New York, NY – As anticipation builds for Law & Order‘s 25th season, NBC has confirmed notable cast changes that will reshape the dynamic of this iconic legal drama. With a blend of returning stars and departures, season 25 promises to deliver fresh storylines while honoring the legacy of the show.
Since its 1990 debut, Law & Order has remained a cornerstone of primetime television, following the intricacies of New York’s criminal justice system through the eyes of both police detectives and prosecutors. The reboot, revived unexpectedly in 2022, continues to evolve with new talent and evolving characters, delighting fans old and new.
Returning Faces Strengthen Season 25
Among the few veterans from the reboot who will return are Hugh Dancy and Odelya Halevi. Dancy, who plays Executive Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price, successfully negotiated to appear again, despite the network’s strategic move to have most actors participate in fewer episodes amid cost-cutting measures.
“It’s great to continue developing Nolan Price’s story in Season 25,” said industry sources familiar with the negotiations.
Halevi, portraying ADA Samantha Maroun, is set to return alongside Dancy. Their characters are known for their contrasting approaches, creating engaging courtroom drama that fans eagerly anticipate continuing.
Other returning cast members include Reid Scott as Detective Vincent Riley, partnering with incoming faces after the departure of his former colleague, and Maura Tierney, who recently stepped in as Lieutenant Jessica Brady following Camryn Manheim’s exit. Tierney’s character adds new depth to the police storyline, with her character’s personal backstory unfolding since Season 24.
Departures Mark Significant Shifts
The upcoming season also marks the exit of notable actors from the rebooted series. Mehcad Brooks, who played Senior Detective Jalen Shaw across Seasons 22 to 24, will not return. Industry reports confirm that Brooks’ departure was mutually agreed upon by the actor and the network, reflecting a natural shift in narrative focus.
Additionally, former fan favorites such as Anthony Anderson, Jeffrey Donovan, Camryn Manheim, and Sam Waterson have all exited, leading to a revamped ensemble for the ongoing revival.
Iconic Characters Reimagined by Tony Goldwyn
Adding intriguing layers to the prosecutor’s office this season, Tony Goldwyn reprises his role in a new capacity. After his acclaimed performance as District Attorney Jack McCoy in earlier seasons of the revival, Goldwyn took on the character of District Attorney Nicholas Baxter starting Season 23. He shared his excitement with Us Weekly in October 2024:
“I always loved being surprised by where my career takes me… it’s a really interesting character, and the DA — it’s a fascinating job.”
Goldwyn’s return promises to bring more nuanced legal battles to the screen, enriching the courtroom drama that Law & Order is known for.
What to Expect in Season 25
- A streamlined cast focusing on fewer episodes per main actor, reflecting NBC’s cost-management strategies.
- New character dynamics formed by the mixture of returning and new cast members.
- Continued exploration of New York’s criminal justice system through evolving police and legal storylines.
- Fresh narrative arcs resulting from recent exits, including the departure of key detectives and support staff.
