The world of televised crime drama is buzzing with anticipation as NBC’s powerhouse franchise, Law & Order, returns for its 2025 fall lineup. This year, the network is doubling down on nostalgia, emotional reunions, and bold storytelling, with Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) launching its landmark 27th season and Law & Order: Organized Crime (OC) rolling out its fifth. As fans settle in for another round of Thursday night intrigue, the shows promise both fresh drama and heartfelt callbacks to their storied histories.
For die-hard SVU aficionados, September 25, 2025, marks a date to remember. That’s when Season 27 officially premiered on NBC at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes set to air every Thursday night. For those who prefer streaming, episodes hit Peacock the following day, according to TODAY.com. The excitement is palpable—not just because the show continues its record-breaking run, but also because of the seismic shifts and emotional beats packed into the premiere.
Leading the charge once more is Mariska Hargitay, reprising her role as Captain Olivia Benson. Hargitay’s portrayal has made Benson the longest-running character in prime-time live-action television history—a feat that’s as impressive as it sounds. Speaking with Access ahead of the new season, Hargitay emphasized the camaraderie that keeps the show ticking: “We have so much fun, and I am so deeply invested, and I really look at it as a team. That’s how I lead, I think, by keeping the team together and the team focused.”
Of course, Hargitay isn’t going it alone. Ice-T is back as Detective Fin Tutuola, continuing his own record-setting stint. The ensemble also features Peter Scanavino as Assistant District Attorney Sonny Carisi and Kevin Kane as Detective Terry Bruno, both reprising their roles. In a move that thrilled long-time viewers, Kelli Giddish has returned as a series regular, once again stepping into the shoes of Amanda Rollins after her departure in 2022 and a handful of guest appearances. The chemistry among the returning cast members is expected to provide both stability and sparks as new cases unfold.
Another notable returnee is Aimé Donna Kelly as Captain Renee Curry. In a candid conversation with TODAY.com, Kelly reflected on her experience: “It just felt so natural. And as an actor, speaking personally, getting to work with Mariska and learn from her, I think you’re seeing kind of a reflection of that in these two characters. Like, Curry learned so much from Benson, and me, Aimé, I’m learning so much from Mariska. So, it just translates really well on screen, I think — I hope.”
The Season 27 premiere was more than just a reunion—it was a turning point. In a move that shocked many, the episode killed off Captain Don Cragen, a character played by Dann Florek who has been a staple since the franchise’s inception. According to CinemaBlend, this plot twist set the stage for a series of emotional reunions, bringing back familiar faces such as BD Wong (Dr. George Huang) and Dean Winters (Brian Cassidy). But perhaps the biggest moment came when Christopher Meloni returned as Elliot Stabler, Benson’s former partner and one of the most beloved characters in the show’s history.
The reunion between Benson and Stabler was as poignant as fans had hoped. Outside Cragen’s memorial, the two shared a quiet, bittersweet moment, reminiscing about their years under his leadership. The scene’s emotional apex came when Stabler, in a spontaneous gesture, told Benson, “Love you,” before she drove away. As CinemaBlend reported, Meloni later revealed on social media that this line was an ad-lib that “made the cut.” For many viewers, the unscripted nature of the exchange made it all the more authentic—a testament to the actors’ chemistry and the depth of their shared history.
But the SVU-OC crossover didn’t end there. Meloni’s Stabler is front and center in Law & Order: Organized Crime Season 5, which NBC is now airing in a network-friendly, F-bomb-free version on Thursday nights. The show, which had earlier made a move to streaming for Peacock subscribers, is back in prime time with a vengeance. The second episode, set to air on October 2, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET, features a highly anticipated guest appearance by Hargitay’s Benson. For those who can’t wait, the episode is already available for streaming on Peacock.
Without venturing into spoiler territory, CinemaBlend hints that Benson and Stabler’s interactions in this episode may be some of their best since Meloni’s return to the franchise in 2021. “It also delivers something that I’ve wanted for a long time: Benson meeting one of Stabler’s brothers,” the article teases. The synergy between the two leads, both on SVU and OC, continues to be a major draw for fans, many of whom have followed their evolving relationship for over two decades.
Not all the news is about returns, however. Octavio Pisano, who plays Detective Joe Velasco, is expected to appear in the SVU Season 27 premiere, but both he and Juliana Aidén Martinez were announced to be leaving the series after Season 26. The revolving door of cast members is nothing new for a show with such longevity, but each departure and arrival brings its own ripple effects, both on-screen and off.
Meanwhile, the broader Law & Order universe is also seeing changes. The original series is launching its 25th season, marked by an unceremonious cast exit, according to CinemaBlend. NBC’s Thursday night lineup remains a cornerstone of network television, continuing to attract both loyal viewers and new fans drawn in by the franchise’s mix of ripped-from-the-headlines storytelling and character-driven drama.
For those keeping track at home, here’s the viewing roadmap: SVU airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with episodes streaming on Peacock the next day. Organized Crime follows at 10 p.m. ET, also on NBC, with earlier streaming access for Peacock subscribers. Whether you’re tuning in for the comfort of familiar faces, the thrill of new mysteries, or the emotional resonance of long-awaited reunions, this season offers something for everyone.
In a television landscape crowded with competition, Law & Order continues to prove why it’s an institution. The blend of fresh storylines, beloved characters, and genuine moments—like Meloni’s unscripted “Love you”—keeps the franchise feeling both timeless and timely. As the shows charge into new territory, fans can rest assured: Thursday nights belong to Law & Order.
