Law & Order is shaking up its cast ahead of Season 26, with James Badge Dale joining the long-running NBC procedural as a new addition. The casting update marks the latest lineup change for the crime drama as it prepares for its fall return.

James Badge Dale to succeed Reid Scott on Law & Order

Law & Order is preparing for another cast change ahead of its 26th season. James Badge Dale has officially joined the long-running NBC crime drama, where he will take on the role of a new senior detective.

His arrival follows the departure of Reid Scott, who has portrayed Senior Detective Vincent Riley over the past three seasons. While Scott’s exit brings Riley’s story to a close, Dale will enter the series as an entirely new character.

According to Deadline, Scott’s exit was a personal decision despite the actor reportedly having one year remaining on his contract. The report states that the California-based actor chose to leave because of the demands associated with filming the series in New York City, which required him to spend approximately nine months each year away from his family. Sources describe his exit as amicable, with no reported issues between the actor and the production.

Rather than writing Detective Riley out immediately, the series is giving the character a proper conclusion. Scott has returned to the set to film several additional episodes that will wrap up Riley’s storyline before Dale’s character joins. Although both actors are expected to appear during Season 26, the production has not confirmed the exact point at which the on-screen transition between the two detectives will take place.

Dale joins a returning cast that includes Tony Goldwyn, Hugh Dancy, Maura Tierney, Odelya Halevi, and David Ajala. Season 26 premieres on October 8, 2026, airing at 10/9c on NBC immediately after Law & Order: SVU.