Esparza will play DA Rafael Barba beginning Oct. 10.
The episode, entitled "Twenty-Five Acts," centers on "the author of a best-selling erotic novel (Anna Chlumsky) who accuses a high-profile talk show host (Roger Bart) of rape," according to production notes. "The SVU detectives face an uphill battle when they find that her account of the rape is exactly like the chapters in her book, and along with the DA’s office (Esparza), they struggle to keep the case from turning into a media circus."
Esparza is also scheduled to appear on the Nov. 14 episode.
Esparza has received Tony nominations in all four eligible acting categories. His TV credits include "Law & Order," "Law & Order: Criminal Intent," "Pushing Daisies” and “A Gifted Man.”