Raúl Esparza exits Law & Order: SVU after six seasons

Another long-time cast member has exited Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. Raúl Esparza has left the long-running NBC procedural after six seasons, EW has learned exclusively.
The actor joined SVU as Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba in season 14 in a recurring capacity, before being upped to series regular in season 15.
During Wednesday’s episode, Barba ultimately left the District Attorney’s office after pulling the plug on a brain-dead child. Esparza has effectively exited as a series regular, but the door is open for him to return. In his stead, Chicago Justice character Peter Stone (Philip Winchester) has become the new ADA, with Winchester being added to the show as a regular who will likely continue with the show next season should it be renewed.

“It has truly been an honor writing for Raúl,” SVU showrunner Michael Chernuchin says. “The power, sensitivity, and morality he brought to the character of Rafael Barba never failed to elevate our scripts. Raúl is family and we look forward to seeing his talent shine in new projects. As for Barba, SVU fans may see him again soon.”
Though SVU has been on for 19 seasons, the show hasn’t seen too much turnover in recent years. After Christopher Meloni exited in season 12, fellow originals Richard Belzer and Dann Florek both left in season 15. Danny Pino, who joined the show in season 13, was the show’s last big exit back in season 16.
Following his departure, Esparza is temporarily returning to his Broadway roots for a Chess revival at the Kennedy Center. What’s next for him after that? And why did he decide to leave SVU now? Read our full interview to get the scoop: