Why did Jeffrey Donovan leave 'Law & Order'? Star played much-loved character Detective Frank Cosgrove
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: With writers' strikes and uncertainty about your favorite shows left behind in 2023, the extremely popular and beloved ‘Law and Order’ is back for another season, and if you’re feeling 22, that’s too bad, because we’re looking forward to NBC’s ‘Law & Order’ Season 23 but with a major shake-up.
If you’ve been a loyal ‘Law & Order’ fan all these years, then chances are you have also loved Detective Frank Cosgrove, played by Jeffrey Donovan, who was a part of seasons 21 and 22 of the procedural drama and also made appearances in 'Law & Order: Special Victims Unit' and 'Law & Order: Organized Crime'. However, Donovan will not return for ‘Law & Order’ Season 23.
Here's why Jeffrey Donovan quit ‘Law & Order’
TVLine reported in an exclusive report back in November 2023, that Jeffrey Donovan will not be returning for ‘Law & Order’ Season 23.
This report stated that whilst NBC refused to comment on the actual reason behind Donovan’s exit, it was revealed by close resources of the show that Donovan “was let go for creative reasons.”
More about his exit remains unknown. Donovan was last seen in the season 22 finale of ‘Law & Order.’
Donovan’s most noteworthy work includes having played Michael Westen on the series ‘Burn Notice’ for seven seasons, however, as of now, there is no update on the actor’s upcoming projects.
Who is replacing Jeffrey Donovan’s Detective Frank Cosgrove?
As fans bid goodbye to Detective Frank Cosgrove ahead of NBC’s ‘Law & Order’ Season 23, there is something else in store, or rather, someone else. As a franchise, ‘Law & Order’ has seen the entry and exit of cast members before, and on a happier note, Reid Scott has joined ‘Law & Order' season 23 as Detective Vincent Riley.
The countdown has officially begun. ⏱ #LawAndOrder, #SVU, and #OrganizedCrime return January 18 on @nbc. pic.twitter.com/uNV7U2chXQ
— 𝐋𝐀𝐖 & 𝐎𝐑𝐃𝐄𝐑 (@lawandordertv) January 10, 2024
Scott is best known for his appearance in the political satire, ‘Veep’ and has also been a part of the ‘Venom’ movies, making him a spectacular addition to the already star-studded cast.
Most recently, TVLine also dropped some exclusive shots of Scott in the upcoming seasons, but it’s up to fans to decide whether or not Scott is the perfect replacement for Jeffrey Donovan’s Detective Frank Cosgrove
