According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sam Waterston (Grace and Frankie) is leaving Law & Order after having been on the show for 20 seasons. Waterston has played his character, Manhattan District Attorney Jack McCoy, since 1994. Coming in his place, Tony Goldwyn (Oppenheimer) will become the new District Attorney on the show. 

The Hollywood Reporter said that Waterston, who is now 83 years old, joined the show during the fourth season. Throughout his time on the show, Waterston appeared in more than 400 episodes. His character McCoy originally began as an assistant district attorney in season four, but became interim DA in season 17. In the 20th season of the original run of the show, he was given the position of district attorney. When Law & Order was brought back by NBC, Waterston reprised his role. 

The Hollywood Reporter also cited the official statement by Waterston that announced his leave, in which he said, “Greetings, you wonderful people. It’s a pleasure to talk directly like this to the backbone of Law & Order’s absolutely amazing audience. The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me. There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next. An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable. I’m more grateful to you than I can say. L&O’s continuing and amazing long run, along with its astounding comeback, is all thanks to you and Dick Wolf, but for whose vision, patience, perseverance, and unique combination of creative and business talents, none of this would have happened. I feel very blessed. I hope to see you all on the flip side.”

The exact details on Goodwyn’s character are currently being kept under wraps, said The Hollywood Reporter. However, he is not a new face for the series. In 2006, he directed an episode of Law & Order. This new role will also be his first series role since he was on The Hot Zone in 2021.