NBC has removed an upcoming Law & Order: SVU episode from its schedule this week following serious allegations involving guest star Timothy Busfield. The actor, known for roles in thirtysomething and The West Wing, is currently under investigation after being accused of child sex abuse. The network’s decision comes as legal developments surrounding Busfield continue to unfold.
Episode “Corrosive” Removed From Thursday Broadcast
The episode titled “Corrosive,” which was scheduled to air on Thursday, has been pulled from NBC’s lineup. Busfield appeared in the episode as a guest star, playing a judge. Instead of airing “Corrosive,” NBC will now broadcast “Fidelis Ad Mortem,” an episode that was originally scheduled for Jan. 22. The switch marks a sudden schedule change for the long-running crime drama, which remains one of NBC’s most-watched scripted series.
Timothy Busfield Faces Criminal Charges
According to reports, Busfield is facing serious criminal accusations in connection with allegations involving minors. An arrest warrant was reportedly issued on Friday after he was charged with two counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor and child abuse. Authorities in Albuquerque, New Mexico, have said they are working with U.S. Marshals to locate and arrest Busfield.
Allegations Linked to Relationship With Child Actors
The allegations are said to stem from Busfield’s relationship with twin 11-year-old brothers from New Mexico. The twins reportedly appeared in 2024 on the TV series The Cleaning Lady, a project that Busfield directed and executive produced. Law enforcement officials have not released extensive additional details publicly, but the case has already triggered widespread concern and online attention due to Busfield’s public profile and connection to television productions.
Busfield Has a History With ‘SVU’
This is not Busfield’s first time working with SVU. He previously guest-starred on the series in 2011 and later returned to direct two episodes in 2019. His long-standing connection to the franchise makes NBC’s decision to pull the episode especially notable. Networks sometimes choose to delay or remove content involving public figures facing criminal investigations, particularly in cases involving sensitive allegations.
Busfield’s Personal Life Also Draws Attention
Busfield is married to actress Melissa Gilbert, known widely for her role on Little House on the Prairie. While Gilbert has not publicly commented in this report, the case has added a new layer of media scrutiny due to her well-known career and longtime public image.
What Happens Next
NBC has not announced whether the pulled episode will air at a later date or remain off the schedule permanently. As the legal situation develops, the network may make additional programming decisions. Meanwhile, the investigation and efforts to locate Busfield remain ongoing, according to the Albuquerque Police Department.
