Law & Order SVU is bringing back a familiar face for season 25

Law & Order: SVU is spoiling its fans after months of delays. The procedural drama took some time getting ready for season 25 due to the writers and actors strikes, but production is back on track and exciting news is being announced on a daily basis. The latest bit of news pertains to the season 25 premiere…

While it was already confirmed that SVU veterans Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) and Fin (Ice-T) would be back, TV Line revealed that Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish), a character who hasn’t been part of the main cast for years, would be making an appearance!

Is Amanda Rollins returning to Law & Order: SVU?

Rollins was technically written off SVU in December 2022, but she returned for the season 24 finale, which was part of the sprawling crossover storyline between all three Law & Order shows. She was one of the longest-tenured characters on the show at the time of her departure, having made her debut in season 13 and remaining a core cast member for nearly a decade.

The decision to leave the show was made by Giddish, who felt that she had given the character everything she could and was eager to participate in other projects. The actress reflected on this decision in a written statement obtained by Soaps.

“Playing Rollins has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life,” she asserted. “I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of the Law & Order family for the last 12 years. There is simply no other character on TV like Rollins. She’s grown and changed, and I have as well. I started on this show when I was in my late 20s and I’m grateful I got to spend so many of my adult years with Rollins in my life.”

Rollins was one of the few SVU characters who was treated to a happy, uncomplicated send-off. She married Assistant District Attorney Dominick “Sonny” Carisi and was pregnant with her third child by the time she officially said her goodbyes. The pregnancy storyline was partially written to accomodate for the fact that Giddish was actually pregnant with her third child, Oldie.

Despite this happy ending, Rollins’ return in season 24 made it clear that she missed the grit and grime of solving cases with the SVU team. Apparently, teaching criminal behavior at the Fordham University doesn’t scratch the same itch. “I love the students, but I do miss the feeling of solving a good mystery,” she explained to another SVU veteran, Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni).

There’s no word yet on whether Rollins will be returning for multiple episodes or just the season 25 premiere. It’s possible that SVU writers could be testing the water with her character’s return, and if it goes well, they could expand her role and potentially even bring her back on as a full-time team member. As it stands, we’re just happy to see Rollins back in action.

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