(Virginia Sherwood / NBC)
A long-time Law & Order: SVU star is saying goodbye. Deadline reports Raul Esparza is leaving the NBC TV show after six years.
Esparza plays Assistant District Attorney Rafael Barba on the legal procedural, which is currently in its 19th season. The series’ cast also includes Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Kelli Giddish, and Peter Scanavino.
With Esparza leaving, Philip Winchester is set to join Law & Order: SVU and reprise his Chicago Justice character Peter Stone. See Esparza’s farewell message below:
Goodbye Barba. Thank you. You changed my life. My squad. And you, you always, my Liv, my friend Mariska. I will always treasure my time with all of you. #SVU #BarbaOnTrial
— Raúl E. Esparza (@RaulEEsparza) February 8, 2018
What do you think? Do you watch Law & Order: SVU? Are you sad to see Esparza leave?
Yes I will miss him however I love SVU I will steal watch it regardless.
Plz don’t go.. U had me crying in the last show… U and Olivia are the best (since stabler is gone)..come back.. U will be missed
The last episode had me in tears I can’t believe he’s actually leaving . Raul is one of the best characters one of the reason why I stay watching svu . I hope he returns!
I’m really sad to see Raul Esparza leave the show. He was one of my favorite characters. He had a great interaction with Liv (Mariska), Wish him the best in his future endeavors but still sad to see him leave. It will be a loss for the show.
I am sorry to see Raul Esparza leave the show. All the lawyers I liked – have left. Other than Raul – I liked Stephanie March – too bad she could not reprise her role. Best Wished and Good Luck Raul on your new endeavors..
Yes I am very sad to see him go. Every lawyer I liked has left. Raul and Stephanie March were my favorites. Wish she was coming back to reprise the role. Best Wishes and Good Luck Raul on your future endeavors…
I am sad to see Raul leave SVU l. I’ve loved watching his character change and soften over the years, as well as his close relationship with Olivia. He has always tried to shield her “legally” under the confines of the law, especially with her ability to adopt Noah.
I knew that this was going to happen. There were articles about it in the summer. I wish Mr. Esparza the best of luck. We might see him again sometime. This was totally his choice.
Yes, I was sad to see him go last night. I really like this character, and last night’s script was poignant to say the least. It however left the door open, Barba could have stayed on. I loved the relation between him an Liv – it’S a good friend she’S seeing go, and especially with the trial for custody of her son being revisited, he would have been a good support. The fact that we got attached to this character shows how well Mr. Esparza rendered it. He leaves behind a big empty space. I hope to see him somewhere… Read more »
Sorry to see him go! He’s my favorite character.