Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Brings Back Octavio Pisano Amid Cast Changes

Law & Order: SVU is undergoing significant cast changes for its 27th season, with Juliana Aidén Martinez (Detective Kate Silva) confirmed to be leaving the show without a return to conclude her storyline, while Octavio Pisano (Detective Joe Velasco) will make a surprise return in the season premiere despite earlier reports of his departure. Pisano's character, who had been promoted in the season 26 finale, is expected to receive a proper sendoff, possibly through a new assignment or a return to assist with a case. These cast changes come amid a broader reshuffling at NBC, which has cut several shows following a costly new NBA broadcasting deal, impacting the network's fall programming. Martinez has since been cast in a new role on FBI, another series set in the same universe. The show is now led by Michele Fazekas, its first female showrunner, during this period of transition. Fans of the series, known for its frequent character turnover, have expressed mixed feelings about the departures and the handling of character exits.