Amanda Rollins returns to Law and Order: SVU with a new job and a promotion! (26x03 preview)

Do you hear that sound? It's the beautiful clamor Law and Order: SVU fans are making because Kelli Giddish is set to guest star in season 26 episode 3, "Divide and Conquer." Her return as Amanda Rollins was teased ahead of the procedural's season premiere and we've been buzzing since we heard the news.

Last season, Rollins had stepped away from her teaching job after refusing tenure. She was listless, missing the action and the purpose of bringing criminals to justice. Assisting Benson on a case was just what the doctor ordered but her friend still cautioned her to sort through her feelings to decide if returning to the force was really what she wanted.

Well, it seems Rollins is done with her soul-searching because when we reunite with her in "Divide and Conquer," she's with an entirely new unit and she's gotten a promotion! Rollins is a sergeant now and she works for NYPD Intelligence. Get a look at what she's up to in the promo.

The IU are called in when a home invasion that includes an assault looks to be traced back to an international gang of robbers. That's their jurisdiction as their reach spans the globe. This is an exciting update for Rollins fans that's going hand-in-hand with the fact that Giddish will be making more than one guest star appearance in Law and Order: SVU season 26.

We'll be meeting Rollins' new partner Det. Vince Corgan (John Clarence Stewart) as well and likely getting some family time in with her, Carisi, and their kids. Yes, the two are still happily married. Giddish' return isn't coming with troubles at home or the two on the outs. Of course, with this rollout for Rollins and the amount of story she's getting, we can't help but speculate about this season putting out feelers for a spinoff.

In a previous article, I noted how Giddish' guest starring role in season 26 could be used as a launchpad for a new Law and Order spinoff. Law and Order: Organized Crime has moved to Peacock. Perhaps NBC is looking to bring the franchise's Thursday block back to a three show line-up. We'll have to wait and see but what is clear is that this arc for Rollins looks promising, we'll keep our fingers crossed for Giddish to get her own show.

Law and Order: SVU season 26 episode 3, "Divide and Conquer," premieres Thursday, Oct. 17 at 9 p.m. ET on NBC. Next day streaming will be available on Peacock. Stay tuned to Americans Undercover for coverage. Follow us on X and Facebook for more content!