In one of the show’s most controversial exists, Giddish left as a series regular midway through season 24.

Kelli Giddish as Sgt. Amanda Rollins on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’.Credit: Peter Kramer/NBC

Fans are looking at another Law & Order: Special Victims Unit cast shakeup — but this bit of news is one that’s long-awaited. Kelli Giddish is once again reporting for duty, and returning as a series regular, Entertainment Weekly has confirmed.

Giddish, who’s first appearance as Det. Amanda Rollins on SVU was in season 13, is returning to the fan-favorite NBC procedural crime drama full-time for its upcoming 27th season. The former detective-turned-professor has appeared as a guest star in multiple episodes for both season 25 and 26 after her surprise exit in the middle of season 24.

Giddish’s return will be especially sweet for fans of Rollins’ friendship with Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson, which the actress gushed about to EW ahead of season 26.

“It’s very natural and organic. She’s a great friend of mine and it’s comfortable and it’s empowering,” she added. “I’m honored to play a part next to her and also honored to be her friend. I love going back to see Ice and it’s like, everybody there, I have such a good relationship with. It’s nothing but good times when I go back.”

While fans will undoubtedly cheer to see Rollins back in action, there will also be some tears as actors Octavio Pisano and Juliana Aidén Martinez won’t be coming back after season 26.

Pisano joined the main cast of SVU for season 23 in 2021. His scarred and rowdy undercover Detective Velasco was brought after Katriona “Kat” Tamin (Jamie Gray Hyder) left the series following the season 23 premiere.

Season 26 saw Martinez join the cast in 2024, which is currently still airing. Her Detective Silva was transferred from Brooklyn’s Homicide Division and quickly befriended Velasco.

Juliana Aidén Martinez as Det. Kate Silva and Octavio Pisano as Det. Joe Velasco on ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’.Peter Kramer/NBC via Getty

SVU has not seen a major cast exit in a number of years. But the flagship series suffered two major losses in 2024, with the departures of Lt. Kate Dixon (Camryn Manheim) and D.A. Jack McCoy (Sam Waterston, who appeared on over 400 episodes of the series).

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will air the season 26 finale, hauntingly titled “Post-Rage,” this Thursday, May 15 on NBC.