Benson is back and better than ever… and next season she has a few new members to complete her stellar troupe. Actress Mariska Hargitaywho plays the lead role of Olivia Benson in the long-running police drama Law and Order: SVU, revealed a sneak peek at the cast for the upcoming 26th season – and fans are more excited than ever.
Mariska, who has starred in the hit series Dick Wolf since it premiered in 1999, shared a photo of herself alongside Ice-T, the only other current cast member who has been on the show with her since the first episode, on Instagram with the caption, “Back with my #Squad #SVU26,” to give a sneak peek at the latest season, which is scheduled to premiere on October 3.
In the photo, the two are leaning against an NYPD police car and are accompanied by Octavio Pisanowho has been with the show since season 23, along with Kevin Kanewho rose to become a series regular in the latest season and newcomer Juliana Aiden MartinezAnd although there have been many changes in the cast over the years, SVU The fans took the recent additions to the cast in their stride.
“Squad goals!!!! BUT bring Amanda back!!!!” one fan commented. “That’s a handsome squad captain!!! I’m excited for season 26!! This show is aging like a fine wine and getting better every year!! Congratulations to all of you!! 🙌🔥” someone else chimed in. “Anytime, anywhere SVU is on the case!🔥❤️👏” said another. One person wrote, “What a joy to see them together.🙌🏼 I’m so excited for this new season❤️.”
Many suspect that Juliana will take over the vacant role that became available when Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) left the series in the middle of season 24 – a decision that not everyone was happy about, as she was a fan-favorite character. While she may have been expected to return for the upcoming season, especially after making a few appearances in season 25, including the finale, it looks like the addition of Juliana may dash those hopes.
Still, we’re excited to see what stories SVU will tell next fall. Don’t forget to tune in to NBC or stream the new season on Peacock starting October 3 at 9 p.m. ET. In the meantime, you can watch all previous seasons on Peacock.
Annie O’Sullivan (she/her) reports on holidays, gift guides, travel and lifestyle content at Good housekeepingShe holds a degree in magazine journalism from Syracuse University and previously reported for Runners worldNBC New York/NY 4 and women’s Day. Annie also has experience writing entertainment news and celebrity-related content.
