NBC
Jalen Brunson will play Detective Madison on 'Law & Order: SVU'
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson is having a year of firsts in 2026. Not only did he win his first NBA title, but he’s also set to make his acting debut in an episode of the long-running NBC drama series Law & Order: SVU.
The beloved Knicks guard is set to make his scripted acting debut on Law & Order: SVU next week when he features in the 599th episode of the show, titled “Forsaken,” which airs on Thursday, November 5 at 9:00 p.m. ET on NBC.
New York Knicks point guard Jalen Brunson will play a detective in the November 5 episode of Law & Order: SVU
To the surprise of many, Brunson isn’t playing himself in the show, but rather a character named Detective Madison (as in, Square Garden). The official synopsis for the episode can also be found below:
“When a wedding guest is assaulted at the reception, Benson and the squad uncover a secret that changes the course of the investigation; Carisi’s pursuit of justice becomes increasingly complicated when key witnesses refuse to cooperate.”
PROMO: Jalen Brunson plays a detective on the next episode of Law & Order: SVU #SVU #Knicks https://t.co/sBlqYlLngI
— the chris meloni project (@MeloniProject) October 30, 2026
i really thought he was gonna play himself but mariska said nah baby get to WORK
— cme (@ktmob_) October 30, 2026
Brunson said in July he would love to appear on the show, while series star Mariska Hargitay — a longtime Knicks fan — had called him a “bucket-list guest star.” After celebrating the Knicks’ first NBA championship since 1973 over the summer, the pair shot the episode of Law & Order: SVU in Brooklyn in September. The pair also appeared together in the pre-taped opening of the 78th Emmy Awards, which Hargitay hosted.
Brunson, 30, was named NBA Finals MVP after the Knicks won their first championship in 53 years, beating the Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs in five games.
After losing their first three games of the season, the Knicks have won two straight ahead of their Friday night matchup against LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers.