Why is Jeffrey Donovan leaving Law & Order?

The Law & Order cast revolving door is at it again, as Jeffrey Donovan will not be returning for Season 23. So who replaces him, and why is he going so quickly?

When Law & Order made its long-awaited return in 2022, Frank Cosgrove joined Anthony Anderson’s Detective Kevin Bernard. Cosgrove was established as an old-school cop who clashed with modern times but was still dedicated to his job.

Season 22 had Anderson leaving the series with Mehcad Brooks joining as Cosgrove’s new partner, Jalen Shaw. The pair had a tough break-in period but did get along well. The show touched on Cosgrove’s past, raising his daughter, and how, despite his rough edges, he was a good cop doing the job the best he could.

Donovan was best known for his starring role in the USA Network series Burn Notice with Law & Order, a nice TV comeback, which makes his sudden exit from the series more of a surprise.

Why is Jeffrey Donovan leaving Law & Order?

TVLine broke the news of Donovan’s departure, citing it as “creative differences” between him and the producers. It’s up in the air if Donovan will appear in the Season 23 premiere or follow the classic Law & Order tradition of Cosgrove simply being gone with barely any explanation.

Law & Order has been delayed due to the strikes across Hollywood, with production on Season 23 expected to begin in early December. It’s uncertain if Donovan’s leaving was planned for a while or a sudden change, as both NBC and the actor have yet to comment on it.

TVLine said the search is already underway for a replacement, which makes sense given the show is expected to begin production very soon. So far, there’s no word on any other casting changes, so it looks like once more, Law & Order fans will be seeing a shift in the cast when Season 23 begins.

Law & Order Season 23 premieres in early 2024 on NBC. Catch up on the series on Peacock.