In 2013, it was reported that Richard Belzer, who has been with the show since it began, left “SVU” as a series regular. Belzer’s character John Munch turned in his retirement papers at the end of the Wed., Oct. 9 episode of “SVU.”
However, Belzer's three-year absence from the world of “Law & Order” has barely settled inafter leaving in 2013, but he returned to “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” as Det. John Munch in spring of 2016.
The original cast member, who retired from the show along with his character in season 15, guest-starred in an episode in May 2016. Munch reappeared to assist in the case of a young model who claims she was preyed upon by a famous fashion house photographer, whom Munch and his longtime partner Det. Fin Tutuola (Ice-T) were suspicious of years ago.
The character of John Munch first made his debut on “Homicide: Life on the Street” in 1993. The character has also appeared on “The X-Files,” “The Beat,” “Arrested Development,” “The Wire,” “Law & Order” and “Law & Order: Trial By Jury.” Belzer has made more than 450 episodic television appearances as John Munch.
"Law & Order" is a blended police procedural and courtroom drama created by D. Wolf. The series ran for 20 seasons on NBC, from 1990 to 2010, with 456 episodes, spawning four American spinoffs and a movie.
"Law & Order" is known for its revolving cast. The series managed to keep a unifying identity even as its familiar faces were replaced with new ones over the years. The show is set in New York City and was shot on location.
Discover these 15 Things You Didn't Know About Law And Order: SVU compiled by Screen Rant.