Law & Order: SVU Season 27 Brings Big Cast Changes
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is entering its 27th season with notable cast shakeups, and star Aimé Donna Kelly is ready for fans to see how it will shift the dynamic of the long-running series.
Aimé Donna Kelly Promoted to Series Regular
Kelly, who plays Captain Renee Curry, was officially promoted to series regular. In an exclusive conversation with Us Weekly, she admitted she “cried” when receiving the news.
“It’s so emotional on so many levels,” Kelly said. “I’m very lucky that I started the show as a guest star. I know the squad, the crew, the set—it feels very much like home. But to get that bump… it feels like you’ve been accepted by this family you’ve wanted to be a part of for so long.”
Fans can expect to see Curry interact closely with Mariska Hargitay’s Olivia Benson. Kelly also highlighted how much it meant to her that Kelli Giddish returned as Amanda Rollins.
“It feels like another family member has come back home after going to college,” Kelly explained. “We each have our pocket and our lane, and we offer different things and moods to the squad.”
The Power of Three Women in SVU
Kelly praised the dynamic among Curry, Benson, and Rollins, describing the trio as a strong force tackling “huge challenges in cases that are really heartfelt and emotional.” She called it “beautiful to see and to be a part of.”
While she could not comment on Octavio Pisano’s departure or rumors about other returning cast members, Kelly did tease that the squad will face significant ups and downs this season.
“If your leader is going through some stuff, then the rest of us definitely are. We’re going to support her,” she said. “In the episode tonight, some stuff goes down, and it’s very exciting. That’s why I’m so nervous to see it.”
Even though she already knows the plot, Kelly admitted she is eager to watch the premiere and see the final cut.
“We all feel a little bit of that tension, and I can’t give too much away, but it heats up,” she added.
Renee Curry’s Growth and Leadership
Season 27 will showcase Curry’s “beautiful growth” on screen. Kelly debuted on SVU in season 22 as an Internal Affairs Bureau officer and transferred to the SVU in season 25. She described her character’s evolution:
“She’s starting to bring a little bit more sass. I think she’s more comfortable and more of a leader,” Kelly said. “Working in IAB was a solo job. This is the first time that I’m with a crew of people, and that feels really good.”
Kelly also noted the sense of camaraderie that comes with being part of a team.
“It feels good to know that the person you’re sitting next to has your back. With that comes a little more freedom and ease,” she explained.
When and Where to Watch
Law & Order: SVU premieres new episodes Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on NBC, giving fans plenty to anticipate as the squad navigates new challenges and the evolving dynamics of season 27.