A fan-favorite Law & Order: SVU star is set to return to the series following an unexpected exit in 2025. According to a new report, the actor is currently filming in New York for an appearance in Season 27, with sources confirming the character will be involved in an undercover storyline.
New report claims Octavio Pisano is returning to Law & Order: SVU
Octavio Pisano is returning to NBC’s Law & Order: Special Victims Unit for Season 27. He is currently filming in New York and will reprise his role as Detective Joe Velasco. According to Deadline, Pisano’s character is working undercover in his return storyline.
Pisano previously exited the series as a regular in October 2025. His character left SVU to accept an undercover DEA assignment in San Diego targeting drug runs. His return is described as a stint, with confirmation that he will appear in at least one episode, though the total number of appearances is currently unknown.
Pisano originally joined Law & Order: SVU in Season 23 as a recurring character before being promoted to series regular. He also portrayed Joe Velasco in crossover episodes with Law & Order: Organized Crime. Outside of acting, he made his directorial debut in 2023 with Wet Under Blue Sky, a boxing drama he also wrote and starred in.
The procedural, created and executive produced by Dick Wolf, stars Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson and Ice-T as Sgt. Odafin “Fin” Tutuola. Other cast members include Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, and Kevin Kane. Executive producers also include Michele Fazekas, Mariska Hargitay, Kenneth Brown, and Peter Jankowski.
Pisano’s return has been confirmed, though there is no official word yet on the dates or episode loglines for his appearance. Sources indicate that this is not a full-time return but rather a guest or recurring role.
Pisano last appeared in the Season 27 premiere to close out his character’s arc. His current return signals a continuation or extension of that storyline. Full details on his reappearance are expected to be announced later by NBC.
