HeySVUfans, the wait is officially over!Season 26 has finally arrived, and there’s a lot in store as Captain Olivia Benson leads her dedicated squad through intense cases and courtroom drama like we’ve never seen before. Plus,get ready for some fresh faces, includingJuliana Aiden Martinezas Detective Kate Silva, who has already been a long-time fan of the series. During aninterview with TODAY.com, she shared how she immediately felt right at home on set.

“I was very chill, and then I come in and immediately this booming voice was like, ‘Hey, you! Get over here.’ And I turned, and there was Mariska and she gave me a huge bear hug. She’s like, ‘This is where you belong. You belong here".

Mariska Hargitay in Law & Order: SVU Season 25 Episode 3

With all the new surprises on the way, it’s time to dig into what’s kept us tied to our screens for an incredible 25 seasons. The specifics of what’s to come are still a mystery, but one thing’s for sure: we’re in for another exciting ride. Many fans are eager to see if the unbreakable bond between Benson and Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) might finally hint at something more—perhaps a romance? This season could reveal more about their relationship, but it looks like we’ll just have to wait and see.

Here’s where and how to stream the new season of Law & Order: SVU.

Olivia Benson played by Mariska Hargitay and Terry Bruno played by Kevin Kane at a desk in Season 25 of SVU

When is the Release Date For ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Season 26?

Law & Order: SVUwillpremiere on June 12, 2025, at 7/8c every Thursday. You can watch live on NBC or watch the next day’s airing on Peacock.

Is ‘Law & Order SVU’ Season 26 Available on Streaming?

Watch on Peacock

Subscription:

Inclusions:

Peacock Premium

$5.99 per month/ $60 a year

Peacock Premium Plus

$14.99 a month / $120 a year

Can You Stream ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Season 26 Without Peacock?

Watch The ‘Law & Order SVU’ Season 26 Trailer

While there isn’t an official trailer forLaw & Order: SVU, you can check out a preview in the video above. In the next season, fans can expect to see beloved characters like Benson, Carisi, and Fin tackle complicated cases that reflect issues we face similar to today’s society. As always, Benson will remain the steadfast leader, while staying grounded and humbled amidst the harsh realities she faces at work. Carisi will face legal battles during his role as the ADA, and overcome challenges while the new precedents come into play.

Some new faces will definitely shake things up and bring fresh ideas to the squad (potentially creating some friction). Also, this season we’ll get a better look into the characters' storylines and how the challenges of their jobs influence their personal relationships and overall mental health.

‘Law & Order: SVU’ Baptism in Season 25 opener “Tunnel Blind”

What To Expect in The First Episode of ‘Law & Order: SVU’?

The first episode ofLaw & Order: SVUopens with a shocking attack on a group of law students. As the team dives into the investigation, they face challenges that echo intense cases from earlier seasons, bringing some tough topics back into the spotlight.

Benson isn’t in this fight alone; she has her dedicated team of detectives by her side, including some new faces that start to shift the team’s dynamic. The squad knows that getting justice won’t be easy, but the hidden camera found at the crime scene might just help their case. Carisi will need to navigate tricky privacy laws, especially if the footage raises concerns.

Pablo Schreiber as William Lewis and Mariska Hargitay as Benson in Law & Order: SVU

Last season’s drama may be lingering too but the show is back to its core focus: the relentless pursuit of justice. As the investigation gets heated in the first episode, fans can expect some unexpected plot twists.

What’s the ‘Law & Order SVU’ Season 26 Episode Schedule?

The full release schedule isn’t available yet, but you can find the synopsis for the first episode below. Be sure to check out NBC’s website or the show’s page on Peacock for updates on the episode schedule.

Description:

Release Date:

“The Verdict is In”

SVU looks into a violent assault on a group of law students. Benson is hopeful that finding a hidden camera will help solve the case, while Carisi believes his best shot at securing a conviction lies in catching the defendant in a lie.

law-order-svu

Thursday, July 16, 2025

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Thursday, July 19, 2025

Thursday, June 23, 2025

Thursday, August 08, 2025

Thursday, July 08, 2025

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Thursday, July 06, 2025

Thursday, July 12, 2025

Thursday, July 03, 2025

Law & Order: SVU

This series follows the Special Victims Unit, a specially trained squad of detectives in the New York City Police Department that investigate sexually related crimes.