As Law & Order: SVU continues to captivate audiences with its emotional and intense storylines, many fans are left wondering: who might be leaving the show in Season 26? With a few characters’ arcs reaching critical turning points, there is speculation about which beloved members of Olivia Benson’s (Mariska Hargitay) team may be heading out the door. From departures to big announcements, let’s dive into the latest buzz surrounding the cast and the future of SVU.
The Big Question: Who’s Leaving Law & Order: SVU in Season 26?
Law & Order: SVU is no stranger to character departures, with long-time cast members saying goodbye over the years. But, as Season 26 unfolds, there are a few familiar faces whose futures on the show seem uncertain. While no official exits have been confirmed yet, there are some clues that suggest certain characters may not be sticking around for much longer. Here’s what we know so far.
Kelli Giddish’s Amanda Rollins: Returning, but for How Long?
One of the most talked-about comebacks in SVU Season 26 has been Amanda Rollins (played by Kelli Giddish), who made a return as a guest star after her departure midway through Season 24. Fans were ecstatic to see Rollins reunite with Olivia Benson and the team in Season 25, and her reappearance in Season 26’s third episode, “Divide & Conquer,” gave the audience even more hope for her full-time return.
However, Giddish confirmed that her role in Season 26 will once again be brief. While she may appear in several episodes, Giddish has made it clear that she’s not coming back for good. In an October 2024 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, she mentioned that her appearances are like a “bouquet” – a temporary addition to the show before she moves on again. Executive producer Julie Martin and showrunner David Graziano both noted that Giddish’s return is part of a larger plan to explore Rollins’ character, but it won’t mark her permanent return to the squad.
It’s clear that Rollins’ storyline is winding down, and with the focus shifting to other characters, it’s unlikely that Rollins will be a central figure for much longer.
Peter Scanavino’s Sonny Carisi: In Danger, But Likely Staying
Another character whose fate is in question is ADA Sonny Carisi (Peter Scanavino). In the SVU Season 26 fall finale titled “Cornered,” Carisi found himself in a life-threatening situation when he was held hostage by armed criminals during a tense standoff. Viewers watched as Carisi, who has always been a fan favorite, was caught in a perilous position, with the potential for life-changing consequences.
However, despite the high stakes in the storyline, Carisi’s departure from SVU seems unlikely. The show’s executive producers have mentioned that Carisi’s personal life, including his marriage to Rollins and their children, will continue to play an important role in the season’s narrative. Furthermore, showrunner Rick Eid confirmed that Season 26 will focus more on character development and exploring the intersection between the personal and professional lives of the SVU team. As one of the core characters, Carisi is expected to remain a central part of the show, even if his storyline becomes more emotionally complex.
While SVU loves to throw curveballs at its characters, it seems that Carisi’s future is secure – at least for now.
Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson: Big Announcement or Big Goodbye?
As one of the original stars of Law & Order: SVU, Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson has been at the heart of the show since its debut in 1999. But, after so many years of playing the iconic detective, could Hargitay be ready for a change? In an October interview with E! News, Mariska hinted at something big on the horizon, teasing a “big, big announcement” coming in January. Her words sparked speculation that the announcement might involve her departure from SVU.
However, it’s important to remember that Hargitay has previously hinted at stepping away from the show, only to continue her role as Benson. In the interview, she did acknowledge that she has thought about life after SVU, but emphasized that she’s still very much engaged in the show. “I’m open to what the future holds,” she said, before reassuring fans that she’s currently fulfilled with her work on SVU.
While her future beyond Benson remains uncertain, it seems that, for now, Hargitay is committed to continuing her role as the beloved detective. But fans will have to wait until January to find out what this “big announcement” really means for Benson’s future.
What’s Next for SVU?
Season 26 of Law & Order: SVU promises to be one of the most dramatic yet, with several characters facing major turning points. The departure of fan-favorite characters like Amanda Rollins and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson have left many viewers on edge. But despite the changes, SVU shows no signs of slowing down.
Exploring Character Development
This season, SVU will delve deeper into the personal lives of its characters, offering a more nuanced look at their experiences outside of the precinct. This shift will give fans a chance to see their favorite detectives and lawyers in a new light, exploring how their personal struggles, relationships, and growth intersect with the cases they work on.
Potential for New Additions
As veteran characters like Rollins and Carisi face evolving storylines, it’s possible that SVU will introduce new faces to fill the void. With the show’s focus on justice for victims of special crimes, bringing in new characters could allow for fresh perspectives and dynamics within the squad. These changes could offer exciting new opportunities for storytelling and character interactions.
The End of an Era?
With the possibility of significant character exits on the horizon, Season 26 could mark the end of an era for SVU. However, the show has proven time and time again that it can adapt and evolve with the times. Whether it’s through new characters or deeper character development for the existing cast, SVU is sure to keep fans on their toes.
Conclusion
As Law & Order: SVU continues to evolve, fans are left wondering about the future of its beloved characters. While no official exits have been confirmed, the show is clearly preparing for some changes in Season 26. Whether it’s Kelli Giddish’s Amanda Rollins leaving once again, Peter Scanavino’s Sonny Carisi facing life-altering situations, or Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson potentially stepping away from the show, there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming episodes. But one thing is certain: SVU will continue to captivate audiences with its emotionally charged storylines, compelling characters, and commitment to justice.
