Following Christopher Meloni’s exit and Mariska Hargitay’s upcoming final season, “Law & Order: SVU” is prepared for the future.

The series has announced that two new actors have signed on to the dark primetime drama: Danny Pino and Kelli Giddish. Details about their characters have yet to surface.

As for the fate of Meloni’s Detective Eliot Stabler and Hargitay’s Detective Olivia Benson, little is known, but in the case of Meloni, the series will likely move Stabler off-screen immediately, while Benson will likely be moved to the background in a diminished capacity.

In a statement “Law & Order: SVU” creator Dick Wolfe said, “I’m very pleased that we have two amazing actors joining the cast. I know this combination will give us the opportunity to explore the world of ‘SVU’ with new eyes.”

Cast members Ice-T and Richard Belzer will also be returning this fall for the 13th season of “SVU.”

Born in Miami, Pino is best known for his performance as Detective Scotty Valens for seven seasons on “Cold Case,” as well as Armadillo Quintero on “The Shield,” and has also appeared in London’s West End in “Up For Grabs” with Madonna.

Pino reportedly beat out other actors in consideration for the role, including Rhys Coiro (“Entourage”), Kevin Alejandro (“True Blood”), David Conrad (“Ghost Whisperer”) and Michael Raymond-James (“Terriers”).

Giddish previously starred in the short-lived drama, “Chase,” made two appearances on “Damages” as Heather MacDonald, and guest starred on “Law & Order: CI,” “Without a Trace,” “Life on Mars” and “The Good Wife.” While on “Chase,” Giddish apparently loved doing her own stunts, which could mean we might see her character getting in some dangerous situations on “SVU.”

As for Meloni, he’s linked his next big-screen deal with a major role in the upcoming Superman film, “The Man of Steel,” which will star Henry Cavill (“The Tudors”) and will be directed by Zack Snyder (“The Watchmen,” “300”).

In April of this year Hargitay adopted Amaya Josephine, which is her second child. She had a difficult pregnancy with her first child five years ago with her son, August, and now that she’s looking after two children, that could be why the actress wants to end her time with “SVU.”

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!