NBC signs Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino to “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit”

FILE - In this May 17, 2010 file photo, Kelli Giddish attends the NBC Universal's Upfront presentation in New York. NBC has signed Danny Pino and Kelli Giddish to the cast of its long-running cop show, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Both newcomers will play detectives in the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department. (AP Photo/Peter Kramer, file) ORG XMIT: NYET259

Kelli Giddish and Danny Pino have been signed as two new series regulars on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” which will debut its 13th season this fall at 9 p.m. Wednesdays on NBC, according to a news release.

Giddish, who recently starred in the NBC drama “Chase,” and Pino, who had a seven season starring run on “Cold Case” on CBS, will play detectives on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” which centers on the life and crimes of the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department.

This select squad of detectives investigates sexually based crimes.

Mariska Hargitay will be returning as Det. Olivia Benson, but her longtime co-star Christopher Meloni will not be back to reprise his role as Det. Elliot Stabler.

FILE - In this Aug. 21, 2008 file photo, actor Danny Pino arrives at the 23rd Annual Imagen Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. NBC has signed Danny Pino and Kelli Giddish to the cast of its long-running cop show, "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit." Both newcomers will play detectives in the Special Victims Unit of the New York Police Department. (AP Photo/Gus Ruelas) ORG XMIT: NYET260