Reid Scott Exits Law & Order Ahead of Season 26

Reid Scott is leaving Law & Order after three seasons as Detective Vincent Riley. According to Entertainment Weekly, Scott decided to step away because he no longer wants to spend nine months each year filming in New York, away from his family in California.

Scott is currently filming several episodes to wrap up Riley’s storyline before his departure. James Badge Dale will join the cast during season 26 as a new senior detective, though it is not yet known which episodes will mark the transition.

Cast changes are common on the long-running NBC drama. Scott’s exit follows the departure of Mehcad Brooks, whose role was later filled by David Ajala as Riley’s partner.

Season 26 will also feature returning cast members Tony Goldwyn, Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, and Maura Tierney.

Law & Order season 26 premieres on NBC on Oct. 8. The series will air Thursdays at 10 p.m., following Law & Order: SVU at 9 p.m.