When is Sam Waterston's last episode of Law & Order?

There is some bad news for Jack McCoy fans. He’s leaving his job as the DA. Sam Waterston is leaving Law & Order.

This is Waterston’s choice. He is ready to try something new, and it sounds like there was time to craft a goodbye episode for him. There’s even confirmation of who will take over as DA, which could hint that Jack is retiring from the role in the series.

Now the question fans have is when Waterston’s last episode is going to be. How long do we have until we say goodbye?

Sam Waterston’s last Law & Order episode airs in February

There isn’t too long for the last episode. When confirming the exit, NBC News confirmed that the last episode will air on Thursday, Feb. 22.

There isn’t going to be an episode on Thursday, Feb. 15. NBC is taking a night off from new episodes that week for all three Law & Order shows. The One Chicago shows are also on a break that week. So, we’ll get tonight (Thursday, Feb. 8) and then Feb. 22 with Waterston.

It’s not clear just how permanent this exit it. Dick Wolf shows aren’t a stranger to killing off characters. They have also been known to allow characters to leave in positive ways. Just look at the way Gallo left in Chicago Fire’s Season 12 premiere. So, it is possible that Law & Order fans will simply see Jack McCoy choose to retire.

After more than 400 episodes and 20 seasons on the series, Waterston certainly deserves a great send-off. As much as we don’t like to see characters leave, this is Waterston’s choice and we have to respect that.

Law & Order airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC. Catch up the following day on Peacock.