One of the most beloved detectives in the "Law & Order" universe is returning to the Special Victims Unit. Original star Richard Belzer, who played Detective John Munch, will guest star in an upcoming episode of "Law & Order: SVU" later this year after his character retired in Season 15.
The episode, titled "Fashionable Crimes," will air in May and will see Belzer's Munch return to the Special Crimes Unit to weigh in on a case where a young model claims to be preyed upon by a big time fashion photographer. The photographer in question has been on Munch's radar since before he retired, but he and Detective Fin Tutuola (Ice T) had never been able to make a case against him until the model speaks out.
"We love having Richard back on set," executive producer Warren Leight said of the actor who played the cynical cop for more than a decade. "This episode was perfect for Munch's cynical eye, and just the right time for him to give Benson [Mariska Hargitay] and Noah some much needed support."
"Law & Order: SVU" made its television debut all the way back in 1999, and the original cast included Belzer, whose character retired at the end of Season 15 in 2014. The series is currently in its 17th season, and has already been renewed for Season 18. While the show has been on for an incredibly long time, "SVU" will have to continue on for another two seasons to beat the "Law & Order" record of 20 seasons, which is held by the original "Law & Order."
"Law & Order: SVU" was actually not the first television show where Belzer starred as Detective Munch. The actor first stepped into the role in 1993 on "Homicide: Life on the Street" and went on to play the character on a total of 10 different shows throughout his career. The actor has also popped up on other notable TV shows like "The X-Files," "30 Rock," "Arrested Development" and "The Wire." A Muppet version of him even showed up on "Sesame Street."
"Law & Order: SVU" airs Wednesdays at 9 p.m. on NBC.
