Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino Join "Law & Order: SVU" As New Detectives
Jun 27, 2011
by Natalie Abrams


Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino have signed on as series regulars for the new season of "Law & Order: SVU", NBC announced Monday.

Giddish ("Chase") and Pino ("Cold Case") will play new detectives going into Season 13, filling the void left by Chris Meloni, who abruptly left the series after contract negotiations fell through.

"I'm very pleased that we have two amazing actors joining the cast," executive producer Dick Wolf said in a statement. "I know this combination will give us the opportunity to explore the world of 'SVU' with new eyes."






Mariska Hargitay, who played Meloni's on-screen partner, will return to the NBC series in a reduced capacity. At midseason, her character will be promoted to a supervisor's position, during which a new female detective will take her place.

So far it's unclear whether Giddish will be Hargitay's replacement or if another cast member will be added at midseason.

Jennifer Love Hewitt was initially being eyed as the replacement, but is no longer in contention.

http://www.tvguide.com/News/SVU-Giddish-Pino-1034662.aspx

Fall TV First Look: Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino on "Law & Order: SVU"
Aug 25, 2011
by Ileane Rudolph


The new cops are ready for duty.

Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino join NBC's "Law & Order: SVU" (back September 21) as Amanda Rollins, an ambitious former Atlanta cop,, and Nick Amaro, a New Jersey-raised, top-notch interrogator.



"Amanda has a masters in forensic psychology," says new executive producer Warren Leight. "I wanted a book-schooled detective to work with the more intuitive Nick."



Says Giddish, "Everybody on the set is really excited and energized. They've lost a family member with Chris Meloni leaving, but they've been very accepting of us. Amanda is thrilled to be here working with these people, and so am I."

http://www.tvguide.com/News/Fall-TV-Look-1036720.aspx