Mehcad Brooks is officially departing NBC’s Law & Order after three seasons on the long-running procedural. Brooks, who joined the revival in Season 22 as Detective Jalen Shaw, is leaving ahead of the series’ upcoming 25th season. Sources say the split was amicable, with the actor already eyeing new opportunities.
Brooks’ exit marks another shake-up in the revolving detective dynamic that has become a familiar rhythm in the franchise. No farewell moment was included in the Season 24 finale, meaning fans can expect Shaw’s departure to be addressed in conversation—likely between his former partner, Detective Vincent Riley (Reid Scott), and either a new partner or Lieutenant Jessica Brady (Maura Tierney)—in the Season 25 premiere.
The rest of the main cast is expected to return, including Hugh Dancy as A.D.A. Nolan Price, Odelya Halevi as A.D.A. Samantha Maroun, Tony Goldwyn as D.A. Nicholas Baxter, Reid Scott, and Maura Tierney. Both Scott and Goldwyn’s contracts were up at the end of last season, but they’ve reportedly signed on for the next.
Casting is now underway for Shaw’s replacement, continuing the franchise’s pattern of detective turnover. When Brooks came on board, it was following Anthony Anderson’s one-season return as Detective Kevin Bernard. Likewise, Jeffrey Donovan’s Detective Frank Cosgrove left after Season 22, with his departure also explained in retrospect.
Offscreen, Brooks continues to stay booked and busy. He appears in And Just Like That Season 3 on HBO Max and will reprise his role as Jax in Mortal Kombat II, set to hit theaters this October.
Created by Dick Wolf, Law & Order remains a staple of NBC’s primetime lineup. Executive produced by Wolf, Rick Eid, Alex Hall and Peter Jankowski, the series will return to its Thursdays at 8/7c time slot this fall, followed by Law & Order: SVU and new series The Hunting Party.
As the franchise continues to evolve, the 25th season is poised to usher in yet another chapter—and another detective.