Bad news for ‘Law & Order: SVU’ fans as NBC show goes on brief hiatus — here’s when it returns
'Law & Order: SVU' fans are in for a disappointment. One of the longest-running TV shows will not air on November 27, Thursday. The Thanksgiving Day slate on NBC will instead see the NFL Thanksgiving Game Day and Christmas specials on air.
While there have been new episodes every Thursday, there will be no episode of the hit procedural tonight. Like many other shows, 'Law & Order' is on its winter hiatus and will return Thursday, January 8, 2026, with a crossover episode with the original 'Law & Order.' The official break for the year officially began on November 21 after the midseason finale of season 27. Instead of SVU, the network will air the Electric Thanksgiving Game and Christmas Classics throughout December. Earlier, the show's official Instagram account shared a quick clip of what to expect when the show returns in January.
'Law & Order: SVU' first premiered in 1999, starring the iconic Mariska Hargitay as Olivia Benson as she leads a squad of detectives in New York City to investigate and prosecute special victims crimes. With a crossover to start the new year, the break and the wait will surely be worth it.
In related news, rapper Ice-T, who plays Sergeant Fin on the show, addressed his reduced screentime after the midseason finale. "It’s just basically business,” he told TMZ. "They brought Kelli [Giddish] back. At the end of the day, they couldn’t keep both of us on both times, as far as budget-wise. Don’t worry about me," he said. "I am kind of glad the fans are upset. What if I were missing and nobody cared?” he joked. I will be sprinkled throughout this season."
"I am not leaving the show," he clarified. "I am more concerned with going to Season 28. This year, they said, ‘Ice, we’re going to work you a little less.’ Everything was cool with me. I understood.” He still asked, however, “‘Are you getting rid of me?’ They said, ‘No way. We can’t imagine Law and Order without you. I’ve been on this show for 27 years. I am not going to say anything negative about this show. They have taken care of me for so long. I’m trying to get to Season 28."
Despite the changes and the buzz, the show's popularity remains intact, with fans religiously tuning in every Thursday. However, with the holidays around the corner, the procedural takes a backseat with Christmas content taking center stage.
