KELLI GIDDISH TEASES FULL-TIME RETURN TO LAW & ORDER: SVU — WHAT’S NEXT FOR AMANDA ROLLINS?
After two seasons in the background, Sergeant Amanda Rollins is officially back on the squad. Played by Kelli Giddish, the fan-favorite detective had stepped away from her full-time role in Law & Order: SVU during Seasons 25 and 26. She appeared only as a guest star while her character adjusted to life outside the precinct. But when Season 27 premieres on September 25, Rollins will once again be a series regular.
Rollins’ Complicated Career Path
When Rollins left SVU, she didn’t walk away from law enforcement completely. She briefly tried her hand at teaching before finding a place in the NYPD Intelligence unit. That role allowed her to reconnect with Captain Olivia Benson in a major case last season. Still, fans were left wondering: could Rollins juggle intelligence work and a full-time return to SVU?
According to Giddish, the answer may involve persuasion from an old friend. “I think she’ll be persuaded to come back to the department by one of her friends. Olivia Benson, maybe you’ve heard of her,” she joked in an interview with Parade.
A New Era Behind the Camera
Rollins’ return also coincides with a major change behind the scenes. Michelle Fazekas has taken over as the show’s first-ever female showrunner. She’s no stranger to the series, having written for SVU between 2001 and 2006. Giddish is confident this leadership shift will breathe new life into the show. “I’m super excited to see what she puts on the page for us to play with,” she said.
A Story Still Unfolding
The last time Rollins thought about returning to SVU, Benson advised her not to treat the squad as a safety net. Rollins still hasn’t resolved all the personal struggles that pulled her away, but Giddish insists that’s part of the journey. “She’s not just gonna pop up in SVU,” she explained. “You guys are gonna get to see that journey of hers… this move back is going to be a gut feeling of doing what’s right for her.”
Coming Home to SVU
For Giddish, stepping back onto the set feels like a reunion. “I can just go and I can be in this nice little warm, comfy place with all of my old friends,” she said. After experiencing life outside the show, she admits to returning with renewed gratitude.
Her words echo what many fans feel: Rollins’ comeback isn’t just about another detective joining the squad. It’s about continuity, loyalty, and watching a beloved character navigate choices that mirror real-life struggles. With a new showrunner at the helm and Rollins back in action, Season 27 is shaping up to be one of SVU’s most compelling chapters yet.