If you’re a Law & Order: SVU fan, then you’re probably counting the days until Olivia Benson and her squad return to the screen. But before you settle in for the next thrilling episode, there’s a little bad news. The show isn’t airing tonight (Thursday, November 28) due to the Thanksgiving holiday, and it won’t be back in 2024 either. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of exciting drama to look forward to in 2025!
Let’s dive into all the details, including when you can expect the next episode, the reason for the delay, and what you can do to pass the time until the SVU team returns to solve more heart-wrenching cases.
Why is There No New Episode of SVU Tonight?
The absence of a new Law & Order: SVU episode tonight isn’t because the show is on hiatus or being canceled. In fact, the series is only taking a short break. The reason for the interruption is that it’s Thanksgiving, and during the holiday season, networks tend to air reruns or special programming.
NBC, the home of SVU, is taking advantage of the holiday to air the much-anticipated Thanksgiving Night football game instead of its usual lineup of dramas. It’s a common practice in the TV world, as airing scripted content during major holidays can lead to lower ratings due to people being more focused on holiday festivities and events.
So, if you’re craving some crime-solving action, you’re going to have to wait a bit longer. But, not to worry—your favorite squad will be back before you know it!
When Does Law & Order: SVU Return in 2025?
Now, the burning question on every fan’s mind is: When is the next new episode of SVU coming out?
Law & Order: SVU season 26 won’t be returning until Thursday, January 16, 2025. Yes, that’s right, we have to wait until 2025 to catch the next episode. While this is certainly a bummer for fans, there’s a silver lining. The new episode will air alongside other Law & Order franchise shows—Law & Order and Law & Order: Organized Crime—so it’s going to be a major night of crime and justice!
The January 16 return marks the beginning of the post-Thanksgiving and winter TV schedule, which is when a lot of shows return to the airwaves after their winter breaks. While we don’t have many details about the first episode back, we do know that it will pick up right after the dramatic fall finale, which left a huge impact on Carisi and the team. If you’re itching to see what happens next, you’ll need to hang tight for a bit longer.
What Happened in the Fall Finale of Season 26?
If you missed the fall finale on November 21, 2024, it was a doozy! This episode had massive ramifications for Carisi (played by Peter Scanavino) and the rest of the SVU team. It was a pivotal episode that set up a lot of tension and drama that will surely play out when the show returns in January.
Without giving away too many spoilers, the fall finale left fans with plenty of questions. There were twists, betrayals, and emotional moments that will continue to unfold when the team returns. So, if you’re feeling a little lost right now, don’t worry. Catching up on the fall finale (and previous episodes) should fill in the gaps and get you ready for the next episode.
What’s Happening With Law & Order: SVU in 2025?
Now that we know when SVU will be back, you might be wondering what to expect in the new year. The winter return of the show is sure to kick off a thrilling new chapter, and we can only imagine how the storylines will evolve. While the promo for the January return is minimal—mostly focused on announcing the premiere date—we can anticipate that this season will delve deeper into the personal lives of Benson and her team, especially after the dramatic fall finale.
Here are a few things we can look forward to when the show returns:
1. More of Carisi’s Struggles
Carisi’s character has been on an emotional journey lately, and it’s likely that the January 2025 episode will continue exploring his personal and professional conflicts. The fall finale left him in a difficult spot, and fans are eager to see how he navigates his relationships with both his colleagues and loved ones.
2. Olivia Benson’s Leadership
As always, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) will take center stage. The powerful and empathetic leader of the SVU team, Benson continues to deal with the pressures of balancing her career and personal life. How she handles upcoming challenges will undoubtedly be a focal point of the show’s return.
3. Potential New Characters
We can also expect the introduction of new characters or suspects who will stir up trouble for the SVU team. Whether it’s a new detective or a high-profile case, there’s always room for fresh drama in this long-running series.
How to Pass the Time While Waiting for SVU to Return
We all know the waiting game can be tough, especially when your favorite show is on a break. But don’t worry, there are plenty of ways to keep yourself entertained until SVU returns in January 2025.
1. Binge Old Episodes
One of the best ways to pass the time is by rewatching old Law & Order: SVU episodes. This can be a great opportunity to revisit old favorites, catch up on episodes you may have missed, or even revisit old storylines that are still relevant to the current show.
2. Watch Other Shows in the Law & Order Franchise
If you’re craving more procedural drama, why not dive into Law & Order or Law & Order: Organized Crime? Both shows share a similar tone, and you might just find your next obsession.
3. Engage With the SVU Community
Join fan forums, follow the show’s social media pages, or participate in online discussions. This way, you can stay connected with other fans, share theories, and keep the SVU spirit alive until the show returns.
Conclusion
While it’s disappointing to know that there’s no new episode of Law & Order: SVU tonight and that we have to wait until 2025 for the next installment, there’s plenty to be excited about when the show returns. The fall finale set up some dramatic storylines that are sure to unfold in the new year. Whether you’re looking forward to more of Benson’s leadership, Carisi’s personal challenges, or fresh new cases, the wait will definitely be worth it!
