Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) remains one of television’s most enduring and gripping series, captivating audiences for over 25 years with its intense investigations into sexually based offenses, domestic violence, and child abuse cases. As part of the iconic Law & Order franchise created by Dick Wolf, SVU stands out for its emotional depth, powerful performances—especially Mariska Hargitay’s iconic portrayal of Captain Olivia Benson—and its commitment to tackling real-world issues with sensitivity and realism.
In 2026, Law & Order: SVU is in its groundbreaking Season 27, continuing to deliver compelling stories that blend procedural drama with character-driven narratives. Fans eagerly check for updated showtimes each week to catch new episodes or reruns. This guide provides the latest information on Law & Order SVU showtimes this week, how to watch, episode highlights from the current season, why the series remains a cultural phenomenon, and tips for staying up to date.
Current Showtimes for Law & Order: SVU This Week
Law & Order: SVU airs as part of NBC’s popular Thursday night lineup, often referred to as “Law & Order Thursdays.” The standard broadcast schedule is:
- Day: Thursdays
- Time: 9:00 PM ET / 8:00 PM CT (9/8c)
- Network: NBC
- Streaming Next Day: Peacock (new episodes typically available for streaming the following day)
This consistent primetime slot allows viewers to follow the full block, which includes the flagship Law & Order at 8/7c, followed by SVU at 9/8c, and sometimes Law & Order: Organized Crime at 10/9c (depending on the season).
Important Update for This Week (Early February 2026): Due to NBC’s coverage of special programming, including preparations and events related to the 2026 Winter Olympics (Milano-Cortina) and other preemptions like NFL Honors earlier in the year, Law & Order: SVU is currently on a brief hiatus. The most recent new episode aired on January 29, 2026, and there are no new episodes scheduled this week. TV listings from sources like TV Guide confirm no airings of SVU in the immediate next 14 days as of early February.
During this break:
- NBC may air reruns of Law & Order: SVU in select slots or replace with specials/Olympics coverage.
- Fans can catch up on recent episodes via Peacock, where all of Season 27 streams.
- The series is expected to return with new episodes in late February 2026, with promos indicating a comeback around February 26 for upcoming installments like “Thirsty” (S27E13) and beyond.
Always check your local NBC listings or the official NBC website/app for any last-minute changes, as schedules can shift due to live events or breaking news.
How to Watch Law & Order: SVU in 2026
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, here are the best ways to tune in:
- Live on NBC — Traditional broadcast Thursdays at 9/8c. Use an antenna for free over-the-air viewing or cable/satellite providers.
- Streaming on Peacock — The go-to platform for next-day streaming of new episodes. Peacock offers ad-supported and premium tiers, with full access to all 27 seasons—perfect for binge-watching classics or catching up during breaks.
- On-Demand via Cable Providers — Many services like Xfinity, Spectrum, or DirecTV allow on-demand access to recent episodes.
- International Viewing — In regions outside the US, check local broadcasters or streaming services that carry NBCUniversal content.
Don’t forget to set DVR reminders or Peacock notifications for the return date to avoid missing the next gripping case.
Season 27 Highlights: What Fans Have Seen So Far
Season 27 of Law & Order: SVU premiered in September 2025 and has delivered standout episodes exploring complex themes like historical cold cases, threats to the squad, and moral dilemmas in justice.
Key recent episodes include:
- “Fidelis Ad Mortem” (January 15, 2026): A decades-old missing persons case resurfaces via a thrift store cassette tape, forcing Benson and ADA Curry to dig deep while personal rumors challenge team members.
- “Career Psychopath” (January 22, 2026): Rollins and Carisi face life-threatening dangers tied to a past case, prompting Benson to call on retired allies for support.
- The January 29, 2026 episode (latest before break): Continued high-stakes drama with the squad confronting intense personal and professional challenges.
These episodes showcase the series’ evolution, with deeper character arcs for veterans like Benson, Fin Tutuola (Ice-T), and newer additions bringing fresh dynamics.
The season has maintained strong viewership, blending procedural elements with emotional storytelling that keeps fans invested.
Why Law & Order: SVU Remains a Must-Watch Series
Few shows achieve the longevity of SVU. Here’s why it continues to dominate:
- Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson: Her performance has earned multiple Emmy nominations and wins, making Benson one of TV’s most respected characters. Benson’s journey from detective to captain reflects resilience and advocacy.
- Real-World Relevance: Episodes often draw from actual headlines, raising awareness about sexual assault, trafficking, and survivor rights. The show partners with organizations like Joyful Heart Foundation (founded by Hargitay) to support victims.
- Ensemble Excellence: The cast chemistry— from Ice-T’s tough-yet-loyal Fin to Peter Scanavino’s ADA Carisi—creates authentic team dynamics.
- Franchise Power: Crossovers with Law & Order and Organized Crime add excitement, expanding the universe.
With over 500 episodes, SVU holds records as one of the longest-running primetime dramas, proving its enduring appeal.
Tips for Staying Updated on SVU Showtimes and Episodes
- Follow official NBC social media and the Law & Order accounts on X (Twitter) for announcements.
- Use TV Guide, NBC.com, or Peacock apps for real-time schedules.
- Join fan communities on Reddit or Facebook for discussions and spoiler alerts.
- Subscribe to Peacock for uninterrupted access during hiatuses.
Conclusion
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit continues to set the standard for crime procedurals, blending heart-pounding investigations with meaningful social commentary. While this week’s updated showtimes show a temporary break from new episodes due to NBC’s special programming and the upcoming Winter Olympics coverage, the wait will be worth it when Season 27 resumes in late February 2026. In the meantime, dive into past episodes on Peacock, rewatch favorites, or catch reruns if available.
Stay tuned to NBC Thursdays at 9/8c for the return of Captain Benson and the SVU squad. Justice may be delayed, but it never stops in the world of Law & Order: SVU. Don’t miss the next chapter—set your reminders now!
