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‘Law & Order,’ ‘Law & Order: SVU’ renewed at NBC


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Table of Contents
W. Leight, P. Scanavino, K. Giddish, D. Wolf, M. Hargitay, Ice-T, J. Martin, M. Starr attend "Law & Order: SVU" at The Paley Center for Media.

Law & Order and SVU Coming Back Strong

If you love gripping crime stories and courtroom drama, then get ready, as two of TV’s most iconic shows are coming back. Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU have been fan favorites for decades, and NBC just announced they’re renewing both for new seasons.

These shows have a way of pulling you into the world of crime-solving and justice like no other. But this time, there are some fresh changes, new faces, and exciting twists in store.

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What’s the Big News?

NBC has announced that both “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU) will return for the 2025–2026 TV season. “Law & Order” will enter its 25th season, while SVU will reach its 27th season.

These renewals come after both shows experienced significant viewership increases on Peacock. “Law & Order” saw a 112% rise and SVU a 5% uptick.

the man on the background of burning police buses kyiv

“Law & Order”

“Law & Order” is a crime drama that first aired on NBC on September 13, 1990. The show is known for its unique format, dividing each episode into two parts. The first half focuses on the police investigation of a crime, while the second half follows the legal proceedings to prosecute the accused.

Set and filmed in New York City, the series offers a realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system. After running for 20 seasons, the show concluded in 2010 but was revived in 2022.

Detective board with photos of suspected criminals crime scenes.

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU)

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU) is a TV show that started in 1999. It follows a group of detectives in New York City who work on serious crimes like sexual assault and child abuse.

The main character is Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay. She has been on the show since the beginning and is now the captain of the team.

actress mariska hargitay

Who Stars in “SVU”?

Mariska Hargitay (Captain Olivia Benson) is the only actor to appear in all 26 seasons. Ice-T plays Sergeant Fin Tutuola. He joined in Season 2 and has been on the show ever since.

Peter Scanavino plays Assistant District Attorney Dominick “Sonny” Carisi. He started as a detective in Season 16 and became a lawyer in Season 21. These three actors are key parts of the show.

Forensic police investigator collecting evidence at the crime scene

Who Stars in “Law & Order”?

In Season 25 of “Law & Order,” the main cast includes Mehcad Brooks as Detective Jalen Shaw, Reid Scott as Detective Vincent Riley, and Tony Goldwyn as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter. Detective Jalen Shaw, portrayed by Mehcad Brooks, is a dedicated officer who works hard to solve crimes in New York City.

Detective Vincent Riley, played by Reid Scott, is Shaw’s partner. Tony Goldwyn takes on the role of District Attorney Nicholas Baxter. These characters work together to uphold the law and maintain order in the city.

Man turning on tv with a remote.

Why Were the Shows Renewed?

NBC decided to bring back “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: SVU” because more people are watching them now than before. These shows are not just popular on TV; they are also doing well online.

Together, they have reached over 44 million viewers across different platforms this season. Because of this success, NBC wants to keep the stories going.

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Big Changes in “SVU”

Kelli Giddish is coming back to “Law & Order: SVU” as a full-time cast member for Season 27. She plays Amanda Rollins, a detective who first joined the show in Season 13.

In Season 24, Rollins left the police force to become a teacher after marrying Assistant District Attorney Carisi. Even after leaving, she appeared in some episodes during Seasons 25 and 26.

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New Showrunner for “SVU”

Michele Fazekas is taking over as the new boss, called the showrunner, for “Law & Order: SVU” in Season 27. This is a big deal because she is the first woman to ever lead the show in its 26-year history.

Before this, Michele worked on SVU from 2001 to 2006 as a writer and co-executive producer. She also helped create other TV shows like “Gen V” and “Agent Carter.”

isolated young man with open arms at rocky shore and

Farewell to Some Cast Members

Two actors from “Law & Order: SVU” are leaving the show after Season 26. Octavio Pisano, who played Detective Joe Velasco, joined the cast in Season 23.

He was known for his undercover work and dedication to the team. Juliana Aidén Martinez played Detective Kate Silva and joined in Season 26.

silhouette of mysterious man in hoodie indoors dangerous criminal

Season 26 Finale Highlights

In the Season 26 finale of Law & Order: SVU, titled “Post-Rage,” the team investigates a series of violent attacks on female psychiatrists. The case leads them to uncover a pattern of assaults.

Detective Joe Velasco receives a surprise promotion to Detective Second Grade, celebrated by the squad in a heartfelt ceremony. This moment marks a significant milestone in Velasco’s career.

Close up of calendar page on office desk.

Crossover Event in 2025

On April 17, 2025, NBC aired a special two-hour crossover event featuring Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU). The event began at 8/7c with Law & Order, followed by SVU at 9/8c.

This crossover event was titled “Play With Fire” and involved a complex investigation into a series of crimes affecting marginalized women. The crossover event also set the stage for the Season 5 premiere of Law & Order: Organized Crime, which aired immediately afterward at 10/9c.

Streaming on Peacock

You can watch both Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service. New episodes of Law & Order air on Thursdays at 8/7c, and SVU follows at 9/8c on NBC.

The latest episodes are available to stream on Peacock the very next day, so you can catch up anytime. eacock makes it easy to watch your favorite Law & Order episodes whenever you want.

Emmy Award statues

Awards and Honors

“Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (SVU) has earned numerous awards and nominations over the years. The series has received 46 wins and 208 nominations across various award platforms.

Mariska Hargitay won the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series in 2006 for her performance in the episode “911.” Additionally, she received a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Television Series – Drama in 2005.

Cropped view of woman holding speech bubble with question mark.

What’s Next for “Law & Order”?

Season 25 of Law & Order will continue to deliver compelling crime stories. Detectives Jalen Shaw and Vincent Riley will team up for more investigations, facing new challenges and complex cases.

Assistant District Attorneys Samantha Maroun and Nolan Price will navigate the legal intricacies of the cases. Another series that created quite a noise is XO, Kitty’s Season 2. XO, Kitty season 2 ending is fully explained, including plot and character developments.

Scales of justice in the courtroom

What’s Next for “SVU”?

Season 27 of Law & Order: SVU is set to premiere this fall on NBC. The show will continue to tackle complex and sensitive cases.

While you wait for the next season of these series, these 15 exciting HBO series coming in 2025 will keep you company.

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