Law & Order Season 24 Returns with Courtroom Drama and Character Depth

NEW YORK — The courtroom chaos continues as NBC‘s long-running drama Law & Order returns for its 24th season, delivering gripping cases and deeper character exploration. The midseason premiere, titled “Enemy of the State,” aired on Thursday, January 16, 2025, at 8 p.m. ET, followed by the 26th season premiere of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

In the latest episode, Detectives Jalen Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Vincent Riley (Reid Scott) investigate the shocking death of a young man pushed in front of a train. The case takes a dramatic turn when the trial hinges on a piece of legislation authored by District Attorney Nicholas Baxter (Tony Goldwyn). Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy) must persuade Baxter to testify about the legislation’s implications, setting the stage for intense courtroom confrontations.

Showrunner Rick Eid emphasized the season’s focus on character development. “We’re trying to dig a little deeper into who our people are and see how their personal lives intersect with their professional lives,” Eid told NBC Insider. “It’s still Law & Order, with compelling, topical cases every week, but we’re adding layers to our characters.”

The January 23 episode, “Greater Good,” promises more drama as Shaw and Riley clash with an uncooperative undercover officer during the investigation of a music mogul’s death. Meanwhile, Price and Baxter disagree on whether the victim’s reputation could influence the jury’s decision.

Newcomer Lieutenant Jessica Brady (Maura Tierney) has quickly integrated into the 21st Precinct, teaming up with Shaw and Riley to tackle complex cases. The show continues to balance its signature procedural format with fresh twists and character-driven storytelling.

Fans can catch new episodes of Law & Order Season 24 on Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC, with episodes available to stream the next day on Peacock. The series remains a cornerstone of NBC’s lineup, blending ripped-from-the-headlines cases with ethical dilemmas and legal intrigue.