It didn’t seem possible, especially given the budget cuts, but Law & Order: SVU Season 27 will finally bring Rollins back.
Rollins should never have been written out in the first place.
It’s been three long years and about a dozen guest appearances later, but Rollins will finally be back full-time.
What We Know So Far
Neither NBC nor Law & Order: SVU has given a lot of details yet.
The only thing we know comes from Deadline — and that’s that Rollins will again be a series regular for the first time in three years.
This change is likely connected to other behind-the-scenes changes:
- Showrunner David Graziano is out, replaced by Michelle Faezekas, the first woman to head the long-running police procedural in its 27-year history.
- Executive producers Julie Martin and Norberto Barba are also leaving the production team, though Barba intends to remain as a director.
It’s also likely that Law & Order: SVU wrote out Silva and Velasco because they needed to eliminate two salaries to afford to rehire Kelli Giddish.
That’s purely speculation, of course — no official source has said so.
However, Giddish’s original exit from the series mirrored other poor decisions networks have made because of budget cuts, like canceling popular shows because they were too expensive.
Thus, it’s probable that her exit had to do with the show trying to save money by replacing a long-running actress with lesser-known actors.
If SVU Brings Rollins Back, Will It Put An End To This Annoying Revolving Cast Door?
The constant stream of new female cops coming and going from Law & Order: SVU is extremely annoying, so let’s hope that Rollins’ return means that’s done.
Silva is the last in a long line of them to disappear after a season.
Hopefully, Rollins’ return will stop this annoying trend, but a lot depends on Rollins’s role.
During Law & Order: SVU Season 26, Rollins joined the new-to-franchise Intelligence Unit, often appearing on loan to SVU.
If she returns to the SVU squad, she can easily replace all of those temporary detectives and Benson won’t need anyone else.
Sure, she’ll be one officer short, but the squad has made do with worse. There was a point where Fin was the only permanent member of the team, after all.
However, if Rollins stays with Intelligence but works with SVU in most episodes, Benson will still need another detective.
It wouldn’t make much sense for Rollins to stay with Intelligence if she’s going to work full-time with SVU, although I suppose Intelligence could be a more regular part of the series.
There’s No Way SVU Brings Rollins Back And Does Nothing With Her
The most frustrating part of Rollins’ guest appearances is that she is often given too little to do.
SVU was probably trying to save money, but bringing Rollins in to have two lines, especially if her only purpose in the episode is to help Carisi, doesn’t do anyone any favors.
We don’t have a PR machine or a million-dollar budget — we have you.
If you’re reading, say hello in the comments or send this to a friend. Every little action helps.
I imagine that won’t happen anymore. There isn’t much point to bringing Rollins back full-time and giving her two lines per episode!
Of course, that was what they did to Silva. Still, Rollins is a legacy character — and we’re getting a new head writer who will hopefully see her value.
Do YOU Think SVU Will Use Rollins Properly?
I want to hear your opinion about this SVU casting news.
Let’s keep the conversation going — it’s the only way the good stuff survives.
Tell us in the comments whether you think Rollins returning is good or bad and what you hope will happen once SVU brings her back. Then share this article with a friend so they can chime in too.
Law & Order: SVU airs on NBC on Thursdays at 9/8c and streams on Fridays on Peacock. Season 27 will air in the fall of 2025.
Watch Law & Order: SVU Online
-
Relationship Obsession: Why Certain ‘Ships Stick With Us and We Can’t Let Them Go
Ships are an integral part of the viewing experience, and we’re exploring why they’re so important to fans and why it’s impossible to let go of them.
-
When Characters Stop Mattering: Is TV Cast & Cost Cutting Its Way into Obliteration?
When characters stop mattering, where do we go? TV is cost and cast cutting its way into obliteration, and it’s depressing.
-
Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 22 Gives One Long-Standing Character A Beautiful Goodbye After A Disturbing Case
Law & Order: SVU Season 26 Episode 22 did right by one departing character after one of its most disturbing cases. Our review!
TV Fanatic is searching for passionate writers to share their voices across various article types. Think you have what it takes to be a TV Fanatic? Click here for more information and next steps.
