Law & Order Season 26: All the Major Stars Likely to Return as One Key Character Exits the NBC Drama

Hugh Dancy is expected to return as Executive Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price in Season 26. So far, there hasn't been any report or even a whisper that he's leaving the NBC drama, meaning viewers can breathe easy for now. Dancy joined the revived series in November 2021 as one of its lead stars and made his on-screen debut when Season 21 premiered in February 2022. Since then, Nolan Price has become a key part of the courtroom team, and it looks like he's sticking around for another season.

Fans can likely count on seeing Tony Goldwyn back in the courtroom as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter in Law & Order Season 26. He joined the NBC drama in March 2024 during Season 23, stepping into the role shortly after the farewell of longtime District Attorney Jack McCoy, played by Sam Waterston. Interestingly, Goldwyn is no stranger to the Law & Order universe either. He previously played Frank Goren on Law & Order: Criminal Intent, a character who was killed off. Let’s hope history doesn't repeat itself.

Samantha Maroun's courtroom streak doesn't look like it's ending anytime soon. While NBC hasn't officially confirmed the Season 26 cast, all signs point to Odelya Halevi returning as the Assistant District Attorney. Halevi became a series regular during the Law & Order revival's Season 21 in 2022 and has remained a key part of the legal team ever since. She also hinted that she's eager to do more in the role, telling TV Insider in April that, “I want more of these opportunities to play first chair. I had so much fun. And yeah, I hope for more opportunities like this one.” That's certainly a promising sign for Season 26.

It would be quite a surprise if David Ajala left Law & Order after just one season. The actor joined the NBC crime drama in Season 25, making him one of the newest additions to the cast. His arrival came two months after Mehcad Brooks exited the series following his three-season run as Detective Jalen Shaw. Since Ajala only stepped into the role last season, there's little reason to think he'll be leaving so soon. Fans can likely expect to see Detective Walker back on the case.

Jessica Brady's badge isn't expected to be turned in anytime soon. Maura Tierney is likely to return for Law & Order Season 26 after joining the NBC crime drama as a series regular in Season 24, which premiered in October 2024. She quickly settled into the role of the precinct's lieutenant and has remained an important part of the team. Although the network hasn't officially confirmed the full cast for the upcoming season, nothing currently suggests that Tierney will be exiting the long-running series.

Not everyone is making the trip back for Season 26. Reid Scott is officially exiting the NBC drama after playing Senior Detective Vincent Riley for three seasons, having joined the series in Season 23. According to Deadline, the decision was Scott's, as the cross-country commute and spending nine months each year away from his family became too difficult. The departure was reportedly friendly, and Riley will receive a proper sendoff before James Badge Dale steps in as a new Senior Detective. One detective is signing off, while another is just getting started.