Octavio Pisano Returns as Detective Joe Velasco in Law & Order: SVU Season 27
In exciting news for fans of the long-running procedural drama, Octavio Pisano is set to make a highly anticipated return to Law & Order: Special Victims Unit. The actor will reprise his role as the fan-favorite character Detective Joe Velasco in the upcoming Season 27 of the iconic series.
Filming Underway in New York with Undercover Plot
According to industry reports from Deadline, Pisano is currently on location in New York City, actively filming for the new season. Sources close to the production have revealed that his character will be operating undercover, adding an intriguing layer to his return narrative.
This development follows Pisano's departure from the series in October 2025, when his character left the Special Victims Unit to undertake a DEA undercover assignment in San Diego, focusing on drug trafficking operations. While specific episode details and his total appearance count remain undisclosed, it has been confirmed that Pisano will appear in at least one episode of the new season.
From Recurring Role to Series Regular and Beyond
Octavio Pisano's journey with Law & Order: SVU began in Season 23 when he joined the cast as a recurring member. His portrayal of Detective Joe Velasco quickly resonated with audiences, leading to his promotion to series regular status just one month later in October 2021.
Beyond his work on SVU, Pisano has expanded the character's presence across the Law & Order universe, having portrayed Velasco in three crossover episodes of the sister series Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Multifaceted Career Beyond Television
While best known for his television work, Octavio Pisano has also made significant strides in film. He recently marked his feature directorial debut with Wet Under Blue Sky, a compelling boxing drama that he not only directed but also wrote and starred in, showcasing his versatility as a creative professional.
About Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Law & Order: SVU continues to be a television institution, following the dedicated detectives of the New York City Police Department's Special Victims Unit. This elite squad investigates sensitive cases involving sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence, tackling some of the most challenging crimes in the criminal justice system.
The series currently features an ensemble cast including Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, Peter Scanavino, and Kevin Kane, who bring depth and authenticity to their respective roles within the unit.
The return of Octavio Pisano as Detective Joe Velasco promises to bring fresh energy and compelling storylines to Season 27, maintaining the show's legacy while introducing new narrative possibilities for this beloved character.
