Law and Order Casting News: Who’s Returning for Season 25?
In 2022, fans of Law & Order were thrilled to see NBC bring back the flagship series. As the 2025-2026 TV season draws near, the show is celebrating its 25th season.
When the series first aired in 1990, it featured George Dzundra, Chris Noth, Dann Florek, Michael Moriarty, Richard Brooks, and Steven Hill, highlighting the dynamics between police and prosecutors in New York’s criminal justice system. Over its initial 20-season run, many actors came and went, a pattern that has continued in the revival.
From season 21 in 2022 through to the conclusion of season 24 in May, Hugh Dancy and Odelya Halevi are the sole remaining members of the rebooted cast, as Anthony Anderson, Jeffrey Donovan, Camryn Manheim, and Sam Waterson have all exited the series.
As fans prepare for season 25 of Law & Order, one beloved cast member has departed—will others stay on?
Continue reading to find out what Us Weekly has discovered about the cast for the upcoming season:
Hugh Dancy
Dancy has portrayed Executive Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price since the return of Law & Order in 2022. Following contract negotiations, he is anticipated to reprise his role in the new season, even as reports from Deadline indicate that actors have agreed to fewer episodes due to budget constraints.
Odelya Halevi
Halevi has taken on the role of Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun since 2022, partnering with Dancy’s character at the DA’s office. Although they may clash at times, it appears they are a strong team heading into season 25, as she is confirmed to return.
Mehcad Brooks
Brooks portrayed the character of Senior Detective Jalen Shaw, teaming up with Frank Cosgrove (played by Donovan) during season 22 after Anderson’s stint as Detective Kevin Bernard ended. He paired with Scott’s Riley for seasons 23 and 24 following Donovan’s departure.
Reports surfaced in July confirming that Brooks will not return for season 25. It’s expected that his character will be written off in a conversation between Riley and Lieutenant Brady (Maura Tierney) during the season premiere. Deadline indicated that this was a mutual decision.
Reid Scott
Scott joined the cast in season 23 as Detective Vincent Riley, becoming Shaw’s (played by Brooks) partner. He is confirmed to return for the upcoming season.
Maura Tierney
After Manheim’s departure as Lieutenant Kate Dixon in 2024, Tierney stepped in as Lieutenant Jessica Brady. She first appeared during the season 24 premiere, explaining Dixon’s exit, stating that her son had secured a job in Florida and she wanted to support him.
Following a successful introduction, Tierney is anticipated to return for season 25.
Tony Goldwyn
Alum Waterson played a pivotal role in reviving the franchise for seasons 21 and 22 as District Attorney Jack McCoy. Following his exit, Goldwyn stepped in as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter starting from season 23.
“I’ve always enjoyed being surprised by where my career might lead,” Goldwyn shared exclusively with Us Weekly during season 24 in October 2024.
The actor remarked, “I suppose it’s a bit of a career shift from President to DA, but the character has depth, and the role of DA is genuinely captivating.”
Previously, Goldwyn portrayed the President of the United States in Scandal before transitioning to lead the DA’s office on Law & Order. He is reportedly set to return for season 25, according to several sources.
