Christopher Meloni, it hasn’t been the same without you.

10 main *Law & Order: SVU *cast members who left the show — and what they’re doing now

Christopher Meloni, it hasn't been the same without you.

By Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe

Allison DeGrushe is a timely SEO writer at **. She has been working at * *since 2025. Her work has previously appeared on Distractify.

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January 8, 2026 9:00 a.m. ET

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Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler; Tamara Tunie as Melinda Warner; Richard Belzer as John Munch. Credit:

Justin Stephens/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty (3)

- *Law & Order: SVU* is currently airing its 27th season.

- Over the years, the procedural has said goodbye to fan-favorite cast members like Richard Belzer and Christopher Meloni.

- Mariska Hargitay stands as the only original star still on the show.

In the realm of network procedurals, *Law & Order: SVU* might be king.

The *Law & Order* spinoff's investigations into New York City's seediest and most discomfiting crimes served as a compelling backdrop for the will-they-won't-they tension brewing between Mariska Hargitay's Olivia Benson and Christopher Meloni's Elliot Stabler, both of whom have become synonymous with the series.

The longevity of their partnership proved key to *SVU*'s success, as did the consistency of supporting players like Richard Belzer's John Munch and Ice-T's Fin Tutuola. But, hey, nothing gold can stay — especially across 27 seasons. Departures are inevitable.

From surprise exits like Meloni's to emotional ones from Belzer and Dann Florek, each cast change has left its mark on the series and offered fans a chance to say goodbye to some of their favorite characters.

Here, we take a look at 10 of the most memorable former cast members, exploring why they left and what they've been up to since leaving *SVU*.

Michelle Hurd as Monique Jeffries (seasons 1–2)

Michelle Hurd as Monique Jefferieson on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Michelle Hurd at the Variety Power Of Young Hollywood on Aug. 10, 2023 in Hollywood.

Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank; Monica Schipper/WireImage

Michelle Hurd appeared as part of *SVU'*s original cast, playing Det. Monique Jeffries during the show's first two seasons.

After a traumatic, near-fatal incident, her young, street-smart detective made some messy choices outside of work that spilled into her professional life. That led to Jeffries getting pulled from active police duty. After clashing with coworkers, the character resigned from the force.

The actress went on to star on the Showtime drama *Leap Years *(2001–2002), then pivoted to recurring roles on *According to Jim* (2004), *ER* (2006–2007), and *Gossip Girl* (2007–2008). Along with Patrick Stewart, she helped lead the *Star Trek* series *Picard* (2020–2023) for three seasons.

Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler (seasons 1–12)

Christopher Meloni as Elliot Stabler on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Christopher Meloni at Capitale NYC on Sept. 19, 2022.

Everett; Scott Gries/NBC via Getty

Christopher Meloni helped lead *SVU* as hot-headed detective Elliot Stabler for its first 12 seasons, quickly emerging as one of the franchise's most fiercely beloved characters. It was devastating, then, when fans learned in the season 13 premiere that Stabler had retired and relocated his family to Italy. it was an exit that Meloni later described to ** as abrupt and unceremonious.

Still, in a 2020 interview with the *New York Post*, the actor made it clear there was no drama behind the scenes. “How I left was a different issue and had nothing to do with the *Law & Order* people, the *SVU* people or with [creator] Dick Wolf,” Meloni told the outlet. “I left with zero animosity, but I did leave clearly and open-eyed in going forward and finding new adventures."**

In 2021, he revived the character with a season 22 *SVU* appearance and a starring role on a new spinoff, *Law & Order: Organized Crime *(2021–present), on which he also serves as an executive producer.**

Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T reflect on 25 years of 'Law & Order: SVU'

Mariska Hargitay says a Benson-Stabler 'SVU' kiss was changed at 'last minute'

Following his initial departure from the franchise, Meloni led the Syfy action series *Happy!* (2017–2019) and played supporting roles on hits like *True Blood* (2012) and *The Handmaid's Tale* (2019).

Meloni hilariously reprised his role as combat-scarred cook Gene from the cult comedy *Wet Hot American Summer* (2001) on Netflix's *Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp* (2015) and *Wet Hot American Summer: Ten Years Later* (2017).

A talented voice actor, he can be heard on episodes of *American Dad!* (2019–2022), *Harley Quinn* (2019–present), and *Rick and Morty* (2022).

Richard Belzer as John Munch (seasons 1–15)

Richard Belzer as John Munch on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Belzer attends 'Homicide: Life On The Street: A Reunion' at The Paley Center on May 24, 2018 in New York City.

Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank; Jamie McCarthy/Getty

Actor, host, comic, and author Richard Belzer carved out a singular career playing Det. John Munch on multiple series, beginning with *Homicide: Life on the Street *(1993–1999). He went on to play the acerbic, conspiratorial Munch on 15 seasons of *SVU* (1999–2016), as well as on episodes of *The X-Files* (1997), *Arrested Development* (2006), and *The Wire* (2008), among others.

After leaving the show, Belzer appeared in a handful of documentaries and had a cameo on *Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt*. He died at the age of 78 in February 2023, and the season 25 premiere of *SVU* confirmed that Munch, too, had passed.

Dann Florek as Donald Cragen (seasons 1–15)

Dann Florek as Donald Cragen on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Florek as Donald Cragen on 'Law & Order: Organized Crime'.

Craig Blankenhorn/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Zach Dilgard/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty

Dann Florek played Capt. Donald Cragen, who led the Special Victims Unit for the show's first 15 seasons before retiring. He made several guest appearances in later seasons, and was revealed to have died in the season 27 premiere.

Florek has kept a relatively low profile since leaving *SVU*, though he appeared in the 2023 sci-fi film *Crater* and reprised Cragen on *Organized Crime *(2022–2024).

Florek has spoken fondly about his time in the franchise, especially at *SVU*’s 25th anniversary celebration in 2024. He told PEOPLE, "When I started *SVU*, a lot of people said is there room for two *Law & Orders*? Well, we made it past that. Then I said, I hope we can make five [years]. Then I made 15 [years] and here we are for 25. It's crazy but good. Crazy because it should be."

Stephanie March as Alexandra Cabot (seasons 2–5, 11)

Stephanie March as Alexandra Cabot on 'Law & Order: SVU'; March attends the 33rd Annual Gotham Awards on Nov. 27, 2023 in New York City.

Craig Blankenhorn/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Jamie McCarthy/Getty

*SVU *has had its share of assistant district attorneys over the years, but Stephanie March's Alexandra Cabot remains a standout. March joined the show in season 2, and her character was "killed off" three seasons later — though viewers later discovered that her murder was faked so she could enter a witness protection program.

Alexandra returned for recurring and guest appearances starting in season 6 and ending in season 19. March reprised her role on the short-lived spinoff *Conviction *(2006).

When she first left *SVU*, March explained that it was simply time to move on. "It was a fantastic work experience," she told *TV Guide *in 2004. "But, you know, you get to a point where you feel like, as a character, you kind of said everything you can say... It was my first on-camera job after college. I got really lucky and I thought, I just have to do a couple of more things before I get too comfortable. Perhaps all I need is a long break."

Since stepping away, March has popped up on shows like *Naomi *(2022), *Harlan Coben's* *Shelter *(2023), and the 2023 film *Origin*. Like her *SVU *character, March is also an advocate for survivors of sexual violence.

She married celebrity chef and TV host Bobby Flay in 2005, though they divorced in 2015. Currently, she''s married to tech investor Dan Benton.

In April 2025, March revealed she's open to coming back to *SVU*. "I guess if people still write, you could do a write-in campaign," she said. "That would be my only suggestion. … I think it would depend on the story, but they've got some good writers. Never say never, right?"

B.D. Wong as George Huang (seasons 4–12)

B.D. Wong as Dr. George Huang on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Wong attends a 'Joy Ride' screening on June 28, 2023 in New York City.

Will Hart/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Santiago Felipe/Getty

B.D. Wong brought psychiatrist and criminal profiler Dr. George Huang to life on *SVU*, debuting in season 2 before being promoted to a series regular in season 4. He remained a major player until season 12, and returned for guest spots starting in season 13.

Wong first hinted at his exit during NBCs 2011-12 upfront presentation. At the time, he told TVLine that the network had allowed him to film a pilot for the fantasy drama *Awake*, saying, "I don’t really know if I can do both [shows] or not."

He later confirmed his decision to leave, responding to a fan on X who asked about his future on *SVU*. "I actually do not return for Season 13," Wong wrote. "I am jumping to *Awake*! It’s awesome!"

He added, "Don’t know if or when I’ll be back [on SVU]! It was amazing to have such a cool job for 11 years and to be a real NY Actor."

Wong went on to earn an Emmy nomination for his turn on *Mr. Robot *(2015–2019), and also played recurring roles on *Gotham *(2016–2019) and *Awkwafina Is Nora From Queens* (2020–2023). He currently lends his voice to the animated series *Gremlins *(2023–present).

