Richard Belzer Returning to Law & Order: SVU

Get the scoop on Munch's return to the squad for the first time since season 15

By Chris Harnick Mar 22, 2016 3:56 PMTags
Law & Order: SVU, BTS, Ice-T, Richard Belzer, Raul Esparza and Mariska HargitayDoug Meszler/Splash News

Law & Order: SVU is bringing back a very familiar face for May sweeps: Richard Belzer is returning to the long-running drama as John Munch, E! News has confirmed.

Belzer, an original cast member on Law & Order: SVU (who has also played Munch on a total of 10 different shows), was last seen in the 2014 season 15 finale of the NBC series. He'll return to help the SVU squad take down a famous fashion photographer, played by Fisher Stevens, who is accused of preying on models. The photog apparently has been on Munch and Fin's (Ice-T) radar for some time.

Belzer started playing Munch in 1993 on Homicide: Life on the Street.

Law & Order: SVU was recently renewed for a landmark season 18, with many hoping it will break the mothership's previous record of 20 seasons.

"We love having Richard back on set," executive producer Warren Leight told EW, who originally reported Belzer's return. "This episode was perfect for Munch's cynical eye, and just the right time for him to give Benson [Mariska Hargitay], and Noah, some much needed support.

Are you excited to have Munch back in the fold, even for just an episode?

Law & Order: SVU airs Wednesdays, 9 p.m. on NBC.

(E! and NBC are both part of the NBCUniversal family.)