A new cop joins in the Law & Order Season 23 premiere

Law & Order is finally back for its 23rd season! Here's a peek at the Season 23 premiere, which also features the introduction of a new cop!

The Law & Order Season 22 finale (which was also the landmark 400th episode for the series) was a big one as a Senator was gunned down at his daughter's birthday party. The cops eventually discovered that it was by the survivor of a mass shooting who was upset the Senator changed his mind on a gun bill. 

McCoy wanted the guy charged with murder but ran into an issue as his own daughter represented the defense. Price also was shaken as it brought back memories of a shooting he'd encountered himself. The man was found guilty, putting a wedge between McCoy and his daughter. 

This was the end of the season and the start of a long wait as Law & Order was delayed due to the WGA and SAG strikes hitting Hollywood. They're finally settled only for the bigger news that Jeffrey Donovan would be leaving the show as Frank Cosgrove. 

But at last, Season 23 is ready to start in a bold new way.

What's coming on Law & Order Season 23, Episode 1?

The season premiere, "Freedom of Expression," introduces Reid Scott as Detective Vincent Riley, who becomes Shaw's new partner. Their first case together is a doozy, as a murder at a college leads to a tough trial. 

"SEASON PREMIERE: In the wake of a murder on campus, the line between free speech and hate speech at a university is examined. "

There's no word on how Cosgrove will be written out of the series with Riley in for a tough first day at his new job. His line on "It's good to be back in the game" indicates his cop has been away from the field for a bit. It's likely there's more to the murder than there seems and Price and Maroun in for a tough trial.

With this new cast addition and a new case, Law & Order looks to kick Season 23 off in a nice style.

Law & Order Season 23 premieres on Thursday, Jan. 18 at 8/7c on NBC. Catch up the following day on Peacock.