‘Law & Order’ Star Jeffrey Donovan Not Returning For Season 23

BreAnna Bell
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Jeffrey Donovan will not be returning as Detective Cosgrove for Season 23 of “Law & Order,” Variety has confirmed.

According to TVLine, who was first to report the news, producers are already on the search for a new series regular. The outlet reports sources claim the two parted ways due to creative differences.

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Donovan joined the cast in 2021, portraying Detective Cosgrove in Seasons 21 and 22 of the series revival. Cosgrove, a junior detective, joined the NYPD team as the new partner of Det. Kevin Bernard (Anthony Anderson). “Frank is a tough-as-nails detective that seeks justice by whatever means necessary. Every legal drama needs a bad cop, and Donovan shines,” reads his official character description, per NBC.

Probably best known for his leading work as former CIA operative Michael Westen on the USA series “Burn Notice” for seven seasons, Donovan also gained recognition with notable roles on FX’s “Fargo” and Hulu’s “Shut Eye.” His other film credits include “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” opposite Josh Brolin and Benicio Del Toro; “Villains,” opposite Bill Skarsgård and Kyra Sedgwick; “Honest Thief,” opposite Liam Neeson; Denis Villeneuve’s “Sicario”; Clint Eastwood’s “J. Edgar,” playing Robert F. Kennedy; “Changeling”; Rob Reiner’s “LBJ,” as John F. Kennedy; and Ric Waugh’s “Shotcaller.”

Without Donovan, the remaining cast includes Sam Waterston as District Attorney Jack McCoy, Camryn Manheim as Lieutenant Kate Dixon, Hugh Dancy as Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price, and Odelya Halevi as Assistant District Attorney Samantha Maroun.

The exit marks the latest departure from the Dick Wolf-produced series. Anderson, who reprised his role for Season 21, left the series once his one-year deal with NBC was finished.

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