In a surprising turn of events, Detective Frank Cosgrove, portrayed by Jeffrey Donovan, bids farewell to NBC‘s crime procedural, Law & Order, ahead of its much-anticipated Season 23. As fans eagerly anticipate the premiere, questions loom about Cosgrove’s departure and the future of Jeffrey Donovan’s character. Let’s delve into the details of this Law & Order shakeup, uncovering the reasons behind Donovan’s exit and the introduction of a new character, Vincent Riley, portrayed by Reid Scott.
Law & Order, created by Dick Wolfe, has been a stalwart in the realm of crime procedurals since its premiere in 1990. Despite its initial cancellation in 2010, the show made a triumphant return in 2022, captivating audiences with its gripping narratives surrounding the Manhattan North Homicide Squad and the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office. Over the years, Law & Order has spawned successful spinoffs, including Law & Order: SVU and Law & Order: Organized Crime.
Jeffrey Donovan, who embodied Detective Frank Cosgrove, a resilient Irish-Catholic detective from the Bronx, will not be returning for Season 23. The departure of Donovan’s character raises curiosity among fans regarding the storyline that will explain Cosgrove’s absence. News of Donovan’s exit surfaced in November 2023, with TVLine attributing the departure to “creative reasons.” Although Donovan has not officially commented on the firing, his previous expressions of gratitude for the role suggest a meaningful connection to the Law & Order universe. As fans eagerly anticipate Law & Order Season 23, speculations arise about how the series will handle Detective Frank Cosgrove’s exit. The intricate details of Cosgrove’s departure will unfold as the narrative unfolds in the upcoming season, promising to address the absence of this beloved character.
Following Jeffrey Donovan’s departure, Reid Scott, renowned for his roles in Veep and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, steps into the Law & Order ensemble as Vincent Riley. Riley, Shaw’s new partner, brings a fresh dynamic to the series, and fans are eager to witness the chemistry between the characters as they navigate the complex world of crime and justice in New York City.
As Law & Order embarks on its latest season, the departure of Detective Frank Cosgrove and the introduction of Vincent Riley mark a significant chapter in the series’ legacy. Fans can expect a blend of nostalgia and fresh perspectives as the narratives unfold, exploring the complexities of crime, justice, and the indelible mark left by iconic characters. With the premiere date drawing near, the Law & Order community anticipates a riveting Season 23, embracing change while honoring the show’s enduring legacy.
Mark your calendars as Law & Order Season 23 is set to premiere on NBC on Jan. 18, 2024, at 8 p.m. EST. For those preferring to stream, the series will be available on Peacock, offering fans a front-row seat to the latest developments in the ever-evolving Law & Order universe.