'Law & Order: SVU' recasts Timothy Busfield's guest role tapping 'Dexter' star

The revised airdate is now February 26, and will be the first episode after NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage
PUBLISHED FEB 4, 2026
Timothy Busfield visits the Build Series to discuss the ABC drama series “For Life” at Build Studio on February 11, 2020 in New York City. (Cover image credit: Getty Images | Photo by Gary Gershoff)
Timothy Busfield visits the Build Series to discuss the ABC drama series “For Life” at Build Studio on February 11, 2020 in New York City. (Cover image credit: Getty Images | Photo by Gary Gershoff)

One 'Law & Order: SVU' episode originally set to star Timothy Busfield in a guest role was recast. Tapped to star instead was 'Dexter' star, David Zayas. The latter will feature in the previously shelved episode, 'Corrosive', after it was initially set to air January. 15 on NBC.

The update comes after the network pulled the plug on the episode following Busfield's arrest warrant issued by New Mexico police. The actor was allegedly accused of abusing two child actors on the sets of 'The Cleaning Lady', the former Fox/Warner Bros. TV series. The revised airdate is now February 26, and will be the first episode for the procedural after NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage.

Per THR, the official logline for “Corrosive” reads, “An attempt on a respected judge’s life is connected to an anonymous video posted to the SVU tip line. Rollins (Kelli Giddish) tries to help a victim come to terms with their abuse.”

Previously, a warrant for  Busfield's arrest was issued in January after allegations of him allegegedly touching two boys on the set in an inappropriate manner. According to the outlet, the actor and director has maintained that he is innocent and was later released from custody. His trial on two counts of criminal sexual contact.

Last year, Zayas made headlines for his take on his character, Angel Batista, in 'Dexter: Resurrection'.  The actor spoke of the final moments of his character's storyline. "I was really having myself focus on Dexter. Batista’s there, knowing he’s about to die," Zayas said.

"He wants to express to Dexter what he’s feeling. The anger. He wants to let everything go, knowing he’s not going to last long. For me, as Angel, it was about connecting with Dexter in those last moments. The deed is done. What’s done is done. I want him to connect with Dexter, at least on the way out. I’ve always maintained the truth and integrity of what I believe and what I want. I’ve always let you know who I am. And I’m letting you know now who I am — and that this is who you are. And you know what? F-you. Even though it’s a bad word, I found it very genuine."

'Law & Order: SVU' airs Thursdays on NBC and will be streaming on Peacock.

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