The Law & Order: SVU universe is never short on drama, but the 25th season has been one for the books. From intense courtroom battles to personal milestones, the show is hitting new heights—especially with the return of familiar faces and game-changing episodes. One of the most talked-about characters this season is ADA Dominick Carisi, played by Peter Scanavino. As the 25th season presses forward, Carisi is finding himself at the center of some of the most pivotal moments on the show, and the pressure is on.
In an exclusive interview with TODAY.com, Scanavino opened up about his character’s big upcoming courtroom showdown, the return of his on-screen wife, Amanda Rollins (played by Kelli Giddish), and his memorable crossover with Law & Order: Organized Crime’s Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni). He also shared some surprising behind-the-scenes moments, including his admiration for My Cousin Vinny and his reactions to Meloni’s intense acting style.
Let’s take a deep dive into Peter Scanavino’s thoughts on all things SVU, Carisi’s character evolution, and the future of his iconic role.
Carisi’s Big Courtroom Showdown: Tensions Rise
In the upcoming episode “Combat Fatigue” (airing April 18), Carisi steps into the spotlight as he prosecutes George Brouchard, the suspect in the kidnapping and trafficking case of Maddie Flynn, a teenage girl. This case, which has been a major storyline since the season premiere, is finally coming to a head. As a former detective in the Special Victims Unit, Carisi is no stranger to the pressures of the job, but the courtroom is a different beast altogether.
Scanavino, who’s been with SVU since 2011, reflects on the pressure Carisi faces in the courtroom. He’s not only tasked with convincing the jury to convict a dangerous criminal, but he’s also navigating the expectations of his former SVU colleagues. “Carisi has it harder than most past ADAs,” Scanavino says, noting that Carisi’s intimate knowledge of the detectives’ world often makes him the target of their high expectations. “They’re like, ‘You’ve got to get the win!’ and I’m like, ‘Well, you’ve got to get me the evidence!’”
For Scanavino, playing Carisi in these high-stakes situations is always a delicate balance. In fact, he draws inspiration from the most unlikely source: My Cousin Vinny. “Not that I’m trying to be like Joe Pesci,” he laughs, “but maybe a little bit.” That touch of humor combined with the intense legal drama adds a layer of realism to Carisi’s character. After all, SVU is a show that thrives on combining moments of levity with the severity of the crimes being prosecuted.
Carisi’s Relationship With Rollins: A Journey From Partners to Parents
One of the most significant and heartwarming arcs of Carisi’s character has been his evolving relationship with Amanda Rollins. What started as a professional partnership on the SVU team eventually blossomed into a romantic relationship. Now, with the two characters married and raising three children together, their dynamic is a fan favorite.
Scanavino admits he always saw a spark between Carisi and Rollins long before their romantic relationship came to fruition. “Yeah, I always thought there was something there,” Scanavino reveals. “They got along so well, and I thought, ‘Maybe there’s more to this relationship than just being partners.’” The slow build-up made the eventual payoff all the more satisfying for fans. The couple’s shared history of working together in the trenches of the SVU unit brought a depth to their connection that was palpable on-screen.
The couple’s family life is about to take center stage again in upcoming episodes. As SVU continues its 25th season, Scanavino teases that fans can expect to see more of Carisi and Rollins navigating the challenges of parenthood. “It’s still blissful,” Scanavino admits, but with three kids in the mix, things aren’t always perfect. “There’s definitely a new element to this episode,” he says, hinting that their relationship may face some new hurdles as they continue to adjust to their growing family.
The Dynamic With Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson
One of the most beloved aspects of SVU is the deep bond between Carisi and Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay). Over the years, their relationship has evolved from professional colleagues to close personal friends. Scanavino reflects on the chemistry he shares with Hargitay both on and off-screen.
“We’ve watched each other’s families grow,” Scanavino shares, speaking about the real-life connection that mirrors their characters’ relationship on the show. “It’s nice to have that reflected on screen,” he says, adding that their on-screen conversations about family, hopes, and dreams feel incredibly genuine. These moments provide some of the most touching scenes in recent episodes, showing that the characters’ personal lives and growth matter just as much as the cases they solve.
The emotional depth of their relationship adds layers to SVU‘s storytelling. Scanavino and Hargitay’s real-life connection as friends only enhances their on-screen dynamic, making their interactions feel authentic and deeply personal.
Carisi Crosses Over with Stabler on Organized Crime
Earlier this season, Carisi made a memorable appearance on Law & Order: Organized Crime, where he found himself clashing with Elliot Stabler (Chris Meloni) in a tense standoff. As Scanavino describes it, Meloni’s intensity brought an entirely new level of drama to the scene. “Chris is so scary sometimes,” Scanavino laughs. “He leans into me, and the veins in his neck are popping. I was like, ‘Don’t kill me, Chris! It’s just a TV show.’”
That on-screen tension was only made more intriguing by the fact that Carisi doesn’t know Stabler as well as others in the SVU unit do. While Carisi has worked closely with many of the SVU detectives, Stabler is a more recent addition to the SVU universe, having rejoined the team after a long hiatus. Scanavino notes that Carisi is a bit intimidated by Stabler’s gruff demeanor, which creates a layer of complexity in their interactions.
Even though Carisi is trying to do his job, the intensity of Stabler’s presence is undeniable. But while their characters are at odds, Scanavino couldn’t help but appreciate working with Meloni. “It’s fun to get to know Chris and work with him because he’s such an incredible and passionate actor,” Scanavino says, highlighting the deep respect he has for Meloni as a fellow performer.
What’s Next for Carisi and SVU?
As the 25th season of SVU continues, fans can expect more high-stakes courtroom drama, emotional character moments, and even some surprising crossovers. Scanavino gives us a tantalizing hint about what’s coming next: “Do. Not. Blink!” He teases that what’s left of the season will be packed with twists and turns, and you’ll want to be paying attention to every moment.
Whether it’s his courtroom antics, family drama with Rollins, or intense interactions with his fellow detectives, Carisi remains a key player in the SVU universe. And with the possibility of more crossovers and surprises on the horizon, there’s no telling where Carisi’s journey will take him next.
Conclusion: Peter Scanavino’s Enduring Legacy as Carisi
Peter Scanavino’s portrayal of ADA Dominick Carisi has become a cornerstone of SVU. From his transformation from detective to assistant district attorney to his deeply personal relationships with his colleagues, Scanavino has brought a unique depth and relatability to the character. Whether he’s prosecuting high-stakes cases, navigating the challenges of fatherhood with Rollins, or crossing paths with Stabler, Carisi continues to be one of the most compelling characters on the show.
As the series moves into its landmark 25th season, Carisi’s role is only growing more complex and intriguing. With Scanavino’s ability to balance both the drama and the humor of his character, it’s clear that fans have a lot to look forward to. Carisi is far from done, and we can’t wait to see where his journey takes him next.
