Fans welcome 'Law & Order' back to television after 12 years

It's been 12 years since Law & Order ended its 20-season-long run. But on Thursday, the legal drama series made its highly anticipated return to television with a few familiar faces.

While viewers were thrilled to have Law & Order Thursdays back, they were most excited for the return of DA Jack McCoy played by Sam Waterston, Detective Kevin Bernard played by Anthony Anderson and a surprise return by Carey Lowell, who reprised her role as prosecutor Jamie Ross. Unfortunately, one cast member who was noticeably absent was Lennie Briscoe, who was played by Jerry Orbach.

Orbach died in 2004, six years before the series finale. However, viewers still took to social media missing the actor.

As for the premiere episode itself, Season 21 will introduce some new stories but with the same structure as the original beloved show. The format is split between following the detectives as they investigate the crimes and the legal proceedings as the lawyers bring the case to trial. And just like the first 20 seasons, stories will be inspired by real life headlines.

For example, the case during Thursday's episode featured a Bill Cosby-like character who insisted he was wrongly charged and convicted of serial rape.

Fans loved the Season 21 premiere, with one person saying they were so happy to have "Real TV" back and others tweeting about how much they love the dynamic between Anthony Anderson and his new partner Frank Cosgrove (Jeffrey Donovan).

Video Transcript

- In the criminal justice system, the people are represented by two separate yet equally important groups-- the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories.

["LAW AND ORDER" THEME]

KYLIE MAR: It's been 12 years since "Law & Order" ended after 20 successful seasons. And on Thursday, the legal drama series made its return to television with a few familiar faces.

- Like it or not, Nolan, the big bad police department is our partner. And in case you haven't been paying attention, they're under attack. Every decision, every arrest is scrutinized. There are people trying to defund them for God's sake.

KYLIE MAR: While viewers were thrilled to have "Law & Order" Thursdays back. They were most excited for the return of Jack McCoy played by Sam Waterston, Kevin Bernard played by Anthony Anderson, and a surprise return by Carrie Lowell, who reprised her role as prosecutor Jamie Ross.

- Did the defendant tell you she'd planned to kill Henry King?

- I refuse to answer on the grounds that it may incriminate me.

KYLIE MAR: Unfortunately, one cast member was noticeably absent, Lenny Briscoe, who was played by Jerry Orbach. Orbach died in 2004, six years before the series finale. However, viewers still took to social media, missing the actor. Like this person who tweeted, "I'm really glad 'Law & Order' is back. But I'm really sad this guy is unavailable."

As for the premiere episode itself, fans loved it, with one person saying they were so happy to have a real TV back. And others tweeting about how much they love the dynamic between Anthony Anderson and his new partner Frank Cosgrove.

- I'm white. He's Black. I say the wrong thing and my career is over.

- Maybe.

- Maybe? Is there another way of looking at this?

- Hey, Frank, you came at him hot, man.