Season 24 of Law & Order has delivered a fresh slate of gripping cases that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. As the 27th Precinct underwent significant transformations, the squad faced new, horrific crimes that demanded an evolved approach to justice. With Season 25 on the horizon, it’s essential for fans to catch up on the thrilling events of the past season.
This season introduced major changes and dynamic tensions, setting the stage for what’s to come in Season 25. Maura Tierney stepped into the role of Lt. Jessica Brady, leading Detectives Jalen Shaw (Mehcad Brooks) and Vincent Riley (Reid Scott) with unwavering determination. Over the course of 22 episodes, viewers enjoyed ripped-from-the-headlines cases featuring unforgettable guest stars, squad room drama, and blood-pumping courtroom confrontations.
RELATED: Everything to Know About Law & Order Season 24
Before diving into Law & Order Season 25, here’s a quick recap of what unfolded with Brady and the squad, along with a list of must-watch episodes on Peacock to get you caught up.
Meet Maura Tierney’s Jessica Brady, the 27th Precinct’s Fearless New Lieutenant
Season 24, Episode 1 (“Catch and Kill”)
Plot synopsis: “When a Brooklyn prosecutor is found slain in her apartment, Maroun takes drastic action to convince an eyewitness to come forward; Riley struggles to adjust to the new lieutenant in charge.”
Why to watch: Tierney’s performance in her Law & Order debut is nothing short of remarkable. She walks into a murder scene with authority, immediately taking charge. From the moment we meet the 2-7’s new commanding officer, it’s clear she’s not to be underestimated.
Olivia Benson Visits the 27th Precinct and Complicates Their Case
Season 24, Episode 2 (“The Perfect Man”)
Plot synopsis: “When the founder of an AI-infused dating app is murdered, Detectives Shaw and Riley delve into who would want the love-obsessed man dead; Captain Olivia Benson surprises ADAs Price and Maroun when she becomes a witness for the defense.”
Why to watch: Any time Law & Order: SVU icon Mariska Hargitay‘s Captain Olivia Benson makes an appearance, you know there’s going to be drama. When Benson throws a wrench into Brady’s investigation, the tension between them adds an exciting twist as they find themselves on opposite sides of a morally complex case.
All Hands Were on Deck During the Season 24 Midseason Premiere
Season 24, Episode 12 (“Duty to Protect”)
Plot synopsis: “When a teenage girl is found dead, the squad struggles to find a motive without knowing her identity. Price and Maroun must pick up the broken pieces of their case after a shocking courtroom revelation.”
Why to watch: Midseason finales in Law & Order are notorious for being intense, and this season’s is no exception. As Price and Maroun work through a complex investigation, the audience experiences a whirlwind of emotions as shocking turns unfold.
Law & Order‘s Crossover with SVU Was a Tearjerker
Season 24, Episode 19 (“Play with Fire Part 1”)
Plot synopsis: “A mysterious phone call to Captain Benson of the SVU leads detectives to the scene of a brutal murder.”
Why to watch: This episode kicks off a gripping two-part crossover with Law & Order: SVU, leaving viewers reeling from shocking deaths and unexpected revelations. The rekindled tension between Benson and Brady escalates, providing an emotional weight to the finale.
Samantha Maroun May Be in Trouble After Law & Order‘s Season 24 Finale
Season 24, Episode 22 (“Look the Other Way”)
Plot synopsis: “When a model is murdered, Shaw and Riley believe their suspect may have escalated an obsession to violence; Maroun’s efforts to place the suspect near the scene of the crime leave Price in a bind when the evidence may not hold up in court.”
Why to watch: Throughout this new chapter of Law & Order, we learn more about Maroun’s tragic personal life, including her sister’s unsolved murder. The Season 24 finale presents them with an opportunity for justice—but when things spiral out of control, it sets a suspenseful stage for Season 25.
How to Watch Law & Order Season 25
Law & Order Season 25 premieres at 8/7c on NBC, immediately followed by the premiere of Law & Order: Special Victims Unit Season 27 at 9/8c. New episodes will also be available for streaming the next day on Peacock. Additionally, don’t forget that after airing on Peacock, Season 5 of Law & Order: Organized Crime will return to NBC this fall on Thursdays at 10/9c.