LAW & ORDER: SVU SEASON 27 PROMISES FRESH CHALLENGES FOR OLIVIA BENSON UNDER NEW SHOWRUNNER
The 16th precinct is back in action. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit kicks off its 27th season on Thursday, September 25, on NBC, and fans have plenty to look forward to. Michele Fazekas, the show’s new showrunner, says Season 27 will challenge Captain Olivia Benson like never before.
A Familiar Face Returns Behind the Scenes
Fazekas isn’t new to SVU. She worked on the series over two decades ago as a writer and co-executive producer, spanning Seasons 3 through 7. “I remember what we were doing then that worked well,” Fazekas tells PEOPLE. “It’s like, ‘Alright, we’re gonna bring some of that back.’”
This season marks a historic first: Fazekas is the series’ first female showrunner. She says returning to SVU was an easy decision, largely because of her long-standing friendship with Mariska Hargitay, who plays Benson. “She creates such a fun environment on set, and everybody’s professional and lovely,” Fazekas adds. “So we’re back. We’re back in sex crimes!”
Revamping the 16th Precinct
Season 27 isn’t just about new leadership behind the camera. Fazekas has made visible changes to refresh the series while honoring its legacy. “We have a new producing director, new cameras, and we changed the sets a little bit,” she explains.
The showrunner also teases the return of “twisty” cases. “You don’t know what it is,” she says. These storylines will push Benson in ways she hasn’t faced in a while. According to Fazekas, the challenges are meant to give the character something new to push against, creating tension and intrigue across the season.
Blending Procedural and Serial Storytelling
Fans can expect a mix of standalone cases and overarching storylines. “I kind of like a combo,” Fazekas says. “For a show like Law & Order, you’re never going to change that. Why would you ever change that?”
Her favorite approach blends procedural and serial-style storytelling. Individual cases are resolved in each episode, but threads of larger storylines develop throughout the season. This keeps viewers coming back each week, eager to see both the case at hand and the evolution of ongoing stories.
Benson at the Center
Benson remains the heart of SVU. Mariska Hargitay holds the title of the longest-running live-action primetime television character, a role she has played since 1999. Fazekas emphasizes that Season 27 will continue to explore Benson’s personal and professional challenges while keeping her at the center of the action.
What Fans Can Expect
Expect fresh tension, compelling mysteries, and character-driven arcs that harken back to the early seasons while introducing a modern twist. With Fazekas at the helm, Season 27 is set to honor SVU’s legacy while injecting new energy into the series.
Viewers can tune in on NBC on September 25 at 9/8c, immediately following the Season 25 premiere of the original Law & Order.