'Law & Order: SVU': David Zayas Recast After Episode Getting Pulled Off in January 2026

Published 02/04/2026, 3:04 AM EST

Law & Order: SVU has never failed to come up with a steady stream of gripping investigations, heated courtroom debates, and shocking revelations throughout its long run. However, the show faced an unexpected hiccup on Thursday, January 15, this year, when a scheduled episode titled Corrosive was suddenly pulled back.

Instead, a different episode, titled Fidelis Ad Mortem, aired that night, leaving fans curious about the sudden change.  Now that the episode is finally set to return, along with a new addition, David Zayas, here is everything you need to know.

David Zayas will replace Timothy Busfield in Law & Order: SVU

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The Law & Order: SVU episode titled Corrosive was initially pulled after Timothy Busfield, who was set to guest star as a respected judge, was charged with alleged child abuse. As the episode is finally set to air, David Zayas will now take over the role. The filming of the episode has been completed, and it is scheduled for release on February 26.

In the newly scheduled episode, Zayas’s character faces threats to his life, prompting the SVU team to step in to ensure the judge’s safety. Meanwhile, Detective Amanda Rollins will tackle another case, working to assist an abuse survivor.

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As for Busfield, who has previously appeared on Law & Order: SVU, the actor is unlikely to return due to the ongoing legal proceedings. That said, fans may be more curious about the actor who is joining the show but Zayas is not new to Law & Order: SVU.

A glimpse at David Zayas’s career

Puerto Rican actor David Zayas is best known for his role as Angel Batista on the Showtime series Dexter. He has continued to appear in Dexter: New Blood and Dexter: Resurrection. Law & Order: SVU fans might also recognize him, as he appeared in the show’s Season 3, Episode 12 as Detective Milton.

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In addition, Zayas has starred in Oz, Gotham, The Blacklist, Blue Bloods, and The Bear, showcasing an impressive range across both television and film. There’s little doubt he will handle this new role with the same skill. 

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What do you think about Zayas joining the show as Timothy Busfield’s replacement? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.

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Pritha Debroy

217 articles

Pritha Debroy is an Entertainment writer at NetflixJunkie who can seamlessly switch between breaking down an NBA play and obsessing over the latest K-drama twist. She has written over 3,400 NBA and NFL articles, but her true joy lies in diving into Netflix’s trendiest shows—unpacking themes, stories, and yes, the occasional celebrity chaos. When she is not writing, you’ll find her devouring thrillers (anything by Freida McFadden is an instant yes), revisiting comfort classics like 10 Things I Hate About You and 27 Dresses, or hunting for her next binge-worthy series.

Edited By: Aliza Siddiqui

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