Kelli Giddish ‘Law & Order: SVU’ Exit ‘Was Not Her Decision’
Earlier this week, long-time Law & Order: SVU star Kelli Giddish announced that she will be leaving the hit NBC series after the upcoming 24th season. However, it appears the shock exit wasn’t her decision.
According to Variety sources, Giddish’s departure wasn’t her idea, nor was it showrunner David Graziano‘s. Instead, the “shake-up was a call made from above,” Variety reported. Another source close to the production added, “The company is always looking to keep the show as up to date and current as possible.”
The report also claimed that series star and executive producer Mariska Hargitay, and at least one other producer, pushed to keep Giddish on the Dick Wolf procedural. However, the decision had already been made by higher-ups. In addition, it was said that salary disputes and her character’s future were part of the negotiations, and, in the end, a compromise couldn’t be made.
“I wanted to address the chatter I’ve seen online and let everyone know that this will, indeed, be my last season on Law & Order: SVU,” Giddish said on Wednesday. “Playing Rollins has been one of the greatest joys and privileges of my life. I’ve been so fortunate to be a part of the Law & Order family for the last 12 years. There is simply no other character on TV like Rollins.”
On Thursday, August 25, former SVU showrunner Warren Leight shared his thoughts on Giddish’s exit. “Writing for Kelli Giddish was an unmitigated joy,” he wrote on Instagram. “She has always had perfect pitch, from first read-through to final take. I thank her for defining Rollins. Godspeed, Kelli.”
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Giddish responded to Leight’s comments later in the night in an Instagram Story, writing, “I never took it lightly getting to be a character you created and wrote for year after year.”
Law & Order: SVU, Season 24 Premiere, Thursday, September 22, 9/8c, NBC
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G
I think the higher ups do not know the audience! What is their problem? She should stay and grow. Makes me and others I am sure very angry.
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O
I am so upset to learn of Kelli Giddish being written off of LAW AND ORDER
SVU. Her character has been an integral part of the SVU family. I really hate to see her go. I wish the decision wasn't carved in stone. I was looking forward to seeing her character grow and develope in the future.
36 3
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BIG, BIG MISTAKE. I know a few people who are her fans and will quit watching. Higher ups-DUMB MOVE! Great actress.
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C
I will really miss her. She’s a good actress and fits the part. If they cast the wrong person it could ruin the entire series plot. 🤗
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Sorry to see her go.... great actress ... she handled her part well.
Best wishes to Kelli.... hope we will see on another series or movie... so talented .
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R
She starred in a series where she was a U.S. marshal in which she was excellent. She needs a series where she is the main character.
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P
Bad decision. keep Kelli Giddish in her role. She’s an excellent actress and one of my favorites on SVU.
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Audience can have influence if enough protest, but take it directly to "higher ups". Get active and be an advocate. In other words, get political!!!
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I have been watching SVU from the very beginning. Getting rid of Keli is a huge mistake but then who are we only the people who watch and keep it going. Sometimes big mistakes are made on these shows but we the viewers are ignored we should have an opinion.
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No no no. Keep Kelli ! Love her!
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R
Talk about a stupid move! Kelly is the best actor on the show. Bye SUV
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Kelli IS MORE than an asset. her character brings into the world of viewers a near reality of everyday life. we can relate to her part of the story seeing our live and the complications of working and having a private life. her veracity of benig a detective melds in to the story line providing a realistic conclusion to the episode.
Who ever the top is?? should consider the viewers opinions. quite possibly they have been at the top too long? This near unforgivable.SHAME TO NBC
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I think Kelly is beautiful and a great actress and a stupid for getting rid of her
8 1
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G
it's stupid she was just as much as a great asset to the show as everyone else sounds like the higher ups need to be replaced
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I think the "higher up" decision is a Bad one.. She has been one of the very best actors on the show. Your ratings will go down. It will not matter that this law and order is joining the next show. .BIG MISTAKE.
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Liked her character. Leave her in show and get rid of the higher up people.
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The show won’t b the same…. A disappointment…. Please reconsider
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I don't understand their reasoning. The last couple seasons they have taken in and out new characters and are making a mess of the show. I think her character is an asset and they are making a huge mistake. Listen to your viewers.
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C
She keeps a dying show alive. Think I may really stop watching.
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I hope they don't kill her off, but send her off in a different direction with her kids and love.
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I love her and Carisi together, I hope they don't end it with them separating 🥺
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Bring Kelly BACK!!!
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I think she is just about the only one who brings life to SVU. I am a diehard fan but if she was let go-I think I will stop watching.
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Somehow, after not watching the show (which has always been a favorite and still is) but I noticed Kelli’s face was different. I think her lips had too much filler. It was a distraction. It was all I saw in her scenes. But she is wonderful actress and will miss her.
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Kelly is one of the top actor on the show, so explain why she is leaving?? I Love Mariska Hargitay too!! Maybe the higher uppers should be let go for making this BIG MISTAKE
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As of now no longer a fan. After 23 years.
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I'm upset they're letting Kelli go!!! I've been watching this series from day one, she's been a great addition to the show!!!
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G
It’s always money
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Who is higher than the executive producer that is the supplier of the money Marisa hargitay. That’s an excuse to release her. So sorry
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We need her to stay Kelly she's a good actress
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They need to keep her she is good she is part of the familyl
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Giddish; Wolf's attempt to Revitalize a Mistake
... the show is becoming sedate, characters like Mariska Hargitay though the mainstay I believe best to retire the show as Hargitay is simply becoming a matriarchal figure, like another Wolf character McCoy in Law and Order ... sedate Wolf figures; though I too am the +/- age of Hargitay the show is showing it's age, and of all things it should not have dispensed of Giddish for at least she brought life to a show that is becoming cancellable ... terminal, with the hope of resurrecting itself by casting change ...
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Sorry to see her leave. She is really good. Would rather Marisa Hargitay would leave. Tired oh her holier than thou attitude. She’s the reason I rarely watch the show
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She "is" the show!! After all these years...she's earned her status!
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