Law & Order: SVU: Why Kate Silva & Joe Velasco Are Leaving After Season 26

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The recent news about cast changes on the popular series Law & Order: SVU, specifically concerning characters Kate Silva (played by Juliana Martinez) and Joe Velasco (portrayed by Octavio Pisano), has left fans puzzled. This long-running crime drama, produced by Dick Wolf, focuses on a specialized unit dealing with complex cases involving sexual assault and misconduct. Currently, Silva and Velasco are key figures in the series. As a result, viewers are curious to understand why these characters won’t be returning for Season 26.

Here are all the details.

Why are Juliana Martinez and Octavio Pisano leaving SVU after Season 26?

It’s uncertain why Julianna Martinez and Octavio Pisano chose to depart the cast of Law & Order: SVU following Season 26.

There are rumors that the reason for their departure may have been due to financial problems within NBC. These persistent issues have led to changes in casting, reduced episode counts, and uncertain futures for numerous shows on the network. Nevertheless, NBC hasn’t provided any definite statement about whether these casting adjustments were made for creative or fiscal reasons. Also, it has not yet been confirmed if Season 27 will proceed.

For the uninitiated, Detective Kate Silva from Martinez was first introduced in Season 26, Episode 1, titled “Fractured”. Originally a detective in Brooklyn’s Homicide Division, she now works with the Special Victims Unit based in Manhattan.

Instead, we find that Joe Velasco, introduced by Pisano, first appeared in Season 23, episode 1, named “And the Empire Strikes Back.” Following Katriona Tamin’s retirement, he was tasked with joining the Special Victims Unit.

The 26th season is expected to end with Episode 22 titled “Post-Rage,” set to air on May 15, 2025, on NBC. As per the synopsis, the episode will primarily revolve around character Benson, who’s deeply involved in probing a series of sexual assault cases involving female psychiatrists. Furthermore, the team is looking forward to their well-deserved promotion. The final episodes may also provide closure for the storyline involving characters Silva and Velasco.

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2025-05-07 09:17