: Introduced as a detective in Season 16, later becoming an Assistant District Attorney. Seasonal Breakdown Highlights Key Developments Early Years (Seasons 1–12)

: Benson's original partner for Seasons 1–12. He later returned to the franchise in 2021 for the spin-off Law & Order: Organized Crime .

: The only cast member to appear in all 24+ seasons. Her character evolved from Detective to Captain of the Manhattan SVU.

The cast has seen significant changes over 24 years, though some figures remain iconic fixtures:

As of April 2026, the series continues to air new episodes on NBC, currently in its 26th season.

The television series (often referred to as SVU ) is the longest-running primetime live-action series in U.S. history. Spanning from its premiere in 1999 through its 24th season (2022–2023) and beyond, the show follows an elite squad of NYPD detectives investigating "especially heinous" sexually-based offenses. Series Overview & Impact