitioning to a sergeant.
He has been scrutinized several times for crossing the line, or in some cases, for matters involving his son. Over time, he made wiser choices. Currently, Fin is Benson’s right-hand man and always has her back.
Initially, he partnered with the sarcastic John Munch (played by Richard Belzer), who stepped down in season 15. Fin will now focus on training and mentoring the new detectives who’ve joined this season.
3) Juliana Aiden Martinez as Kate Silva
Juliana Aiden Martinez joins the Law & Order: SVU family this season as Detective Kate Silva. While her father’s identity remains undisclosed, he also worked as a police officer years ago.
Not much is known about their strained relationship, aside from his invention of an innovative and efficient way to improve police work. As a newbie, Silva will be trained and supervised by Fin, who doesn’t go easy on anyone.
It’ll take time for her to earn the trust of her colleagues, including Benson. However, according to Screen Rant, Silva is an enigma with skeletons in her closet, yet to be revealed.
4) Octavio Pisano as Joe Velasco
Octavio Pisano will be reprising his role as Detective Joe Velasco in Law & Order: SVU Season 26. Velasco was a new character introduced in the SVU family back in season 23 which aired in 2021. Despite coming off as trustworthy and highly intellectual, at the time he had ulterior motives.
Later in the season, Velasco confessed to being a mole for Deputy Chief Tommy McGrath (played by Terry Serpico), spying on Benson’s leadership. Benson forgave him and allowed him to stay on the team.
He also took responsibility for other past transgressions, as Benson ensured. Now, Velasco continues to pledge loyalty to the team and remains focused on delivering justice to victims of sexual abuse.
5) Kevin Kane as Terry Bruno
Detective Terry Bruno played by Kevin Kane will also return to the police procedural. Before being promoted to series regular, Kane’s character prominently appeared as a guest star over the years since 2020. As mentioned, Kane will be appearing in all the episodes of the drama for the very first time.
Bruno, also known as "Moneybags," was initially fired wrongfully, fought a tumultuous lawsuit, won, and lived off the settlement money. That was until Benson asked for his help in solving old cases at his company. After proving his resourcefulness, Benson hired him to join the SVU.
Supporting cast & characters from Law & Order: SVU Season 26
Apart from the usual fun and friendly faces at Law & Order: SVU, fans and viewers will also see recurring and guest stars in the ongoing season 26 of the drama. Here’s a list of the people returning in the series as supporting cast:
1) Kelli Giddish as Amanda Rollins
Kelli Giddish reprises her role as Detective Amanda Rollins. A former series regular who joined in 2013, she will now make fewer appearances compared to previous seasons.
2) Aime Donna Kelly as Renee Curry
Aime Donna Kelly returns as Captain Renee Curry, introduced in season 25. An impressive captain who once worked in the Intelligence Detective Agency like Rollins, she has since transferred to the SVU and will make fewer appearances this season.
3) Peter Scanavino as Sonny Carisi
Peter Scanavino is no longer a regular, but continues as ADA Sonny Carisi, a character introduced in season 16. He has appeared in other Law & Order franchises as well, such as One Chicago.
Also read, "Law & Order: SVU Season 26 release schedule - when does every episode drop and how to watch them?"
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