The Law and Order cast for Season 26 features Maura Tierney, Tony Goldwyn, Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, David Ajala, and James Badge Dale. NBC’s long-running crime drama continues its signature format, following New York City police investigations before moving into the courtroom. The 2026 season introduces changes to the detective team while retaining familiar prosecutors, bringing new storylines to one of television’s longest-running crime franchises.
Law and Order Cast 2026
The current cast of NBC’s Law & Order Season 26 includes six principal actors portraying police officers and Manhattan prosecutors.
The main lineup consists of:
- Maura Tierney as Lieutenant Jessica Brady
- David Ajala as Detective Theo Walker
- James Badge Dale as Detective Robert Calvino
- Hugh Dancy as Executive Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price
- Odelya Halevi as Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun
- Tony Goldwyn as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter
Reid Scott also appeared as Detective Vincent Riley in the Season 26 premiere, before his character’s storyline ended.
The cast maintains the show’s established balance between homicide investigations and criminal prosecutions.
Maura Tierney
Maura Tierney plays Lieutenant Jessica Brady, the commanding officer of the 27th Precinct’s homicide squad.
Brady supervises the detectives responsible for investigating serious crimes throughout New York City.
Her position requires her to manage investigations, evaluate evidence, and make decisions affecting her officers.
Tierney is widely recognized for her previous television performances, including her work on ER and The Affair.
Her character provides leadership within the police division while maintaining the procedural structure familiar to longtime viewers.
Brady’s involvement also creates continuity as the detective lineup changes during Season 26.
David Ajala
David Ajala portrays Detective Theo Walker, one of the principal investigators introduced into the Season 26 lineup.
Walker works on homicide cases, interviewing witnesses, following evidence, and identifying potential suspects.
His arrival brings a new personality to the investigative side of the series.
Ajala previously appeared in productions including Star Trek: Discovery, where he played Cleveland Booker.
He has also worked in British and American television, developing experience across science fiction, drama, and action-oriented storytelling.
His role in Law & Order places him within a more grounded police procedural environment.
James Badge Dale
James Badge Dale joins Season 26 as Detective Robert Calvino, a senior investigator assigned to the 27th Precinct.
Calvino becomes an important member of the homicide team as the department adjusts to personnel changes.
His experience contributes to the squad’s approach to complicated investigations.
Dale is known for performances in television and film, including The Pacific, 24, Iron Man 3, and 13 Hours.
His addition strengthens the detective side of the series with an actor experienced in dramatic and action-focused roles.
The pairing of Calvino and Walker introduces a different investigative dynamic for the 2026 season.
Hugh Dancy
Hugh Dancy plays Executive Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price, one of the central figures in the courtroom portion of Law & Order.
Price leads prosecutions for the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office, examining evidence and presenting criminal cases before judges and juries.
His responsibilities frequently involve difficult legal judgments and negotiations with defense attorneys.
Dancy joined the revived series in 2022 and has remained a prominent member of the prosecution team.
Before Law & Order, he gained recognition for playing Will Graham in the psychological thriller series Hannibal.
His performance as Price emphasizes the legal challenges that arise after detectives complete their investigations.
Odelya Halevi
Odelya Halevi portrays Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun, who works alongside Nolan Price.
Maroun helps prepare criminal cases, assess testimony, and develop prosecution strategies.
Halevi joined Law & Order during its 2022 revival and has remained a familiar presence in the courtroom storylines.
The Israeli actress previously appeared in Good Trouble, Why Women Kill, and the superhero film Black Adam.
In November 2026, Maroun’s storyline gained additional attention when the series incorporated Halevi’s real-life pregnancy into Season 26.
The development introduced a new personal dimension to the character while preserving her professional responsibilities.
Tony Goldwyn
Tony Goldwyn plays District Attorney Nicholas Baxter, the senior prosecutor overseeing Manhattan’s District Attorney’s Office.
Baxter replaced longtime character Jack McCoy following Sam Waterston’s departure in 2024.
As district attorney, Baxter supervises major prosecutions and makes decisions involving legal strategy, public accountability, and office leadership.
Goldwyn is widely known for portraying President Fitzgerald Grant in the political drama Scandal.
His film career also includes appearances in Ghost and other major productions.
Baxter’s leadership remains central to the legal division of Law & Order Season 26.
Reid Scott’s Exit
Reid Scott portrayed Detective Vincent Riley, a member of the homicide squad introduced during the show’s revival era.
Riley was known for his investigative work and partnership with fellow detectives.
In the Season 26 premiere, the character was killed in the line of duty.
His departure marked a significant change in the police lineup and helped establish the circumstances surrounding the arrival of new investigators.
Scott is also recognized for his performances in Veep and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.
His exit reflects the show’s longstanding practice of changing cast members while continuing its central crime-solving format.
Sam Waterston
Sam Waterston portrayed Jack McCoy, one of the most recognizable characters in Law & Order history.
Waterston originally joined the series in 1994 and remained through the conclusion of its original run in 2010.
He returned when NBC revived the show in 2022 before departing in 2024.
McCoy served as both an executive assistant district attorney and district attorney during his long tenure.
His character became known for determined prosecutions and debates over legal ethics.
Waterston’s performance helped establish the courtroom identity that continues to influence the series.
Jerry Orbach
Jerry Orbach played Detective Lennie Briscoe from 1992 to 2004, becoming one of the show’s most celebrated investigators.
Briscoe was recognized for his dry humor, extensive police experience, and practical approach to solving murders.
Orbach’s performance helped define the investigative half of the series during its original run.
His character worked with several detective partners, allowing the show to introduce new actors without abandoning its established format.
Briscoe remains an important part of Law & Order history despite no longer appearing in the current series.
Other Legendary Actors
Several additional performers helped establish Law & Order as a major television franchise.
S. Epatha Merkerson portrayed Lieutenant Anita Van Buren from 1993 to 2010, becoming a central figure in the police department.
Steven Hill played District Attorney Adam Schiff during the show’s early years, from 1990 to 2000.
Jesse L. Martin portrayed Detective Ed Green between 1999 and 2008, while Chris Noth played Detective Mike Logan from 1990 to 1995.
Each contributed to the series through distinct characters and long-running storylines.
Their performances remain closely associated with the original era of the franchise.
Season 26 Changes
Season 26 continues the traditional two-part structure that distinguishes the flagship Law & Order series.
The opening portion follows detectives as they investigate crimes, question witnesses, and gather evidence.
The second portion shifts to prosecutors, who determine how to pursue charges and present cases in court.
The arrival of David Ajala and James Badge Dale, alongside Reid Scott’s departure, represents one of the season’s most noticeable cast changes.
Meanwhile, Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, and Tony Goldwyn maintain continuity within the legal team.
The season also explores Samantha Maroun’s pregnancy, adding a personal storyline to the courtroom drama.
Where to Watch
Law & Order airs on NBC, with streaming availability through Peacock in the United States, subject to the platform’s current release schedule.
The flagship series should not be confused with its spin-offs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Organized Crime, and Criminal Intent, which feature separate casts and storylines.
As of November 2026, the main Law & Order cast is led by Maura Tierney, David Ajala, James Badge Dale, Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, and Tony Goldwyn.
Their characters continue the show’s established combination of police investigations, courtroom arguments, and changing professional relationships as the franchise progresses through its 26th season.
