By Jordan Grim • November 25, 2025 • 04:04 AM (PDT)
By Jordan Grim • November 25, 2025 • 04:04 AM (PDT)
Fans of Law and Order SVU have been talking about one thing this season — the limited screen presence of Ice T as Sergeant Fin Tutuola. Out of the eight episodes aired so far, Fin has appeared in only four, raising questions about the shift. The actor has now shared exactly what happened behind the scenes and how it connects to the return of kelli giddish, whose comeback as Amanda Rollins sparked major changes in the show’s lineup.
During a conversation with TMZ, Ice T made it clear that the change was strictly business. With kelli giddish returning full-time after leaving in Season 24, the production team had to adjust the budget. According to Ice T, the show couldn’t maintain both characters at their usual screen time levels this season.
He mentioned that the team told him they wanted him “in and out this year,” a decision he accepted calmly. He also noted that Mariska Hargitay strongly supported bringing kelli giddish back, and the show has introduced new officers, leading to further adjustments in the cast’s on-screen balance.
Even with the explanation, Ice T admitted he was concerned and asked if he was being written off. The answer he received was reassuring — the show’s leadership told him they couldn’t picture Law and Order SVU without Fin. Having been a part of the series since Season 2, he remains the longest-running cast member after Hargitay.
The shift has also given him extra time for his music and other personal projects. He emphasized that after 27 years on the show, he has nothing but gratitude for the team and is focused on reaching Season 28.
Ice T isn’t the only one dealing with changes. Across the broader NBC universe, several cast departures have been announced this year. But within Law and Order SVU, the return of kelli giddish has been a highlight. She expressed joy about rejoining the series, saying the show feels “revitalized” under its new showrunner.
Ice T echoed similar positive energy, joking that he’s happy fans care enough to question his absence. “If I were missing and nobody noticed, that would be the real problem,” he said.
Ice T confirmed that viewers will continue to see him throughout the season, though not in every episode. Fin Tutuola remains part of the heart of Law and Order SVU, and with kelli giddish back in action, Season 27 is shaping up to be one of the show’s most talked-about chapters in recent years.
