Kelli Giddish Returns to ‘SVU’ as Series Regular for Season 27

NEW YORK, NY — After two and a half years away, Kelli Giddish is officially returning to “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as a series regular for its upcoming 27th season. Giddish will reprise her role as Amanda Rollins, a character that has become a staple of the show.

Giddish’s departure from the series in Season 24 raised many eyebrows among fans. In a dramatic exit, her character left the Special Victims Unit after marrying Assistant District Attorney Sonny Carisi Jr. (played by Peter Scanavino) and pursuing a teaching career at Fordham University. However, she returned for the season finale and made guest appearances in subsequent seasons.

This return to full-time status marks Giddish’s 15th season on the show, making her one of the longest-serving cast members. During her absence, Rollins remained connected to the team, aiding in cases before shifting back to the NYPD as a sergeant in the intelligence division, following a recommendation from her close friend, Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay.

Hargitay has previously expressed her desire for Giddish to return, emphasizing their strong friendship both on and off-screen. “Playing Rollins has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life,” Giddish stated on social media after her initial exit.

Ahead of Season 27, the series also sees significant changes behind the scenes, with Michele Fazekas stepping in as the first female showrunner in the history of SVU. She takes over from David Graziano, as the series undergoes a transition alongside Giddish’s return.

As the show prepares for its new season, Giddish’s presence is welcomed by both fans and the production team. The series continues to be produced by Dick Wolf and Universal Television, ensuring that the iconic procedural maintains its legacy.

The Season 26 finale of “SVU” is set to air tonight on NBC, potentially setting the stage for Giddish’s much-anticipated return.