Law and Order ‘fires’ fan-favorite actor after 2 seasons in major cast shake-up as fans left shocked and furious
LAW & Order has lost one of its beloved star actors in the latest shakeup at NBC.
NBC executives cut Law & Order's Jeffrey Donovan from the long-running crime drama after almost 25 seasons.
Jeffrey, 55, won't be back for the show's 23rd season, reported on Wednesday.
Sources told the news outlet that he was let go because of creative reasons.
However, NBC hasn't disclosed the official reason for Jeffrey being dropped, declining to comment.
Since Season 21, Jeffrey has portrayed Law & Order's Detective Frank Crosgrove.
During his run on the series, he has gained a loyal following that tuned in to see him.
Fans expressed on X, which used to be Twitter, how disappointing it was for him to be removed from Law & Order.
"Very disapointing news. Cosgrove is my favourite character on the show," a fan tweeted.
Another added: "Disappointing news, but this is a show that does well with cast changes."
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'SUCH A SHAME'
Countless fans have opined over NBC's decision on the social media platform.
One fan insisted: "That’s a shame, I thought his character had found his groove last season and his pairing with Detective Shaw worked better than his previous pairing."
A second fan whined: "NOOOOOOOOO."
A third person admitted: "Wow I’m surprised; I wonder why he’s leaving now."
LAW & ORDER'S LEGACY
For over the last two decades, the Law & Order franchise has been a staple in many people's homes.
Hence the Dick Wolf-produced series and its spinoffs, Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime, will be reappearing on NBC from 2023-2024.
Each of the drama series, except for Law & Order: Organized Crime, would receive 22 episodes, Deadline reported in April.
Law & Order: Organized Crime will only receive 13 episodes.
The Law & Order series, Organized Crime, and SVU are among the top "ten broadcast dramas of the TV season," the news outlet reported.
NBC explained that SVU was the hit show for the season through all platforms after multiple days of delayed viewing.
“We understand the emotional connection our audience has with these characters and we can’t wait to bring more of their stories to the forefront next season,” Lisa Katz, president of scripted programming for NBCUniversal and streaming, told Deadline.
“A huge thank you to Dick and his amazing team who are the masters of producing incredibly compelling television week after week.”
Dick added: "I’m pleased to continue my four-decade relationship with Universal Television and NBC.
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“All six shows being picked up again is the ultimate accolade to our incredible casts, producers and writers.
"I’d also like to thank our loyal fans who have kept our NBC shows on the air for what will be a cumulative 84 seasons.”
