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The Shocking Truth About The Law & Order: SVU Cast: Who's Leaving, Who's Staying, And Mariska Hargitay's Massive Salary

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The longest-running primetime live-action series in television history, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU), continues to evolve, even as it heads into its unprecedented 27th season in late 2025. For fans who have followed the dedicated detectives of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit for over two decades, keeping track of the ever-changing roster can be a challenge. The current team, led by the iconic Captain Olivia Benson, has seen significant shakeups and promotions in the latest seasons, bringing fresh faces and new dynamics to the squad room.

As of December 2025, the team remains anchored by its two longest-serving members, but the supporting detective and ADA roles have been a revolving door of talent. This article breaks down the main cast for the upcoming season, highlights the recent departures that shocked the fandom, and reveals the incredible salary of the show's undisputed star.

The Main Cast of Law & Order: SVU (Season 26/27) and Character Profiles

The core of the Special Victims Unit remains a formidable trio, a testament to the longevity of the characters and the actors who portray them. The following are the main cast members confirmed for the current and upcoming seasons, with a look at their journey on the show.

  • Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson:
    • Role: Captain of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.
    • Tenure: Main Cast, Season 1–Present.
    • Biography: Hargitay is the only cast member to appear in every single episode. She began as a Junior Detective, rose through the ranks as a Senior Detective, Sergeant, and Lieutenant, and now commands the precinct as Captain. Her character is a survivor of sexual assault and a passionate advocate for victims. Her performance has earned her an Emmy Award and a Golden Globe.
    • Salary Shock: Hargitay is one of the highest-paid actresses on television, reportedly earning $500,000 per episode, translating to over $11 million per season.
  • Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola:
    • Role: Sergeant of the Manhattan Special Victims Unit.
    • Tenure: Main Cast, Season 2–Present.
    • Biography: Ice-T joined the show in 2000 and is the second-longest-serving cast member. Fin is known for his dry wit, street smarts, and unwavering loyalty to Benson. His character arc has seen him move from a controversial, undercover narcotics detective to a respected Sergeant and a pillar of the SVU team.
  • Peter Scanavino as Assistant District Attorney (ADA) Dominick "Sonny" Carisi, Jr.:
    • Role: ADA for the Special Victims Unit.
    • Tenure: Main Cast, Season 16–Present (previously Recurring).
    • Biography: Carisi originally joined the squad as a detective, replacing Nick Amaro. His passion for justice and legal background led him to enroll in law school, and he eventually transitioned to the role of the ADA, replacing Rafael Barba. His personal storyline is closely tied to his relationship with former SVU Sergeant Amanda Rollins.
  • Kevin Kane as Detective Terry Bruno:
    • Role: Junior Police Detective.
    • Tenure: Promoted to Series Regular in Season 26.
    • Biography: Detective Bruno was introduced in Season 24 and quickly became a fan favorite. His promotion to series regular for Season 26 solidified his place in the squad, bringing a veteran detective's perspective to the team after a stint in the Bronx.

Major Cast Shakeups: Who Left the SVU Squad Room?

One of the elements that keeps SVU fresh is its willingness to rotate supporting characters, creating dramatic exits and new opportunities for the remaining cast. The end of Season 26 brought a significant and surprising shakeup to the team, leaving the squad room feeling emptier as it heads into the next chapter.

In a move that stunned many viewers, two actors departed the series after the conclusion of Season 26, which aired in May.

  • Octavio Pisano as Detective Joe Velasco: Pisano joined the show in Season 23 and quickly became a key member of the detective squad. His departure leaves a major void in the unit's investigative manpower.
  • Juliana Aidén Martinez as Detective Grace Muncy: Martinez was a newer addition, joining in Season 24. Her character's exit was part of the Season 26 shakeup, concluding her run with the Special Victims Unit.

These departures mean that the core team of Benson, Fin, Carisi, and the newly promoted Bruno will be the main focus, suggesting a more intimate, character-driven narrative for the upcoming Season 27. The show's creator, Dick Wolf, is known for these strategic changes to keep the long-running procedural drama dynamic and unpredictable.

The Enduring Legacy of Past SVU Legends

While the current cast carries the torch, the history of Law & Order: SVU is defined by the incredible actors who have passed through the 16th Precinct. Their characters remain central to the show’s legacy and often return for powerful guest appearances or major crossover events.

Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler

No discussion of the SVU cast is complete without mentioning Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni. Stabler was Olivia Benson's original partner, and their intense, complex relationship formed the emotional backbone of the show for 12 seasons. Meloni’s shocking departure after Season 12 left a massive hole in the series, but his return to the Law & Order universe in 2021 with his own spin-off, Law & Order: Organized Crime, has allowed for frequent, highly-anticipated crossover events with Benson and the SVU team. Fans continue to hold out hope for a full "Bensler" reunion.

Kelli Giddish as Sergeant Amanda Rollins

Kelli Giddish’s character, Amanda Rollins, served as a main cast member from Season 13 to Season 24. Her character’s evolution—from a detective with a troubled past to a respected Sergeant and Carisi’s wife—was one of the most compelling storylines. Although Giddish departed as a series regular, she has made notable guest appearances, including a powerful return in Season 25, proving that the door is always open for former SVU members to return to the fold.

Other Notable Long-Running Characters

The show's longevity is also built on a foundation of powerful supporting roles:

  • Richard Belzer as Detective John Munch: A legendary character who crossed over from Homicide: Life on the Street, Munch was a staple of the show from Season 1 to 15.
  • Raúl Esparza as ADA Rafael Barba: Barba was a brilliant, morally complex ADA from Season 15 to 19, whose relationship with Benson was a fan favorite. He has also returned for guest spots, often to the delight of the audience.
  • Dann Florek as Captain Donald Cragen: Cragen was the original commanding officer of the SVU, leading the team from Season 1 to 15 and serving as a paternal figure to Benson and Stabler.

The current cast of Law & Order: SVU for its 26th and 27th seasons is a blend of beloved veterans and fresh talent, ensuring the show continues its mission to tell compelling and timely stories. With Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T firmly at the helm, the Special Victims Unit remains in capable hands, ready to tackle the difficult cases that have kept audiences engaged for over a quarter of a century.

cast in law and order svu
cast in law and order svu

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