‘Law & Order: SVU’ Star Kelli Giddish Says Kissing Peter Scanavino Is Like Kissing Her ‘Brother’

“Law & Order: SVU” fans have been eagerly rooting for Amanda Rollins and Dominick Carisi to become a couple for years. This season, their wishes have come true. Despite the palpable on-screen chemistry, Kelli Giddish, who plays Rollins, revealed that kissing her co-star Peter Scanavino, who plays Carisi, feels quite unusual—like kissing her brother.

Carisi and Rollins: An Unstoppable On-Screen Chemistry

Since teaming up in season 16, Amanda Rollins (Kelli Giddish) and Dominick Carisi (Peter Scanavino) have shared a connection that fans couldn’t ignore. Their dynamic partnership and undeniable chemistry led many to hope for a romantic development. After years of anticipation, fans finally got their moment in the season 22 finale when Carisi and Rollins shared a kiss at Finn’s (Ice-T) wedding. Now, in season 23, their relationship has blossomed, and they are exploring their new dynamic as a couple.

The Awkwardness of On-Screen Romance

Kelli Giddish and Peter Scanavino have worked together for over seven years, forming a strong real-life friendship. This bond, however, makes their on-screen romance a bit awkward. Giddish, in a conversation with Smashing Interviews Magazine, revealed the odd sensation of filming intimate scenes with Scanavino.

“I think we both have such a strong feeling about what it should be between them,” Giddish said. “I think it’s easy for us to know what it should be.”

Despite their deep understanding of their characters’ relationship, Giddish likened kissing Scanavino to kissing a sibling.

“It’s still awkward though,” Giddish admitted. “It’s almost like kissing your brother, it’s like, ‘Oh, jeez.’”

Honoring the Characters’ Relationship

For Giddish and Scanavino, portraying the relationship between Rollins and Carisi authentically is paramount. Giddish emphasized the importance of honoring their characters’ journey, even if it means pushing through the awkwardness.

“But it’s so important for us to honor that relationship,” she added. “I think we’re willing to go past that and say, ‘Okay. This is such a great thing for these characters, for our audience, and for the fans of the show.’”

The Impact on Fans

“Law & Order: SVU” has cultivated a dedicated fan base over its 23-season run. Giddish is acutely aware of how significant the characters are to the audience and appreciates the writers’ thoughtful handling of Rollins and Carisi’s relationship.

“We are treating it with respect and caution as to what it should be and what it shouldn’t be,” she suggested. “It means a lot to us as people, and also, it is so earned and so organic, we want to keep portraying that level of friendship and trust to the audience and let them see a great relationship.”

Despite the strangeness of filming romantic scenes with a close friend, Giddish and Scanavino prioritize maintaining their on-screen chemistry for the fans.

“I think we both realize how much it means to the fans and how much it means to our characters,” Giddish added. “It seems so organic and so right that we’re willing to go for it even though we’re very good friends in real life. I think it’s something that the fans really wanted to see, and to be able to actually show that in an organic way.”

Tune In

New episodes of “Law & Order: SVU” continue to air on Thursday nights on NBC, where fans can watch the evolving relationship between Rollins and Carisi unfold. As Giddish and Scanavino bring authenticity and depth to their characters, viewers can appreciate the balance of professional dedication and personal friendship that makes their on-screen romance so compelling.