Law & Order: Reid Scott Leaves, James Badge Dale Joins

The long-running NBC procedural "Law & Order" will see another major cast change when it returns this fall, with actor Reid Scott departing the series and James Badge Dale joining as his replacement. The news, first reported on July 23, confirms Scott will exit after three seasons portraying Senior Detective Vincent Riley.

Scott's departure is described as his own decision and amicable, stemming from the personal strain of the show's filming schedule. The actor, who reportedly had a year remaining on his contract, found the cross-country commute and spending approximately nine months each year filming in New York, away from his family, increasingly difficult. Production is providing the character with a formal send-off; Scott has already returned to set to film several episodes that will wrap up Detective Riley's storyline in the early part of the upcoming 26th season.

Filling the vacancy will be James Badge Dale, who is set to join the series as a new senior detective. Dale's character name and background have not been revealed, but he will not be directly stepping into Riley's role, instead portraying a completely new personality for the squad. The transition point within the...