If you’re a dedicated fan of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, you probably check your TV schedule every Thursday evening, eagerly waiting for Captain Olivia Benson and the SVU squad to tackle another intense case. On January 20, 2026, many viewers are asking the same question: Is Law & Order: SVU new tonight?
The short answer is no — there is no new episode of Law & Order: SVU airing tonight, Tuesday, January 20, 2026. SVU typically airs on Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC, and recent schedule adjustments have shifted things around. Let’s break down the current status of Season 27, why tonight isn’t a new episode night, and what fans can expect next.
Current Status of Law & Order: SVU Season 27 in January 2026
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit entered its historic Season 27 in late September 2025, continuing its legacy as one of television’s longest-running scripted series. The season kicked off strong with gripping cases involving everything from cold cases to high-stakes investigations tied to the show’s signature focus on sexual assault and special victims crimes.
After the fall finale in November 2025, the show took a holiday hiatus. It returned dramatically in early 2026 with a highly anticipated two-hour crossover event with the flagship Law & Order series on January 8, 2026. That night featured back-to-back episodes starting at 8/7c, blending the worlds of the 27th Precinct and SVU in a compelling story of justice and collaboration.
The midseason return continued with a new episode on January 15, 2026 — titled “Fidelis ad Mortem” — which aired in place of an originally scheduled episode due to an unexpected programming change.
However, January 20, 2026, falls on a Tuesday — not the show’s regular Thursday slot. NBC’s primetime lineup on Tuesdays typically features other programming, so no new SVU episode is set for tonight. Fans hoping for fresh content will need to wait until the next Thursday airing.
Why the Schedule Shift? Recent Changes and Episode Adjustments
One of the biggest stories in January 2026 has been NBC’s decision to pull an episode from the lineup. The episode originally planned for January 15 (titled “Corrosive”) was removed from the schedule following real-world developments involving a guest star. Instead, NBC advanced “Fidelis ad Mortem” (originally slated for January 22) to fill the slot.
In “Fidelis ad Mortem,” the plot revolves around a disturbing cassette tape discovered in a thrift shop, leading Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Lieutenant Jessica Curry to reopen a decades-old missing persons case. Meanwhile, Detective Jake Griffin grapples with troubling rumors about his own father. This episode delivered the intense drama and emotional depth fans expect from SVU, with strong performances and a case that ties personal stakes to investigative work.
The schedule adjustment highlights how networks sometimes make last-minute changes for various reasons, including content sensitivity or external factors. Despite the shuffle, SVU remains committed to delivering powerful storytelling.
When Is the Next New Episode of Law & Order: SVU?
Based on the show’s consistent Thursday night pattern and recent airing history, the next new episode is expected on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at 9/8c on NBC. This would be the originally scheduled slot for “Fidelis ad Mortem” before the swap — so fans might see the episode that was bumped forward or the next in sequence.
To stay updated:
- Check NBC.com or the official Law & Order: SVU page for the latest episode guide.
- Stream recent episodes on Peacock the day after they air (new episodes typically available Fridays).
- Follow official social media accounts for any last-minute schedule announcements.
The show often resumes weekly after midseason returns, barring holidays or special events, so mark your calendar for Thursdays moving forward.
How to Watch Law & Order: SVU in 2026
Even without a new episode tonight, you can catch up or rewatch classics:
- Live TV: NBC Thursdays at 9/8c (check local listings).
- Streaming: Peacock offers on-demand access to Season 27 episodes the next day, plus the full library of past seasons.
- Cable/Satellite: Many providers include NBC in basic packages.
- International: Availability varies by region — in some countries, it streams on platforms like Netflix or local broadcasters.
Peacock subscriptions start affordably, making it easy to binge previous episodes while waiting for new ones.
Why Fans Can’t Get Enough of Law & Order: SVU
What keeps viewers tuning in after nearly three decades? SVU masterfully balances procedural drama with deep character development. Mariska Hargitay’s portrayal of Olivia Benson remains the emotional core — a captain who has evolved from detective to leader while advocating for victims. The ensemble cast, including Ice-T as Fin Tutuola, brings authenticity to every investigation.
Season 27 has explored timely themes, from cold cases resurfacing to personal challenges for squad members. The crossover events add extra excitement, showing how the Law & Order universe interconnects.
Whether it’s the riveting cases, powerful performances, or the show’s commitment to shining a light on important social issues, SVU continues to resonate.
Final Thoughts: Don’t Miss What’s Next!
While there is no new Law & Order: SVU episode tonight on January 20, 2026, the show is very much alive and kicking in Season 27. Tune in this Thursday for what promises to be another compelling installment. In the meantime, stream recent episodes on Peacock or revisit fan-favorite cases.
Stay updated via NBC Insider or official channels — you won’t want to miss Benson and the team in action. Justice never sleeps, and neither do SVU fans!
