Law & Order: SVU is back on Thursday (October 3)!

The long-running series was officially renewed for Season 26 by NBC back in March, and will premiere on Thursday, October 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and next day on Peacock.

The crime show, also known as the first spin-off of Law & Order by Dick Wolf, debuted back in September of 1999, and has since gone on to become the longest-running primetime U.S. live-action series in the history of TV, and the only live-action ’90s series still producing new episodes.

We already know who is set to return, who is joining, and who just got promoted in the cast as a series regular!

Click through to see what to expect for Season 26…

Get ready to see SVU on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit will return for Season 26 during NBC’s 2024-2025 season, the network confirmed.

New episodes of Season 26 of Law & Order: SVU will air Thursday nights on NBC at 9 p.m. ET. The first episode debuts on October 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NBC and next day on Peacock. Check out the Fall 2024 NBC TV schedule!

“[25 seasons] has given us this very unique opportunity to do something unprecedented,” Mariska told Hemisphere Magazine. “It’s the longest-running show in history, and it’s not by accident that Benson’s progression mirrors the exact evolution of women in broader society. She’s kind of the greatest feminist character ever, in that way … She rose up through the ranks, became a leader, and now captain—all while being a mother. Let’s see how far we can take it, you know?”

“I’m pleased to continue my four-decade relationship with Universal Television and NBC,” Law & Order creator Dick Wolf also said in a statement.

We already know several stars expected back for the next season, via NBC.

Plot details for Season 26 are still sparse.

NBC remains tight-lipped about the Season 26 plot, but noted that Benson and her Law & Order: Organized Crime friend, Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni), have had a relationship that some viewers are hoping turns into more, shipping them as “Bensler.”

“What I hope is that we find the space to move forward,” Christopher said. “I don’t know if we have, but I look forward to keep trying it. To keep challenging it. To keep trying to figure it out.”

Ice-T thinks the show will go the distance.

“We’re very excited about going into season 26. I think last season we caught a whole other wind of fans, and everybody got in it, and the ratings were great,” he recently told Us Weekly. “I don’t see any reason why SVU can’t go 30 [seasons].”

“I think the show will stay on as long as Mariska wants to do the show,” he added. “It’s her show.”

Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson – EXPECTED TO RETURN

Mariska, who’s been with the show since Season 1, is set to reprise her role as Olivia Benson.

Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin “Fin” Tutuola – EXPECTED TO RETURN

Ice-T, who has been with the show since Season 2, is expected to reprise his role as Fin Tutuola in the series.

Peter Scanavino as ADA Dominick “Sonny” Carisi, Jr. – EXPECTED TO RETURN

Peter, who has played Dominick Carisi since Season 16, is expected back in action for Season 26.

Octavio Pisano as Junior Detective Joe Velasco – EXPECTED TO RETURN

Octavio, who joined the main cast as Joe Velasco in Season 23, is expected to return for Season 26.

Juliana Aidén Martinez – JOINING!

Deadline confirmed in July that Juliana Aidén Martinez is coming aboard as a new detective.

The Colombian-American actress is best known for her breakout role in Netflix’s Griselda, and she’s starred in 9-1-1, The Blacklist and Prodigal Son.

Kevin Kane as Det. Terry Bruno – PROMOTED TO SERIES REGULAR!

Kevin Kane first debuted in the role in Season 24, and has also played minor characters in Seasons 9, 13, 17 and 20. He last appeared in Episode 13 last season.

He also co-stars in Hulu’s Life & Beth and also serves as director and executive producer.

Kelli Giddish as Amanda Rollins – RETURNING!

In September, showrunner/executive producer David Graziano and executive producer Julie Martin confirmed that Kelli Giddish will be returning as Amanda Rollins for multiple episodes in Season 26.

“Rollins is definitely coming back to the show,” Julie told TVLine. “She’s coming as a guest star, and she’s going to make a bunch of appearances throughout the season.”

“We’re really happy about it,” David added.

She first joined SVU in 2013 and appeared as a main character until leaving the show in December 2022. She has since made guest appearances, most recently in May 2024.