In one of the show's most controversial exists, Giddish left as a series regular midway through season 24. Fans are looking at another Law & Order: Special Victims Unit cast shakeup — but this bit of news is one that's long-awaited.

EXCLUSIVE: This is news Law Order: SVU fans — and series’ star/executive producer Mariska Hargitay — have been awaiting for two and a half years: Kelli Giddish is returning to the venerable NBC crime drama full-time, reprising her Amanda Rollins role as a series regular for its upcoming 27th season.

SVU cleared an obstacle to Rollins' return to the Special Victims Unit in season 27, which gives NBC a strong reason to renew the series.