5 SVU Characters Fans Never Expected to Fall in Love With, but Did
Some characters are made for us to love, some are made for us to despise, and some characters are just different.
In a Reddit post titled, “Who’s your favorite SVU character that you didn’t expect to like, but became your favorite?” the responses from long-standing fans revealed numerous surprises.
In fact, you may be stunned to find out which cast members made the cut.
#5 Detective Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish)
Detective Amanda Rollins is one of the newcomers to SVU. She, like other cast members, faced the tall order of keeping SVU fresh following the departure of Elliot Stabler.
However, the character eventually grew with audiences and evolved for the better. She remains on the present, 24th season of the series.
#4 Rita Calhoun (Elizabeth Marvel)
Rita Calhoun straddles the line between good and bad. This character has always maintained a soft spot in the hearts of fans. Calhoun was introduced in season 14 and developed a noteworthy rival with another cast member on this list.
Still, the defense attorney emerged as someone fans learned to respect, even if she often represented the opposing side in the courtroom. The writers of Law & Order may have devised Rita Calhoun as an antagonist, but she endeared herself to fans, regardless.
#3 Casey Novak (Diane Neal)
Look, no one ever likes a breakup. The same is true where TV casts often go through transitions. Thus, SVU is no different. The long-running crime drama has witnessed more than a fair share of noteworthy cast changes.
It was perhaps never more evident than the early addition of Casey Novak to the cast. The character originally debuted in season 5 of Law & Order, replacing Alexandra Cabot.
At first, fans were reluctant to embrace the newcomer given the popularity of Cabot. Nevertheless, Novak evolved into a fan favorite. What’s more, her character eventually reunited with Alexandra Cabot - both resuming their roles on the TV show as guest stars.
#2 Rafael Barba (Raul Esparza)
Rafael Barba finished a close second in terms of Reddit votes. The character, who first emerged in season 14, quickly cemented a reputation on the show for being remarkably different from previous SVU team members.
The brilliant attorney may have played everything by the book, yet his discipline and honor become essential ingredients to the effectiveness of the crime team. Barba may have an ego the size of the moon, but he knew how to deliver results for the victims.
Barba has appeared in more episodes than any other district attorney on Law & Order. It’s sufficient to say his demeanor has warmed up to fans.
#1 Dominick Carisi (Peter Scanavino)
When determining a crowd favorite, the easy answer is Dominick Carisi. The character originally appeared in season 16 and was only expected to serve as a short-term replacement for Detective Nick Amaro.
At first, audiences didn’t know whether they should love or hate Carisi. The SVU agent came across as a jerk but eventually transformed into one of the most likable characters on the show. Not bad for a character many believed would evolve into SVU’s primary antagonist.