‘Law and Order’ faces cast changes as Reid Scott exits and James Badge Dale joins season 26
The decision was reportedly driven by the demands of commuting across the US and being away from family due to filming
Reid Scott is leaving NBC’s Law & Order after three seasons, with actor James Badge Dale set to join the long-running crime drama as a new senior detective in season 26, according to Deadline.
Scott, who has portrayed Senior Detective Vincent Riley since joining the series, reportedly decided to leave despite having one year remaining on his contract.
The decision is said to have been driven by the demands of commuting across the United States and spending much of the year away from his family while filming in New York.
The report states that Scott’s departure was amicable and that he has returned to the set to film several episodes that will provide a proper conclusion to Detective Riley’s storyline before Dale’s character is introduced.
The exact timing of the on-screen transition has not been confirmed.
James Badge Dale will take over as a new senior detective rather than portraying Riley. He joins a cast that includes David Ajala, Tony Goldwyn, Hugh Dancy, Maura Tierney and Odelya Halevi when Law & Order returns for its 26th season.
Scott’s departure continues the series’ long-standing pattern of cast changes. Detective Riley was most recently partnered with Junior Detective Theo Walker, played by David Ajala.
Before Walker joined the series, Riley worked alongside Junior Detective Jalen Shaw, portrayed by Mehcad Brooks, who exited the show last year. Scott himself joined Law & Order as the replacement for Jeffrey Donovan.
Dale brings extensive television and film experience to the role, having appeared in series including 24, The Pacific, Hightown, Devil In Disguise: John Wayne Gacy and 1923. His film credits include The Departed, The Grey, Iron Man 3, 13 Hours and World War Z.
Season 26 of Law & Order is scheduled to premiere on October 8, airing after the season opener of Law & Order: SVU on NBC.




