Law & Order Franchise Sees Major Cast Changes from 2024 to 2026
The Law & Order series experienced significant cast shifts, including key departures like Sam Waterston and additions such as David Ajala joining Season 25.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 19, 2026
2 min read
The iconic Law & Order franchise has undergone notable cast transitions between 2024 and 2026 across its flagship series and SVU. These changes mark some of the most significant reshuffles since the show’s revival in 2022.
Key Departures
- Sam Waterston, who portrayed Executive ADA and District Attorney Jack McCoy since 1994, exited during Season 23. Waterston is the longest-serving cast member, appearing in 405 episodes over nearly three decades.
- Camryn Manheim left before Season 24 after three seasons as Lt. Kate Dixon, the head of the Homicide Unit.
- Jeffrey Donovan departed prior to Season 23, having played Detective Frank Cosgrove for two seasons.
- Mehcad Brooks, known for his role as Detective Jalen Shaw, exited ahead of Season 25 after three years, a departure described as mutual with producers. Brooks is set to appear in the upcoming Mortal Kombat II film and And Just Like That Season 3.
- On Law & Order: SVU, Octavio Pisano and Juliana Aidén Martinez left following Season 26, ending their runs as Detectives Joe Velasco and Kate Silva respectively.
New Additions
- Maura Tierney joined the flagship series in Season 24 as Lt. Jessica Brady, replacing Manheim’s character.
- David Ajala, a British actor previously known for Star Trek: Discovery, became a series regular in Season 25 playing Detective Theo Walker.
- For SVU Season 27, Kelli Giddish returned as Sgt. Amanda Rollins, and Corey Cott was promoted to series regular portraying Detective Jake Griffin.
Context and Impact
These cast changes reflect the franchise’s longstanding tradition of evolving its ensemble to keep storylines fresh. The 25th season of the flagship show is particularly significant, marking a milestone since the series’ initial end in 2010 and its subsequent revival in 2022.
Sam Waterston’s departure closes a major chapter for the series, while the introduction of actors like David Ajala signals a new era. On SVU, the reshaped lineup continues to anchor around Mariska Hargitay’s Captain Benson, maintaining continuity amid change.
