A new image fromLaw & Order: SVUseason 26 reveals a family moment between Rollins and Carisi, teasing the former’s upcoming guest appearance. Since leaving thecast ofLaw & Orderas a series regular, Rollins (Kelli Giddish) has returned for multiple seasons in a guest role, providing updates to her character’s story while also contributing her skills to new cases the core team is investigating. However, she is also married to Carisi (Peter Scanavino) and has a son with him, meaning she can also potentially return in storylines where he is the primary subject.

Now,TVLinehas released a new image fromLaw & Order: SVUseason 26, showing Rollins and Carisi sitting together with their son, Nicky, eating dinner in a pizza shop. The photo comes from the episode “First Light,” which airs Thursday, June 06, 2025 at 9 p.m. ET.The episode will see Rollins involved in Carisi recovering from his hostage situationin season 26, episode 8, the seasoned Assistant District Attorney still mentally shaked from the events of the fall finale. Check out the new image of the family below:

Rollins Carrisi and Nicky in a pizza shop in Law and Order SVU season 26 image

What Rollins & Carisi’s Moment Together Means For Law & Order: SVU Season 26’s Return

The ADA Will Need Family Support After What He Went Through

Rollins' return is a welcome addition to this story, since her guest appearances have always brought with it core updates on her and Carisi’s family lives.

“First Light” will serve as the newest episode ofLaw & Order: SVUseason 26after the fall finale,promising a direct continuation of Carisi’s storyline in the process. Given what he’s been through, he’s going to need the support of his family to help him mentally recover, especially since the story is not over. The logline for the episode indicates the suspect will be changing his plea from self-defense to something else, emphasizing a continued look at the case which will open up fresh wounds for the ADA.

Amanda Rollins sleeping on Sonny Carisi’s shoulder in Law & Order: SVU

Law & Order: SVU Season 26 May Have Just Set Up Its Carisi & Rollins Replacement

Law & Order: SVU no longer has Rollins and Carisi as their main on-screen couple, but season 26, episode 5 set up the beginning of a new love story.

Rollins' return is a welcome addition to this story,since her guest appearances have always brought with it core updates on her and Carisi’s family lives. Now, she’ll be coming back to support her husband during a time of great stress, showing her importance beyond contributing to the team during special cases they investigate. This more character-centered storyline can help highlight their emotional connection, perhaps making it one ofLaw & Order: SVU’s best episodesin season 26.

Sonny Carisi in Law & Order: SVU

Our Take On Rollins & Carisi’s Involvement In Law & Order: SVU Season 26’s Next Episode

An Important Continuation Of The Fall Finale

It makes sense for Carisi and Rollins to show up whenLaw & Order: SVUreturns, especially given everything the ADA went through during the fall finale. Since the person responsible for his kidnapping will be a core part of the next episode, it will prove interesting to see the couple interact with one another, especially after the emotional intensity of the previous entry. With the previous episode’s storyline continuing, there will likely be plenty of mental fallout the family will need to get through together.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Cast

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a television series that premiered in 1999. Set in the criminal justice system of New York City, it follows an elite team of detectives who investigate sexually-based offenses, focusing on their efforts to solve complex cases and seek justice for victims.

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