‘Law and Order: SVU’ Fans Call Season 26 Cast “Squad Goals” After Mariska Hargitay’s Sneak Peek

Benson’s back and better than ever … and this upcoming season she has a few new members to round out a stellar squad. Actress Mariska Hargitay, who plays leading lady Olivia Benson on the long-running police drama Law and Order: SVU, shared a quick look at the cast joining her for the upcoming season 26 — and the fans are more excited than ever.

Mariska, who has starred on the hit Dick Wolf show since it premiered back in 1999, shared a picture on Instagram of her alongside Ice-T, the only other current cast member to have been on the show since the first episode with her, with the caption, “Back at it with my #Squad #SVU26” to tease the newest season, which is set to premiere October 3.

The two are pictured leaning against an NYPD cop car and are joined by Octavio Pisano, who has been with the show since season 23, along with Kevin Kane, who was promoted to a series regular for the newest season and newcomer Juliana Aidén Martinez. And while there’ve been a lot of change-ups to the cast throughout the years, SVU fans took the latest cast additions in stride.

“Squad goals!!!! BUT bring back Amanda!!!!”, a fan commented. ““That’s a good-looking group Captain!!! I am stoked for season 26!! This show ages like a fine wine getting better year after year!! Congrats to you all!! 🙌🔥”, someone else chimed in. “Anytime, any place, SVU is on the case!🔥❤️👏” another said. One person wrote.“What a joy to see them together.🙌🏼 I’m super excited for this new season❤️.”

 


Many suspect that Juliana will be taking over the vacant role that was left when Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) departed halfway through season 24 — a decision that not everyone was thrilled about, seeing as she was a fan-favorite character. Although she was possibly teased to come back for the upcoming season, especially after making some appearances in Season 25 including in the finale, it looks like the addition of Juliana could be putting those hopes to bed.

Nevertheless, we’re excited to see what kind of stories the SVU will be getting into this upcoming fall. Don’t forget to tune in to NBC or stream the new season on Peacock starting October 3 at 9 p.m. ET. In the meantime, you can check out all the previous seasons on Peacock.