Law & Order is set to undergo a significant cast change as the long-running crime drama prepares for its 26th season this fall. Reid Scott, who has portrayed Senior Det. Vincent Riley for the past three seasons, will be departing the series. He is slated to be succeeded by acclaimed actor James Badge Dale, who will step into the role of a new senior detective.
According to reports, Scott’s decision to exit the show was amicable. Despite having one year remaining on his contract, the Veep alum opted to leave due to the personal strain of maintaining a cross-country commute to New York, which kept him away from his family for the majority of the year. Scott is currently back on set, filming final episodes to provide a proper conclusion to Det. Riley’s character arc before the transition to Dale’s new character occurs.
Cast turnover is not uncommon for the procedural staple. During his tenure, Scott’s character was partnered with Junior Det. Theo Walker, played by David Ajala, and previously with Junior Det. Jalen Shaw, played by Mehcad Brooks. Scott himself had originally joined the cast as a replacement for Jeffrey Donovan.
His successor, James Badge Dale, brings an impressive resume to the precinct. Known for his work on high-profile projects such as Fox’s 24, HBO’s The Pacific, and Paramount+’s 1923, Dale joins an established ensemble that includes Tony Goldwyn, Hugh Dancy, Maura Tierney, and Odelya Halevi. Beyond his television success, Dale has appeared in notable films including The Departed, The Grey, Iron Man 3, 13 Hours, and World War Z.
As the series looks toward the future, Law & Order Season 26 is scheduled to premiere on Oct. 8. The show will move to a new time slot, airing Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET, immediately following Law & Order: SVU at 9 p.m. ET.