The latest on Law & Order: SVU season 26 offers an update on Rollins' status after she left the team, confirming that Kelli Giddish is set to appear in several upcoming episodes. Having portrayed NYPD Detective Amanda Rollins since 2011, Giddish left SVU during season 24 in what was considered an unpopular decision. But since her departure, the actor has reprised her role as a guest star. She'll continue to do for Law & Order: SVU season 26, which premieres on NBC on Thursday, October 3 at 9 PM EST.
TVLine confirms that Giddish will be a part of SVU season 26, with executive producer Julie Martin saying: “Rollins is definitely coming back to the show. She’s coming as a guest star, and she’s going to make a bunch of appearances throughout the season.” Speaking alongside showrunner and executive producer David Graziano, the EPs say that Rollins will work with the NYPD's Intelligence Unit and add that Rollins' marriage with Dominick Carisi (played by Peter Scanavino) is still going strong and that her family will play a role this season.
We’ll see Carisi and his daughter get involved in something together that they’ll kind of have to work their way out of.
Rollins Has Remained A Part Of SVU Despite Giddish's Exit As A Main Cast Member
Her Story Has Continued
Giddish made her last appearance as a Law & Order series regular during season 24. The reason for her exit, according to reports and sources, was a desire to shake up the long-running series and keep it fresh. But, amid dissatisfaction from viewers, along with lead star and executive producer Mariska Hargitay, Giddish was brought back as a guest star in season 24's finale. She also made two appearances in season 25.
Rollins' evolution has continued as a guest character. She finds herself bored with the job of being a professor and not quite ready to let go of her old life. She even helps Hargitay's Oliva Benson with a case and stays until that question mark is resolved. Some of Giddish's continued involvement may well be connected to Hargitay's public push to bring her back.
Hargitay has described Giddish being let go from Law & Order: SVU as a “sore subject” and lamented that she was unable to stop the departure from happening. Even though the fan-favorite character is not back on a regular basis, the latest news at least ensures that Rollins will be a part of the series for the upcoming season.
