DAVID AJALA JOINS LAW & ORDER SEASON 25 AS SERIES REGULAR: A NEW DETECTIVE SHAKES UP THE SQUAD
NBC’s Law & Order is kicking off its milestone 25th season with a major new addition. David Ajala, best known for his work on Star Trek: Discovery, has joined as a series regular. He will play an NYPD detective who partners with Reid Scott’s Detective Vincent Riley. Fans are already excited to see how Ajala’s character will shake up the squad and bring fresh energy to the show.
Filling the Void
Ajala’s character appears a few episodes into the season, stepping into a role left vacant by Mehcad Brooks. Brooks portrayed Detective Jalen Shaw for three seasons before departing the series earlier this year. During the first few episodes of Season 25, Detective Riley will work solo. This rare setup allows the show to focus on Riley’s skills and methods before introducing Ajala’s character. It also creates a natural moment for tension, camaraderie, and eventual partnership to develop.
Returning Cast
Season 25 retains its core ensemble, providing continuity for longtime fans. Tony Goldwyn returns as District Attorney Nicholas Baxter, Maura Tierney continues as Lt. Jessica Brady, Hugh Dancy reprises his role as Executive ADA Nolan Price, and Odelya Halevi returns as ADA Samantha Maroun. Reid Scott is back as Detective Riley, leading investigations that often draw inspiration from real-world headlines. Together, the team balances high-stakes legal drama with compelling procedural storytelling.
Premiere Details
The 25th season premieres Thursday, September 25, at 8 p.m. ET/PT on NBC, with Law & Order: SVU following immediately after. Episodes will also stream the next day on Peacock, making it convenient for viewers to catch up. This schedule ensures fans can stay fully immersed in the intertwined worlds of both series, while introducing new characters and cases.
David Ajala’s Career and Credentials
Ajala brings a wealth of experience and versatility to the show. He is best known for playing Cleveland Booker on Star Trek: Discovery, appearing across three seasons. His other notable credits include Nine Bodies in a Mexican Morgue (MGM+), The Jetty (BBC), Supergirl (The CW), and Falling Water (USA). Later this year, he will appear in Netflix’s The Woman in Cabin 10.
Ajala’s performances are characterized by authenticity and intensity. For Law & Order, he reportedly trained with actual NYPD detectives to understand procedures, terminology, and investigative techniques. This preparation will allow his character to feel fully integrated into the realistic world of the series, making his arrival more impactful.
Anticipating the Impact
Ajala’s introduction opens up a range of storytelling possibilities. Detective Riley has long been the moral center of the squad, often navigating complex cases and ethical dilemmas. Ajala’s character could bring fresh conflicts, challenge Riley’s methods, and inject new energy into the procedural rhythm of the show. Viewers can expect tension, collaboration, and perhaps even clashes over investigative approaches.
The addition of a new detective also allows the series to explore modern crime topics in unique ways. From high-profile heists to cybercrimes, Ajala’s character could provide the team with innovative strategies while also humanizing the procedural challenges officers face daily. His presence promises to expand the narrative scope beyond what fans have seen in previous seasons.
How This Shapes Season 25
The 25th season of Law & Order is not only a celebration of longevity but also an opportunity for renewal. Ajala’s addition ensures the series maintains its balance of grit, intelligence, and high-stakes drama. With a new face in the squad, the show can explore fresh subplots while keeping the core themes of justice, loyalty, and moral ambiguity at the forefront.
Ajala’s presence could also provide opportunities for character development among the existing cast. For instance, Detective Riley may face new professional or personal challenges that test his judgment and leadership. Similarly, the dynamic between the detectives and ADAs could evolve in unexpected ways, offering fresh tension and collaboration on complex cases.
Continuing the Legacy
Produced by Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment, Law & Order remains television’s longest-running law enforcement drama. Its 2022 revival proved that the series still resonates with both longtime fans and new audiences. By combining procedural storytelling with character-driven arcs, the show continues to explore social issues, legal dilemmas, and moral conflicts.
Ajala’s addition demonstrates the series’ commitment to growth while staying true to its legacy. Fans can expect new cases, evolving relationships, and unexpected twists. His integration into the squad promises both action-packed episodes and emotionally resonant storytelling. Season 25 is poised to deliver a fresh perspective while honoring the show’s decades-long reputation.
Looking Ahead
With at least eight episodes confirmed for Season 25, viewers have plenty to anticipate. The addition of David Ajala raises expectations for compelling mysteries, high-stakes courtroom drama, and dynamic character interactions. As the season progresses, fans will watch for how Ajala’s detective fits into the team, what conflicts arise, and how the series continues to blend realism with entertainment.
Season 25 also provides an opportunity for the series to reflect on its milestone status, while introducing new energy to attract a wider audience. Ajala’s arrival is more than just casting news—it’s a statement that Law & Order remains agile, relevant, and prepared for its next chapter.