SVU reveals significant cast changes for Season 26

Mariska Hargitay and the cast will return in Law and Order: SVU this fall. The new season is set to premiere on October 3, shedding light on some major cast changes for the 26th season. However, dedicated fans need not worry, as their favorite stars aren’t going anywhere.

Joining the Law and Order family, actress Juliana Aidén Martinez has signed on as a new detective. While details regarding her role are still under wraps, Juliana recently appeared in the hit Netflix series, Griselda, alongside Sofia Vergara.

An exciting shift for season 26 includes Kevin Kane, who portrays Detective Terry Bruno. He has been promoted to a series regular after his character’s debut in season 24.

Reacting to the news, Kevin shared his excitement on Instagram, writing, “Cat is out of the bag… Thanks to everyone at @wolfentertainment @nbclawandorder and especially @therealmariskahargitay David Graziano, Julie Martin, Jonathan Strauss, Phil Huffman @icet @peterscanavino @octaviopisano @ms_adkelly for the every day joy. And welcome @julianaaidenmartinez!!”

As for what’s in store for season 26, NBC has remained tight-lipped about the plot. However, fans can look forward to more will-they-won’t-they moments between Olivia Benson (played by Mariska Hargitay) and Organized Crime’s Elliot Stabler (portrayed by Christopher Meloni).

When asked about the future of their relationship in January 2024, Christopher Meloni commented, “What I hope is that we find the space to move forward. I don’t know if we have, but I look forward to keep trying it. To keep challenging it. To keep trying to figure it out.”

Alongside Law and Order: SVU, other franchises of the Law and Order series will also see significant cast changes this fall. For instance, the flagship Law and Order has confirmed that ER legend Maura Tierney will play a new lieutenant in season 24, following Camryn Manheim’s departure. Tierney will be a series regular, adding a fresh dynamic to the ensemble.

Camryn Manheim, after starring on the show for three years, announced her departure in May. She expressed her gratitude on Instagram, saying, “I had the most incredible experience being a part of the Law & Order Universe, and more importantly the Wolfpack.”

“I’m so thankful for the three wonderful seasons that I spent with this wildly talented cast of merry pranksters. Mehcad Brooks, Reid Scott, Connie Shi, Anthony Anderson, Jeffrey Donovan, Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, Tony Goldwyn, and Sam Waterston. Not to mention the stellar guest stars that came in and out of the studio doors,” she added.

Manheim continued, “I loved showing up for work each and every day, loved keeping the boys in line at Precinct 27, and most importantly, loved spending time with the most hard-working, professional and kindhearted crew. They are truly New York’s finest. Something wonderful awaits me around the corner, and I can’t wait to see what it is. Until then… Go Knicks!”