Over a year has passed since Law & Order: SVU fans bid farewell to Kelli Giddish’s Detective Amanda Rollins, yet the absence still lingers heavily, especially for Mariska Hargitay. Giddish, who joined the cast in Season 13, exited in the middle of Season 24, leaving a void that has yet to be filled. Despite Giddish making occasional returns, the dynamic of the series has undeniably shifted. Hargitay, both the star and an executive producer of the show, recently shared her frustrations with Variety, revealing her lack of influence over Giddish’s departure.
“Kelli is my favorite actor to work with,” Hargitay confessed. “Kelli is my heart. It’s a sore subject. I have a lot of say on the show, but I didn’t have enough there. I don’t like not being listened to, especially when I’m right. That relationship was one of the most powerful relationships in television because you saw these two badass women, so flawed and so there for each other.”
The news of Giddish’s exit broke in August 2022, sparking rumors that she was forced out of SVU. While the exact reasons for her departure remain unclear, her final episode as a series regular wasn’t the end for Detective Rollins. Giddish returned for the Season 24 finale, a crossover with Organized Crime, and appeared in the Season 25 premiere. She is also set to feature in an upcoming episode of SVU, indicating that Rollins isn’t completely out of the picture.
The question of whether Giddish will ever return to Law & Order: SVU full-time remains unanswered. However, Hargitay’s continued longing for her former partner keeps hope alive that Giddish might reappear more frequently. Even if a full-time return isn’t on the horizon, occasional guest appearances offer a semblance of consolation. Given that SVU shows no signs of concluding anytime soon, the future holds endless possibilities.
Although Giddish’s absence as a series regular is still felt keenly, her sporadic appearances are a testament to her enduring connection to the show. With a Season 26 on the way, fans can remain hopeful for more Rollins-centric episodes. For those needing a Rollins fix, the entire series is available for rewatching on Peacock. Meanwhile, new episodes of Law & Order: SVU air on Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, with fans eagerly awaiting each potential return of Detective Rollins.
Keeping the Legacy Alive
Mariska Hargitay’s heartfelt sentiments underscore the profound impact Kelli Giddish had on both the show and its viewers. The bond between their characters, Olivia Benson and Amanda Rollins, showcased the strength and complexity of female partnerships on television. As SVU continues to evolve, the legacy of this powerful duo remains a touchstone for the series, reminding fans of the rich history and emotional depth that Law & Order: SVU brings to the screen each week.