Law & Order: SVU season 26 — next episode info, recaps, cast and everything we know about the hit crime drama

Mariska Hargitay as Capt. Olivia Benson and Peter Scanavino as Counselor Sonny Carisi in an office in Law & Order: SVU season 26
Mariska Hargitay and Peter Scanavino, Law & Order: SVU (Image credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)

For many TV watchers over the past two decades, the fall primetime lineup wouldn’t seem right without hearing the infamous "dun, dun" to kick off new captivating episodes of Law & Order: SVU. Thankfully, with Law & Order: SVU season 26 helping to round out NBC’s Fall 2024-2025 TV season, fans can continue to see Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) lead her SVU squad as they solve some more of the most provocative cases. 

So what do we know about Law & Order: SVU season 26 and the new episodes? Keep reading to find out. 

Next episode of Law & Order: SVU season 26 

Law & Order: SVU is currently on a break for the duration of 2024. The midseason premiere, showcasing the rest of season 26, doesn't kick off until January 16, 2025, at 9 pm ET/PT on NBC. Now is a great time to catch up with anything you've missed this season on Peacock. 

New episodes of Law & Order: SVU premiere live exclusively on NBC. For those that don't have traditional cable/satellite television, you still have the opportunity to watch the show live when it airs using live TV streaming services such as FuboTV, Hulu with Live TV, Sling TV and YouTube TV. All episodes of SVU become available to stream on Peacock the day after they premiere on TV. 

We don’t have a UK release date for the new season, but we anticipate new episodes will debut on Sky Witness when the time comes. 

Law & Order: SVU season 26 recaps

Here are recaps of the episodes from this season.

Law & Order: SVU season 26 episode 1
Law & Order: SVU season 26 episode 2
Law & Order: SVU season 26 episode 3
Law & Order: SVU season 26 episode 4
Law & Order: SVU season 26 episode 5
Law & Order: SVU season 26 episode 7
Law & Order: SVU season 26 episode 8

Law & Order: SVU season 26 plot

Law & Order: SVU season 26 continues to show some of the most gut-wrenching cases centered around sexual assault. As in years past, viewers should anticipate seeing a few storylines inspired by real-life events "ripped from the headlines." The leader of the squad investigating these crimes is Captain Olivia Benson, who often uses her over 20 years on the force and her own trauma experiences to not only catch suspects but also be a support system for the victims. 

Law & Order: SVU season 26 cast

Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson and Ice T as Sgt. Odafin "Fin" Tutuola walking down the street in Law & Order: SVU season 25 episode 7

Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T, Law & Order: SVU (Image credit: Scott Gries/NBC)

Leading the show is the legendary Mariska Hargitay. Since the inception of SVU, she's been playing Olivia Benson, a role for which she's received an Emmy, a Golden Globe and Screen Actor Guild Awards. Additionally, while portraying the famous detective, she's made appearances in Chicago P.D., Law & Order and Law & Order: Organized Crime

Joining Hargitay is another tenured member of the show, Ice-T who plays Fin Tutuola. Prior to his stint on SVU, he was a hit rapper and a recognizable face from New Jack City and New York Undercover

Also on hand as series regulars are Peter Scanavino (Deception) as Dominick Carisi, Octavio Pisano (Coyote) as Joe Velasco and Kevin Kane (Life & Beth) as Terry Bruno. Aime Donna Kelly (Chicago Med) is back as Renee Curry in a recurring role, and Kelli Giddish (Chase) is slated to appear in multiple episodes as Amanda Rollins. Interestingly enough, Amanda is now a sergeant with NYPD's Intelligence Unit. 

In casting addition news, Juliana Aidén Martinez (Griselda) joins the show as Detective Kate Silva. 

Law & Order: SVU season 26 trailer

Here is a promo teaser for the new season of both Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU.

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Terrell Smith

Terrell Smith has a diverse writing background having penned material for a wide array of clients including the federal government and Bravo television personalities.  When he’s not writing as Terrell, he’s writing under his pseudonym Tavion Scott, creating scripts for his audio drama podcasts. Terrell is a huge fan of great storytelling when it comes to television and film. Some of his favorite shows include The CrownWandaVision, Abbot Elementary and Godfather of HarlemAnd a fun fact is he's completely dialed into the TLC 90 Day Fiancé universe.