When Juliana Aidén Martinez made her debut as a series regular on CBS’s hit procedural FBI, longtime fans of network television immediately recognized her. Before stepping into the high-stakes world of federal investigations, Martinez had already left a memorable mark on NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit — a franchise known for both launching and reshaping careers.
Now, as she settles into her newest role on FBI, Martinez is reflecting on her journey, her emotional exit from SVU, and the one question fans keep asking: Would she ever return to the iconic series that helped put her on the map?
In an exclusive conversation, the actress opens up about her transition between two powerhouse franchises, the lessons she carried with her, and whether the door to SVU is truly closed.
From ‘SVU’ to ‘FBI’: A Career Crossroads
Juliana Aidén Martinez’s time on Law & Order: SVU may not have been lengthy, but it was undeniably impactful. Appearing during a pivotal stretch of the show, Martinez brought depth and emotional realism to a series already known for its intense storytelling.
“SVU was one of those experiences that changes you as an actor,” Martinez says. “It’s not just a job — it’s an emotional commitment.”
Her character was woven into storylines that demanded vulnerability, restraint, and emotional intelligence — qualities that Martinez credits with sharpening her craft. Yet, as opportunities began to expand, the actress found herself standing at a professional crossroads.
When FBI came calling, it wasn’t an easy decision.
“Leaving a show like SVU is scary,” she admits. “You don’t walk away from something like that lightly.”
Joining ‘FBI’: A New Kind of Intensity
Martinez officially joined FBI as part of the show’s evolving ensemble, stepping into a role that demanded authority, precision, and confidence from the moment she appeared onscreen.
While both SVU and FBI exist within the broader Dick Wolf television universe, Martinez is quick to point out that the experiences feel entirely different.
“SVU is intimate,” she explains. “It’s about people, trauma, and the aftermath of violence. FBI is bigger — higher stakes, faster pace, more moving pieces.”
The transition required not just a shift in performance style, but a mental recalibration.
“On FBI, you’re constantly thinking three steps ahead,” Martinez says. “It’s tactical. It’s strategic. And it’s incredibly demanding.”
The Question Fans Won’t Stop Asking
Despite her excitement about FBI, Martinez is well aware that a portion of her audience is still deeply attached to her SVU chapter.
Social media, she says, hasn’t let her forget it.
“I get messages every week,” she laughs. “People asking, ‘Are you coming back? Is your character really gone?’”
So — would she return?
Martinez doesn’t hesitate to answer honestly.
“I would never say no to SVU,” she says. “That show is family to me.”
Is the Door Still Open?
According to Martinez, her exit from Law & Order: SVU was not fueled by drama or creative conflict, but by timing and opportunity.
“There was no bad blood,” she emphasizes. “Sometimes your path just shifts.”
And that shift, she insists, doesn’t mean closure.
“In television, nothing is ever really final,” Martinez adds. “Especially with a show like SVU. Characters come back all the time — sometimes years later.”
From her perspective, a return would depend on story, timing, and emotional truth.
“If it makes sense for the character and the story is honest, I’d absolutely consider it,” she says.
Navigating Two Iconic Franchises
Being part of not one but two of television’s most enduring franchises is not something Martinez takes lightly.
“That’s rare,” she says thoughtfully. “And I’m incredibly grateful.”
She credits Dick Wolf’s production ecosystem for fostering professionalism, longevity, and respect for actors.
“There’s a reason these shows last so long,” Martinez notes. “They care about the work. They care about the people.”
That culture, she says, made both her exit from SVU and her arrival on FBI feel organic rather than abrupt.
What She Took With Her From ‘SVU’
Even as she builds her future on FBI, Martinez says SVU continues to shape how she approaches her work.
“SVU taught me empathy,” she says. “It taught me how to listen — not just act.”
Those lessons, she believes, are essential regardless of genre.
“Whether you’re playing a detective, an agent, or something completely different, the human element is everything.”
Looking Ahead: Staying Present, Staying Open
For now, Martinez is focused on establishing her character within FBI and exploring where that journey might lead.
“I’m really proud of the work we’re doing,” she says. “This role challenges me in new ways.”
As for the future — including a potential SVU return — she’s leaving it open.
“I’ve learned not to close doors,” Martinez reflects. “Some of the best moments in my career came from surprises.”
And if the call ever comes?
“I’d pick up the phone,” she says with a smile. “Absolutely.”
A Bridge Between Two Worlds
Juliana Aidén Martinez’s career trajectory reflects a modern television reality: actors move fluidly between franchises, platforms, and tones — carrying their audiences with them.
Whether she remains firmly planted in FBI or someday walks back into the halls of Law & Order: SVU, one thing is clear: Martinez is far from finished telling meaningful stories.
And for fans still hoping to see her return to SVU, her message is simple — never say never.
