Octavio Pisano leaving SVU has fans buzzing, as reports confirmed he and Juliana Martinez will not return as regulars if Law & Order: SVU continues into a 27th season. Still, Pisano, who plays Joe Velasco, appeared in Season 27, giving fans hope that he isn’t completely leaving the show.

Is Octavio Pisano’s Velasco leaving Law & Order: SVU in Season 27?

Octavio Pisano joined Law & Order: SVU in Season 23 as undercover detective Joe Velasco, while Juliana Martinez played Detective Kate Silva this past season. His recent appearances have excited fans, but Pisano will not appear as a regular in the latest season.

Back in May, reports from Deadline had confirmed that Octavio Pisano and Juliana Martinez would not return as series regulars in Law & Order: SVU Season 27.

Furthermore, it’s unclear whether the decision was driven by creative choices, financial reasons, or both. NBC has cut budgets across multiple shows, affecting casts, episodes, and production.

Ahead of Season 27, Octavio Pisano was seen rehearsing with the cast in late July 2025, marking his official return for the new season. In the premiere and latest episode, “A Waiver of Consent,” Pisano appeared as Joe Velasco, giving fans plenty to be excited about.

His return comes after reports mentioned he and Juliana Martinez would not be coming back as series regulars for the upcoming season. While Pisano has returned, he is no longer a full-time cast member. His character, detective Joe Velasco, isn’t completely leaving the show, but fans of Law & Order: SVU should not expect him to appear in every episode this season.

However, fans should know that one of their favorite detectives, Joe Velasco, will not appear in every episode of Season 27. Even so, he isn’t entirely gone, keeping fans interested in how his story will unfold and connect to the rest of the season.