Law & Order: SVU has been renewed for Season 28, with the long-running crime drama set to return for the 2026-27 broadcast season, NBC announced on April 16, 2026. The series will premiere in fall 2026 and air Thursdays at 9/8c on NBC and Peacock.
Mariska Hargitay returns as Captain Olivia Benson, alongside series regulars Ice-T as Sergeant Fin Tutuola, Peter Scanavino as A.D.A. Dominick Carisi, Kevin Kane as Detective Terry Bruno, Aimé Donna Kelly as Captain Renee Curry, and Corey Cott as Detective Jake Griffin.
The renewal marks a significant shift for the cast. Kelli Giddish, who plays Detective Amanda Rollins, is returning as a series regular for Season 28 after three years away from the show. Giddish originally left SVU in 2022 but rejoined as a series regular starting in Season 27.
One of the most notable changes involves Ice-T’s screen time. During Season 27, the veteran actor appeared less frequently due to budget constraints tied to Giddish’s return. However, showrunner Michele Fazekas promised a shift for the upcoming season. “I think we’ll have Ice-T more,” Fazekas told TVLine in May 2026, signaling the show’s commitment to balancing its expanded cast.
Christopher Meloli’s potential return as Elliot Stabler remains uncertain. NBC’s SVU showrunner Michele Fazekas indicated in May 2026 that she is open to bringing Meloli back, but only if it serves the story. “I love Meloni,” Fazekas said, noting that any appearance “has to be meaningful.” Meloli’s spin-off series, Law & Order: Organized Crime, was canceled in April 2026 after five seasons, leaving his schedule more flexible, though no formal deal has been announced.
The renewal comes as SVU continues its record-breaking run. The series has become NBC’s longest-running drama and one of the most enduring shows in broadcast television history, with Hargitay and Ice-T anchoring the ensemble for multiple decades.
Sources
- Variety — SVU renewal announcement for Season 28, cast members returning
- Deadline — Season 28 renewal details and cast information
- TVLine — Showrunner Michele Fazekas on Ice-T’s increased episodes, Season 28 premiere date and time
- NBC Insider — Showrunner comments on Christopher Meloli’s potential return
- TV Insider — Season 28 cast details and Meloli return prospects
