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'Law & Order: SVU' Finds Two New Cops

When "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" star Christopher Meloni departed the show over rumored contract disputes, and fellow lead Mariska Hargitay announced she was taking a reduced role, many fans feared it would be the end for the long-running cop drama.

However, the heads over at NBC have found two new stars, announced today. An no, Jennifer Love Hewitt is not one of them. Fortunately, both actors have experience playing police officers. The new female role will go to Kelli Giddish, who played the lead in the short-lived NBC series "Chase." Danny Pino will play the new male role. Pino starred for seven seasons on "Cold Case."

“Kelli and Danny are two great actors who will join a proven cast headed by Mariska Hargitay as this exceptional series heads into a very promising 13th season,” NBC Entertainment Chief Bob Greenblatt said.

Added franchise executive producer/creator Dick Wolf: “I’m very pleased that we have two amazing actors joining the cast. I know this combination will give us the opportunity to explore the world of SVU with new eyes.”

Series veterans Ice-T and Richard Belzer will reprise their roles. With "Law & Order: Los Angeles," getting canceled last season, "SVU" will be the sole "Law & Order" franchise on NBC. The original series wrapped in 2010 after 20 seasons and numerous cast changes.

Are you excited about the new cast members? Sound off in the comments below.

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Comments (76)

Kathy Connor: 697 days ago

Why mess with a proven track record? Hargitay and Meloni were amazing, will sorely miss them. I loved Cold Case so willing to see Danny Pino but I'm sorry I don't know Kellie Giddish. Really disappointed, not sure if I will watch, hopefully Chris Meloni will come back for a few guest appearances.

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Kathy Connor: 697 days ago

I will sorely miss the chemistry between Meloni and Hargitay. I hope he will come back and guest star on a few episodes.
I also loved Cold Case so I think Danny Pino will be a great addition but I'm sorry I don't know Kellie Giddish, not sure I will be watching anymore.

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sharon: 697 days ago

I might give the new cast members a shot if they do two things,if they have an ending storyline which would finally bring Benson and Stabler together just one time before he leaves.I just know that there are a lot of people who have been waiting for that for twelve long years and Secondly,explore Ice-T's story.He is such a good actor and has never been given enough T.V time!!!!!!!!!!!

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shirl: 697 days ago

Been watching since the beginning & I am a diehard Law and Order fan. First you drop the original Law and Order which upset me, but now replacing Elliot and Olivia is the last straw.

**** Wolf you have lost a fan.

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ylg: 697 days ago

No one could ever replace the team of Benson/Hargitay and Stabler/Meloni. The show will not be as good period. But I am willing to give this new couple a watch or two to see how they do.

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Cristina Albert: 697 days ago

The fact of the matter is that SVU is going to take a hit already because Christopher Meloni is gone....and halfway through next season when Mariska leaves everyone will go with her! SVU was that partnership, and Mariska and Chris made it that way.

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Jeff: 697 days ago

I don*****ch a lot of tv but when i do i like to watch just a few shows and two of them are CHASE and for quite a few years Law and Order SVU....I am very disappointed that CHASE didnt last it was a great show, i couldn't wait for the new episodes. Law and Order SVU has been a staple in my house with me and my wife anxiously waiting and watching every week...Don't get me wrong Kelli Giddish is a great actress, but she is great in CHASE, I know she will do well in her new role but what was wrong with CHASE?....NOTHING!!!! And Mariska taking a lesser role ????? Along with Chris leaving the show????? That is going to totally ruin the best show on TV....Please say it aint so....or do whatever it takes to keep the show the way it has been for so long, change isnt always good and i, hopefully along with a lot of others would suggest that keep CHASE going the way it was and LEAVE SVU it is an awesome show.....

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sue: 697 days ago

Great job, NBC, of selecting replacements. I love both actors and am sure the chemistry between them will be great. Good Luck to both stars in their upcoming season.

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hatchtambu: 697 days ago

i knew L&O Los angeles was doomed from the start. without meloni and hargitay at the helm SVU is just a short time from being canceled. it's really a darn shame, that was the best cop show on television.

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Janice: 697 days ago

I'll still watch sometimes change is good . Give them a chance.

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Joy : 697 days ago

I can't believe i just read that Chris Meloni is leaving....And that Mariska's role is smaller. The are incredible together and have the best chemistry. I adore them on this show. I can't see it being the same without them. I will watch the new actors to see how they fare but it def will not be the same. This has been my favorite for YEARS!!! Maybe Chris will realize he made a mistake and come back...i can only dream.

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ashleigh: 697 days ago

I've been watching this show since I was 9, aand I've never missed an episode since the series premiere. No Meloni - No SVU!! I migh*****ch the season 13 premiere to see how they kill him off, but that's it!

All of the SVU fans need to unite and no*****ch anymore, we need to show NBC that they're making a mistake.

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stewart: 697 days ago

Love the show & willing to give the new stars a go. It had a great run - rather see the stars leave while it's still riding high. They did a fantastic job, but a change for them and the viewers may be good. Of course, though, most people hate change (as evidenced in the comments).

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ssunshine: 697 days ago

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! I love Mariska and Elliot...(he)) there goes my favirote show losing a viewer Iam so sadddd

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jtork: 697 days ago

Can't imagine the show without Meloni, but will give it a try. I'm glad to hear Haggerity, Ice-T and Belzer are staying. Love BD Wong too!

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