Ever wondered what it's like when TV partners turn into real-life spouses on screen? Kelli Giddish opens up about the behind-the-scenes magic of 'Rollisi' in Law & Order: SVU Season 27.
Law & Order: SVU's Kelli Giddish Shares the 'Rollisi'-Inspired Line She Wanted Tweaked
Fans of the long-running crime drama Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU) have been eagerly awaiting more screen time for the beloved couple formed by Sergeant Amanda Rollins, played by Kelli Giddish, and Assistant District Attorney Dominick "Sonny" Carisi, portrayed by Peter Scanavino. If you're new to the show, 'Rollisi' is the fan-made nickname for this duo, who started as professional partners and eventually became husband and wife both on the show and in real life for the actors. It's a storyline that has captivated viewers with its blend of tough cop work and heartfelt romance, much like how real couples navigate careers and personal life. Season 27 has been building on that, but so far, we haven't seen a ton of intimate scenes between the two characters. But here's where it gets interesting – the show's format focuses first on the intense police investigations and legal battles that make SVU so gripping, meaning Rollins and Carisi's personal moments often get sandwiched in during quieter squad room interactions. Giddish, who recently returned full-time to the series, chatted with TVLine and reassured fans that this is about to change. She explained that Rollins and Carisi will team up more as partners in upcoming episodes, and there will be those quick, electric exchanges when Carisi pops into the squad room. For die-hard 'Rollisi' supporters, these fleeting glimpses might feel like breadcrumbs, but Giddish promises there's more to come. And this is the part most people miss – it's all part of crafting authentic, layered relationships that mirror real life.
Giddish recounted a recent scene she filmed where Mariska Hargitay's Captain Olivia Benson pulls Rollins aside for a chat. Benson sings Carisi's praises, saying something along the lines of, "Your husband's gold, you know? He did this and that, and now he was able to get this." Rollins replies with a playful jab: "If he could only unload a dishwasher." It was meant to be lighthearted banter, poking fun at the everyday chores that even heroes like Carisi might struggle with – think of it as that relatable moment when your spouse nails the big stuff but forgets the little things, like loading the dishwasher after dinner. But for Giddish, who is married to Scanavino off-screen, the line didn't quite hit the right note. She laughed as she shared how she asked the writers to flip it to something more uplifting: "And he even knows how to load a dishwasher!" This change shifts the focus to the positives, highlighting how Rollins sees the good in her husband despite their differences. It's a small tweak that underscores the couple's growth and mutual support.
'They Truly Value One Another'
In the spirit of keeping things spoiler-free, Giddish emphasized that Rollins and Carisi are in a place of deep appreciation right now. "She's just putting it into a positive light," Giddish said of the revised line, "because that's where I feel like we are right now. They really appreciate each other. They respect each other. They're gonna disagree with each other. They're gonna give each other s–t — just like a stable, supportive relationship will." This rings true for many real-life couples, where love isn't about perfection but about navigating conflicts with humor and respect. Giddish credits her own long-term friendship and marriage with Scanavino for the effortless chemistry on screen. "It's really rooted in our mutual respect for each other off screen, the easy chemistry we have as friends and as husband and wife on the show," she noted. It's a reminder that great acting often stems from authentic connections, making 'Rollisi' feel all the more genuine. And this is where it gets controversial – does blending real-life romance with fictional roles make the on-screen dynamic more believable, or could it blur the lines and invite too much scrutiny from fans? Some argue it adds depth, while others wonder if it risks overshadowing the characters' storylines with off-screen gossip.
Looking ahead, Giddish teased exciting moments that the writers and actors are creating together. "There's moments that we create and that are written that I think the audience is really gonna take enjoyment out of." For newcomers, this could mean anything from tender domestic scenes to high-stakes arguments that test their bond, all while tackling SVU's signature themes of justice and resilience.
Are you excited for more 'Rollisi' interactions this season, or do you think the show should prioritize the crime-solving over couple drama? Do you agree that TV relationships should reflect real-life ups and downs, or is that just asking for trouble? Share your take in the comments – let's discuss!
