Law & Order Thursdays Take a Holiday: What to Expect
As 2025 draws to a close, avid fans of the iconic Law & Order series will have to mark their calendars—this fan-favorite lineup is going on a brief holiday hiatus. That’s right, after the action-packed fall finales on November 20, both Law & Order Season 25 and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 27 will temporarily step back from the spotlight.
How to Watch
For those itching for their weekly dose of courtroom drama and police procedural excitement, the series has been airing on NBC every Thursday at 8/7c. If you miss an episode, don’t fret! You can catch it the next day on Peacock.
A Shift in Dynamics
The characters are experiencing some notable changes as the storylines unfold. For one, Captain Olivia Benson, played masterfully by Mariska Hargitay, is busy recruiting new investigators for her elite SVU team as they tackle increasingly complex cases. Meanwhile, the 27th Precinct is also undergoing squadroom shake-ups with the introduction of David Ajala’s Detective Theo Walker, who brings new energy and dynamics to the mix.
In an interview with NBC Insider, Ajala expressed his excitement about joining the franchise: “There is something very, very special about being part of this franchise. When you’re out in New York City, people recognize the show and the actors, and it means a lot to them. To be part of something that is so well-loved is very special.”
Return Dates: When to Tune In Again
Fans eager for the return of the iconic shows don’t have long to wait! Mark your calendars for Thursday, January 8, 2026. On this day, both Law & Order Season 25 and SVU Season 27 will make their triumphant return to NBC’s regular programming schedule, promising to pick up right where they left off.
Alternative Programming During the Hiatus
Although the Law & Order lineup is taking a break, NBC has a thrilling holiday schedule lined up to keep audiences entertained. Check out these highlights on Thursday nights during the hiatus:
- Thursday, November 27: NFL Special Thanksgiving Day Game
- Thursday, December 4: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (1966) & Frosty the Snowman (1969)
- Thursday, December 11: Access Hollywood Presents: NBC 2025 Year in Review
- Thursday, December 18: A Saturday Night Live Christmas
- Thursday, December 25: How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
Make sure to check local listings for more specific tune-in details.
Streaming Options During the Hiatus
For die-hard fans missing their weekly dose of justice, there are plenty of options to binge-watch previous episodes! You can stream Law & Order and its spin-offs, including Law & Order: Organized Crime and Law & Order: Criminal Intent, on Peacock. It’s the perfect way to stay caught up during the holiday break.
Celebrating 35 Years of Awesomeness
It’s hard to believe that Law & Order has been gracing our screens for 35 incredible years! Series creator Dick Wolf recently shared his amazement at the franchise’s enduring legacy: “I woke up the other day and realized, ‘My God, it’s been 35 years since the start of Law & Order.'”
Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the series, the combination of complex characters, riveting storylines, and high-stakes drama makes this franchise a television treasure—and it’s not slowing down anytime soon!
Shop Law & Order Merchandise
As excitement for the series continues, fans can further immerse themselves in the experience by shopping for Law & Order merchandise. Whatever your favorite character or moment, there’s likely something for every fan to celebrate their love for this iconic series!