Following NBC's renewal of Law & Order: SVU for season 28, showrunner Michele Fazekas said the production will feature more appearances by Ice-T as Sgt. Odafin Tutuola despite ongoing budget constraints.
Fazekas noted that the production budget for season 28, like season 27, restricts how often the entire roster of series regulars can appear together. She described the situation as a strategic opportunity rather than a limitation, allowing different character pairings and story approaches each week. Mariska Hargitay's Capt. Olivia Benson remains the exception and will feature in all episodes. The comments build on the April 2026 renewal announcement that confirmed the return of the core cast including Ice-T.