Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) is a long-running American police procedural television series that focuses on the investigation of sex crimes. It is part of the Law & Order franchise, and has been airing on NBC since 1999. The show has seen many changes over the years, with its cast of characters evolving and growing. Here is a look at the long-running cast of Law & Order: SVU.
The show is led by the experienced and stoic Lieutenant Olivia Benson, played by Mariska Hargitay. She has been on the show since its first season, and is the only cast member to appear in every episode. Benson is a dedicated and compassionate police officer who is passionate about protecting victims of sexual assault and other violent crimes.
Also part of the original cast is Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni. Stabler is Benson’s partner, and the two have a strong bond. He is a tough and no-nonsense cop, but still has a moral compass that guides him. He left the show after its twelfth season.
Detective John Munch, played by Richard Belzer, is another long-running character. Munch is a cynical and sarcastic detective who is often the source of comic relief. He has appeared in more episodes than any other character, and is the only one to appear in all four Law & Order series.
Detective Odafin Tutuola, played by Ice-T, joined the show in its second season. He is a street-smart detective with a dry sense of humor. He is often the voice of reason in the squad room, and is known for his loyalty to Benson and the rest of the team.
Detective Amanda Rollins, played by Kelli Giddish, joined the show in its thirteenth season. She is a dedicated and hard-working detective who is often called upon to take on the most difficult cases. She is also a single mother, which adds a unique layer to her character.
Dr. George Huang, played by B.D. Wong, is a forensic psychiatrist who has been with the show since its third season. He provides psychological insight and often helps the team understand the motivations of the criminals they are investigating.
The show has also featured a number of recurring characters, such as Assistant District Attorney Alexandra Cabot (Stephanie March), Detective Nick Amaro (Danny Pino), and ADA Rafael Barba (Raúl Esparza).
Law & Order: SVU has been on the air for over 20 years, and its cast of characters has evolved and grown over that time. The show has become a beloved part of the Law & Order franchise, and its long-running cast of characters is a big part of its success.