On the big screen, Wong reprised his role of Dr. Henry Wu from 1994's *Jurassic Park* in the *Jurassic World *film series (2018–2022).

Diane Neal as Casey Novak (seasons 5–9)

Diane Neal as Casey Novak on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Neal arrives at the 2019 RFK Ripple of Hope Awards on Dec. 12, 2019 in New York City.

Virginia Sherwood/NBC/Courtesy Everett; Dia Dipasupil/Getty

Diane Neal's starred as assistant district attorney Casey Novak for five seasons, but like many of her former costars, has returned for recurring and guest spots.

Following her stint on *SVU*, Neal pivoted to *NCIS *(2010–2014), on which she played CGIS Special Agent Abigail Borin for six seasons. The actress then pivoted to politics with a congressional run in New York, though she came up short.

Neal never publicly discussed her exit, but, as reported by *Vanity Fair*, a 2019 lawsuit filed by her ex-boyfriend included claims that she had a negative experience on the show. Her former campaign manager also alleged that Neal referred to her former castmates as "awful people" and singled out Hargitary as a "total b----." Neal has denied the accusations.**

Tamara Tunie as Melinda Warner (seasons 7–12)

Tamara Tunie as Melinda Warner on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Tunie at the 76th Tony Awards on June 11, 2023.

NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Aurora Rose/Variety via Getty

Tamara Tunie joined *SVU *in season 2 as medical examiner Dr. Melinda Warner. She served as a full-time cast member on seasons 7 to 12, then transitioned back to a recurring presence. Her last *SVU* appearance was in season 23, though you can still catch her on episodes of *Organized Crime* (2024–2025).

Outside of *SVU*, fans may have seen Tunie on *Blue Bloods *(2016–2018), *Better Call Saul *(2017–2018), and *See *(2021–2022). In 2025, she lent her voice to Pixar's *Elio* and starred on the CBS soap opera *Beyond the Gates*.

Danny Pino as Nick Amaro (seasons 12–16)

Danny Pino as Nick Amaro on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Danny Pino attends the opening night of the 19th annual Hollyshorts Film Festival on Aug. 10, 2023.

Art Streiber/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; Michael Tullberg/Getty

Danny Pino joined *SVU *in season 13 as Det. Nick Amaro. His time on the show came to an end after Nick was shot in season 16, which led to him leaving the unit and moving away to be with his family. He resurfaced in season 23 as a specialist in analyzing cold-case DNA.

In a 2015 interview with EW, former showrunner Warren Leight shared that the decision to write Nick off the show was a "a good mix" of what worked for both the show and Pino. "Danny did seven years of *Cold Case* and *The Shield *and then four years here," Leight explained. "Even last year, he was beginning to want to spread his wings a little."

Rather than killing the character, Leight noted that the writers wanted to give Nick a "hero's exit," adding that they left the door open for a possible return.

Pino pivoted to a supporting role on *Scandal* (2016) before landing leading roles on *Gone* (2017–2018) and *Mayans M.C.* (2018–2023). He also appeared in the 2021 film adaptation of *Dear Evan Hansen*.

Raúl Esparza as Rafael Barba (seasons 15–19)

Raúl Esparza as Rafael Barba on 'Law & Order: SVU'; Raúl Esparza attends the 38th Annual Artios Awards on March 09, 2023 in New York City.

Michael Parmelee/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty; John Lamparski/Getty

Broadway regular Raúl Esparza debuted as assistant district attorney Rafael Barba on season 14 of *SVU, *and joined the main cast the following season. He remained a central figure through season 19, and returned for guest spots through season 23. In 2021, Esparza played Rafael on *Organized Crime*.

In 2018, Esparza told EW it was his decision to leave *SVU*. "I've done six seasons, I felt like it was time to go," he said. "I had explored a lot of what I thought Barba was about. I just felt it was time to move on."

He continued, "I was also feeling like the role has changed over the years in a way that has been an interesting experience for me. Again, I'm a theater guy, so it's like having a script in front of you that keeps changing every time you go to do it. The learning process of how roles grow over a period of time with a series has been kind of fascinating, and I just felt I had reached the end of what I wanted to explore where they were writing."

Since then, Esparza has appeared on several acclaimed miniseries, including *Dopesick *(2021), *Candy (2022), and A Murder at the End of the World *(2023).

He also returned to his theatrical roots, with roles in productions of *Oliver!* (2023), *My Fair Lady *(2025), and *Sweet Smell of Success *(2025), among others.

Where can I watch Law & Order: SVU?**

*Law & Order: SVU *is currently available to stream on Peacock and Hulu.

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