With word out that Christopher Meloni’s Stabler isn’t returning next season, I take a look at some of my favourite candidates to take on the lead role.

• 1. Jeremy Irons

Sure, Jeremy Irons just appeared on “SVU”  as a bad guy, but if we held onto that rule, so many good actors would be out of the running… so I’ll pick this “Borgias” star, who can bring a certain amount of charm and swagger, and well, darkness that “SVU” requires.

• 2. Dominic West

Fans of “The Wire” know West best for his portrayal of McNulty, but I think this Brit would look good in cop clothes again… especially on a major network series. I hope somebody puts this offer on the table, because I miss seeing this guy on my TV, and we need more of him in the mainstream to make the world a better place. Plus, if “SVU” mines other former HBO series for actors, then “The Wire” and West should be right up “SVU’s” alley.

• 3. Ice Cube

“SVU” already has Ice-T, so maybe it’s time to bring another former rapper on board to bring a little more “street cred” to the series. Besides, Cube has been spending too much time getting nice and cuddly on his family-friendly projects, and I think he should try doing a turn as a “tough guy with a heart of gold” type.

• 4. Elias Koteas

Now, this is kind of a strange choice, specifically because this character actor is frequently mistaken for Christopher Meloni -- but actually boasts a very impressive résumé: he’s landed roles in “Shutter Island,” “Defendor,” “The Curious Case of Benjamin Button,” “Shooter” and “Zodiac.” Plus, Koteas is Canadian! So put this one down in the “maybe nobody will notice the difference” pile.

• 5. Mark Valley

Sadly, with the cancellation of “Human Target,” Mark Valley no longer has a primetime series of his own… which for “SVU” could be good news! Fans really took to Valley as “Chance,” and maybe the producers of “SVU” could take a chance of their own and cast a “lighter” actor in the lead role alongside Mariska Hargitay.

• 6. Skeet Ulrich

Things haven’t been working out great for Ulrich lately: his highly beloved series “Jericho” was yanked after a couple of seasons, and his recent return to primetime in “Law & Order: Los Angeles” was cut short following the series’ creative shuffle, and the killing-off of his character Rex Winters. Perhaps the “Law & Order” franchise can write-in Winters’ long-lost twin brother into the plot?

Hey, I got through the list without suggesting Charlie Sheen! If you have ideas, put them in the comments section below, or Tweet me!

About Tyrone

Tyrone Warner has been with CTV.ca since 2005, covering news, entertainment and everything related to CTV. When he’s away from the computer, you can find him writing, recording and performing his own music, running his own record label and dabbling in photography, painting and creative collage. Follow him on Twitter!