The Shocking Law & Order Cast Shakeups: Who’s Out And Who’s The New Face Of Justice In 2025?

The "Law & Order" universe is no stranger to dramatic exits and shocking new arrivals, but the 2025 television season is bringing one of the most significant cast shakeups in recent memory across all three active series. As of this current date, December 18, 2025, fans of the Dick Wolf franchise are grappling with the departure of key detectives, the arrival of Hollywood heavyweights in major roles, and the surprising return of a beloved character. This deep dive reveals every critical change, from the flagship series' new detective to the unexpected departures rocking the Special Victims Unit and the Organized Crime Control Bureau.

The franchise's longevity is built on its compelling procedural format, but the actors who embody the mantra "Dun-Dun" are the heart of the shows. Major changes to the main cast always signal an exciting, and sometimes controversial, new era for the 27th Precinct, the Special Victims Unit, and the Organized Crime Control Bureau (OCCB).

The Complete 2025 Law & Order Franchise Cast Shakeup List

The latest seasons of Law & Order (Season 25), Law & Order: SVU (Season 27), and Law & Order: Organized Crime (Season 5) feature a whirlwind of new and departing talent. This list details the most impactful changes that will define the upcoming seasons.

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• Major Exit (Law & Order): Detective Jalen Shaw, played by Mehcad Brooks, has officially exited the flagship series ahead of its 25th season.
• Key New Detective (Law & Order): Reid Scott joins the cast as Detective Vincent Riley, filling the void left by Shaw.
• New District Attorney (Law & Order): Tony Goldwyn joins the main cast as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter, taking over the top prosecutor role.
• New Lieutenant (Law & Order): Maura Tierney steps into the role of Lieutenant Jessica Brady, adding another powerful female lead to the squad.
• SVU Exits: The Special Victims Unit is losing two cast members as Octavio Pisano (Detective Joe Velasco) and Juliana Martinez are set to depart after the conclusion of Season 26.
• Surprise Return (SVU): Kelli Giddish, who played Detective/Sergeant Amanda Rollins, is confirmed to be returning for Season 27, much to the delight of fans who mourned her Season 24 exit.

These changes reflect a strategic effort by Dick Wolf and NBC to inject new energy into the long-running procedural dramas, promising fresh dynamics in the precinct and the courtroom.

Law & Order (The Original): A New Generation of Justice

The revival of the original Law & Order has seen several changes in its police and prosecution teams, but Season 25 brings a particularly dramatic overhaul. The core dynamic of the show—the police investigating the crime and the prosecutors trying the case—will be completely reset with a trio of new main cast members.

The New Faces of the 27th Precinct and DA's Office

The most talked-about departure is that of Detective Jalen Shaw, portrayed by Mehcad Brooks. Brooks' character was a staple of the revived series, and his exit creates a significant hole in the detective squad. Stepping into this crucial role is Reid Scott, known for his work on Veep, who joins the cast as Detective Vincent Riley. Scott’s casting signals a new partnership dynamic with Detective Frank Cosgrove, played by Jeffrey Donovan.

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The courtroom side is also undergoing a major transformation. Tony Goldwyn, a veteran actor with a commanding screen presence, has been cast as the new District Attorney, Nicholas Baxter. Goldwyn is replacing Sam Waterston, whose legendary run as Jack McCoy concluded earlier in the series. Furthermore, Maura Tierney, known for ER and The Affair, is joining the cast as Lieutenant Jessica Brady, adding a new layer of authority to the police station.

Returning to anchor the legal proceedings are Hugh Dancy as Executive ADA Nolan Price and Odelya Halevi as ADA Samantha Maroun. Their established chemistry and intense courtroom battles will provide continuity amid the influx of new characters.

Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU): Returns and Unexpected Goodbyes

Law & Order: SVU, the longest-running primetime live-action series in TV history, continues its incredible run with Captain Olivia Benson, played by the iconic Mariska Hargitay, at the helm. While Hargitay and Ice-T (Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola) remain the immovable pillars of the Special Victims Unit, the squad is facing a bittersweet period of change.

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The Rollins Return and Major Squad Departures

The most electrifying news for the fan base is the confirmed return of Kelli Giddish as Sergeant Amanda Rollins for Season 27. Rollins' departure in Season 24 to pursue a teaching career was emotional for viewers and the squad. Her return, even if in a limited capacity, promises to revisit her complex relationship with ADA Dominick "Sonny" Carisi, played by Peter Scanavino.

However, the excitement is tempered by the impending loss of two squad members. Octavio Pisano, who plays Detective Joe Velasco, and Juliana Martinez are both confirmed to be leaving the NBC drama after the conclusion of Season 26. Velasco's character was introduced as a new detective in Season 23, and his exit, along with Martinez's, will undoubtedly shift the internal dynamics of the SVU team, forcing Captain Benson to once again navigate staffing challenges and integrate new talent into the sensitive work of the Special Victims Unit.

Law & Order: Organized Crime (OC): Stabler's Unwavering Mission

The newest spin-off in the franchise, Law & Order: Organized Crime, focuses on Detective Elliot Stabler, played by Christopher Meloni, and his work in the Organized Crime Control Bureau (OCCB). The show is known for its serialized storytelling, which delves deeper into Stabler's personal life and his pursuit of major criminal syndicates.

The Core OCCB Team Remains Strong

Unlike its sister shows, Organized Crime has maintained a relatively stable core cast. Christopher Meloni continues his celebrated return as Detective Elliot Stabler, leading the OCCB. Alongside him, Danielle Moné Truitt remains a powerful presence as Sergeant Ayanna Bell, Stabler’s commanding officer and trusted partner. Ainsley Seiger rounds out the main team as Detective Jet Slootmaekers, the unit’s tech expert, whose character has grown significantly since the show's debut.

The show is set to return for its fifth season, maintaining its focus on long-term arcs and the fight against major criminal organizations. A key update for the upcoming season is the return of Rick Gonzalez as Detective Bobby Reyes, ensuring continuity in the OCCB squad. The stability of the Organized Crime cast allows the narrative to focus intensely on the complex cases and Stabler's ongoing emotional journey, particularly his relationship with Olivia Benson, a central theme of the interconnected Dick Wolf's Universe.

The Legacy of the Law & Order Franchise

The constant evolution of the cast is a testament to the enduring structure of the Law & Order franchise. While the faces change, the format—the two-part narrative of police investigation and criminal prosecution—remains the bedrock. The 2025 season promises to be one of the most dynamic in years, with fresh talent like Tony Goldwyn and Reid Scott stepping into iconic roles, while the surprise return of Kelli Giddish on SVU provides a comforting link to the show's rich history. Fans can look forward to a new era of compelling drama and unexpected twists as these new and returning actors define the future of the Dick Wolf universe.