The Great Shake-Up: Who’s In And Who’s Out Of The Law & Order Cast For The 2025 Seasons?

Contents
The *Law & Order* universe is gearing up for one of its most transformative years in recent memory, with the 2024-2025 television season bringing a significant number of high-profile cast changes across all three flagship shows. As of December 23, 2025, fans are grappling with surprising departures from the original series and *SVU*, while the remaining stars are poised to take on new, challenging arcs. The iconic "dun-dun" sound will ring in a new era of investigations and prosecutions, anchored by both legendary veterans and recently promoted talent. The franchise's longevity, spanning over three decades, is built on its ability to evolve, but the confirmed exits of several key detectives and a major shift in the commanding officer roles signal a fresh, high-stakes narrative direction for the new year. From the 27th Precinct to the Organized Crime Control Bureau, here is the definitive, up-to-date guide to the main cast members, new additions, and dramatic departures for the 2025 seasons of *Law & Order*, *SVU*, and *Organized Crime*.

1. Law & Order (Original Series): A Detective Says Goodbye in Season 25

The mothership series, which returned to airwaves in 2022, is heading into its 25th season with the most impactful casting news of the year: the unexpected departure of a main detective. This shake-up ensures the classic "cops and lawyers" format will feature a new dynamic in the first half of 2025.

Major Departure: Detective Jalen Shaw Exits

The biggest news hitting the 27th Precinct is the exit of actor Mehcad Brooks, who has portrayed Detective Jalen Shaw since the start of Season 22. Brooks’ character, known for his grounded approach and strong partnership with Detective Frank Cosgrove (previously played by Jeffrey Donovan), will not be returning for the 25th season. The reason for Detective Shaw's departure remains under wraps, sparking intense speculation among fans about how the show will write out the character and introduce a new face to the squad.

The Confirmed 2025 Main Cast

The remaining cast members are set to return, ensuring continuity in the courtroom and a new partnership on the street.
  • Hugh Dancy as Executive ADA Nolan Price: Dancy returns as the principled and often morally conflicted Executive Assistant District Attorney. His pursuit of justice continues to drive the prosecution half of the series.
  • Odelya Halevi as ADA Samantha Maroun: Halevi is confirmed to return as ADA Maroun, Nolan Price's dedicated and savvy partner. Their evolving professional relationship remains a central focus of the legal proceedings.
  • Tony Goldwyn as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter: Goldwyn, who joined the cast in 2024, is confirmed to continue as the head of the Manhattan District Attorney's office. His character, District Attorney Nicholas Baxter, adds a layer of political intrigue and oversight to the office.
  • Maura Tierney as Lieutenant Jessica Brady: Tierney will continue in her role as the Commanding Officer of the 27th Precinct, Lieutenant Jessica Brady. Her presence provides a new leadership style following the departure of Lieutenant Kate Dixon (Camryn Manheim).
  • Reid Scott as Detective Vincent Riley: Scott's Detective Vincent Riley will be the returning detective on the street, now needing a new partner following Detective Shaw's exit. Riley's intense and sometimes unorthodox methods are expected to be tested by the new dynamic.

2. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (SVU): A Double Departure Rocks Season 26

The longest-running primetime live-action series in TV history, *Law & Order: Special Victims Unit*, is heading into its 26th season with a significant squad room shake-up, losing two key detectives. This double departure sets the stage for a new team structure under Captain Olivia Benson.

Shocking Exits: Velasco and Silva Are Out

The *SVU* squad room will feel notably emptier in 2025 following the confirmed departures of two main cast members. Octavio Pisano, who played Detective Joe Velasco since Season 23, and Juliana Martinez, who recently joined as Detective Kate Silva, will both be exiting the series. * Octavio Pisano (Detective Joe Velasco): Velasco’s character had a complex history, often blurring the lines between his undercover past and his new role in the Special Victims Unit. His exit leaves a noticeable void in the detective ranks. * Juliana Martinez (Detective Kate Silva): Detective Silva was a fresh face, having only joined the squad recently. Her short tenure and sudden departure add to the mystery of the Season 26 narrative.

The Indispensable Returning SVU Core

Despite the detective changes, the heart of the Special Victims Unit remains intact, led by its legendary core cast.
  • Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson: The incomparable Hargitay is confirmed to return for her 26th season as Captain Benson, continuing her record-breaking run. Her leadership and dedication to survivors remain the emotional anchor of the franchise.
  • Ice-T as Sergeant Odafin "Fin" Tutuola: Ice-T returns as the ever-reliable Sergeant Fin Tutuola, providing the unit's street smarts and dry wit. As the longest-serving detective, Fin’s role will be crucial in mentoring any new additions.
  • Peter Scanavino as ADA Dominick "Sonny" Carisi Jr.: Scanavino is confirmed to return as the former detective turned Assistant District Attorney. Carisi’s continued presence and his personal relationship with Benson are key ongoing story elements.
  • Kevin Kane as Detective Terry Bruno: While not a new addition, Kane's character, Detective Terry Bruno, is expected to play a more prominent role in the wake of the other departures, helping to stabilize the detective ranks.

3. Law & Order: Organized Crime (OC): Stabler’s World Stabilizes in Season 5

In contrast to its sister shows, *Law & Order: Organized Crime* appears to be entering its fifth season with a relatively stable core cast. The focus remains squarely on Detective Elliot Stabler’s deep-cover operations and his personal life.

The Confirmed Organized Crime Main Cast for 2025

The Organized Crime Control Bureau (OCCB) team is confirmed to return, continuing their mission to dismantle New York’s most dangerous criminal networks.
  • Christopher Meloni as Detective Elliot Stabler: The series protagonist, Meloni, returns as the intense and driven Detective Stabler. Season 5 is expected to delve further into Stabler’s family life, including his complex relationship with his brother, Randall Stabler (played by Dean Norris).
  • Danielle Moné Truitt as Sergeant Ayanna Bell: Truitt is confirmed to return as Sergeant Bell, the OCCB’s commanding officer and Stabler’s trusted partner. Bell’s steady leadership provides a necessary counterpoint to Stabler's volatile methods.
  • Rick Gonzalez as Detective Bobby Reyes: Gonzalez returns as Detective Reyes, the youngest member of the squad known for his technological skills and ability to go undercover.
  • A Return to Crossover Events: While not a main cast member, the continued potential for crossover appearances by Mariska Hargitay as Captain Olivia Benson remains a major draw for *Organized Crime*, deepening the 'Benson and Stabler' storyline.

The Future of the Franchise: New Dynamics and Topical Authority

The 2025 season of the *Law & Order* franchise is defined by change. The original series will be tasked with introducing a new detective to partner with Reid Scott's Detective Riley, while *SVU* must quickly fill the void left by two departing detectives to support the veteran team of Benson, Fin, and Carisi. These cast shake-ups are not just routine changes; they are narrative opportunities to inject fresh energy, new conflicts, and topical storylines into the procedural format. Fans are eager to see how the remaining stars—from the ever-present Mariska Hargitay and Ice-T to the newer legal team of Hugh Dancy and Odelya Halevi—will navigate these new professional dynamics, ensuring the franchise remains a powerhouse of television drama.
The Great Shake-Up: Who’s In and Who’s Out of the Law & Order Cast for the 2025 Seasons?
law and order cast 2025
law and order cast 2025

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