INDIANAPOLIS — One of the most popular television shows of all time is back for its 24th season.
Last season, "Law & Order" celebrated its 500th episode, while also saying farewell to district attorney Jack McCoy (Sam Waterson), who had been part of the show since its fifth season.
"It is a dream come true. Reid (Scott) and I both grew up on the show. It was always on in my house, and it sparked a lot of thoughtful discourse in my home, said Mehcad Brooks ("Desperate Housewives," "Supergirl"), who plays Det. Jalen Shaw. "The theme song is my alarm to wake up at 5 o'clock in the morning because it reminds me of what is possible through dreaming, manifesting and hard work."
And in typical form, the police procedural and legal drama exists in contemporary times and addresses the issues we face today, like politics, journalistic integrity, artificial intelligence and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
"'Law & Order' just takes it to a whole new level this season," said Scott ("Veep," "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"), who plays Det. Vincent Riley. "Nothing is off-limits when it comes to 'Law & Order,' and that's something we are very proud of in terms of the show. To be part of a show that can educate and start a national conversation, that's where you want to be as an actor, to know that your work is actually mattering and hopefully making a difference."
Tony Goldwyn ("Scandal," "Ghost") joined "Law & Order" last season as the new district attorney, Nicholas Baxter, and Maura Tierney ("ER," "The Affair") is joining the show's 24th season as Lt. Jessica Brady.
"They both came in in a way where they felt like they've always been here. We're very blessed to have them, very lucky to work with them," Brooks said.
"The dynamic in the 2-7 is special, as I'm learning. I still feel like the new guy, but I like passing that mantle onto Maura now," Scott said. "The three of us, specifically, we have a blast. We all have comedic backgrounds. In between takes, we're cracking each other up, which is a great way to sway the tension from some of these rather dark situations that we're covering."
New episodes of "Law & Order" air Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and will be available to stream the next day on Peacock.