Which 'Law and Order: SVU' Stars Are — And Aren't — Returning for Season 27

Law & Order: SVU is going through some cast changes yet again — but what does that mean for season 27? The series, which premiered in 1999, follows detectives from the NYPD’s Special Victims Unit as they investigate and prosecute sexually-based crimes. The legal drama stars Mariska Hargitay, Ice T, Peter Scanavino and Kevin Kane and has faced multiple character exits throughout the years. Before NBC renewed Law & Order: SVU for season 27, multiple outlets confirmed in May 2025 that Octavio Pisano and Juliana Martinez, who portray Detective Joe Velasco and Detective Kate Silva, respecti