From Waterson To Goldwyn: ‘Law & Order’s’ Legacy Lives On

Update: 2025-10-23

Description

Tony Goldwyn as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter in Law & Order, stepping into a role once held by Sam Waterston.

<figcaption class="wp-caption-text" id="caption-attachment-171592">LAW & ORDER — Pictured: Tony Goldwyn as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter — (Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC)</figcaption></figure>

For nearly three decades, Sam Waterston embodied District Attorney Jack McCoy, becoming one of television’s most recognizable legal figures. His sharp delivery, moral complexity, and commanding presence helped shape the tone of Law & Order and set a standard for courtroom dramas that followed. Waterston joined the series in its fifth season and quickly became its anchor, appearing in more than 400 episodes across multiple eras of the show. Even after his departure in Season 23, his influence remains woven into the fabric of the series. His character’s approach to justice and leadership continues to guide the new generation of prosecutors on screen, ensuring that the McCoy legacy lives on. From Waterston To Goldwyn, the series carries its legacy forward with a new chapter. From Waterston To Goldwyn also represents a seamless transition, one that honors the past while embracing the future. This transition from Waterson to Goldwyn illustrates the show’s evolution while respecting its roots.

From Waterston To Goldwyn: A Legacy Continues

When Tony Goldwyn joined Law & Order a few years back as the new district attorney, he knew expectations would be high. Replacing a TV icon like Sam Waterston is no easy task but according to Goldwyn and his co-stars, the handoff went smoothly. From Waterson to Goldwyn, the transition was a carefully orchestrated step. We spoke with Goldwyn along with Hugh Dancy and Odelya Halevi, who shared that while everyone missed having Waterston on set, the transition felt natural.

A New Era for Law & Order

For decades, Law & Order has remained a staple of network television, blending gripping courtroom drama with timely storytelling. With Tony Goldwyn stepping into the role of district attorney, the series continues to evolve while honoring its legacy. From Waterson to Goldwyn, this era marks a new chapter for the series. Law & Order airs Thursdays at 8/7c on NBC, and episodes stream the following day on Peacock.