MAURA TIERNEY RETURNS TO LAW & ORDER — AND THIS TIME, SHE’S RUNNING THE SHOW
From Guest Star to Lieutenant
Since joining Law & Order Season 24 as Lieutenant Jessica Brady, Maura Tierney has captivated audiences. Her no-nonsense leadership and sharp investigative instincts make her a standout at the 27th Precinct. But decades before taking the helm, Tierney first appeared on the show as a guest star in 1991. That early role hinted at the powerhouse performances she would deliver across television and film.
Maura Tierney’s First Appearance
Tierney first appeared in Law & Order Season 2, Episode 3, titled “Aria”. She played Patricia “Patti” Blaine—the sister of a young woman whose tragic death drives the episode. The plot centers on a mother who pressures her actress daughter into adult films. The daughter eventually commits suicide, and the mother faces manslaughter charges. Even then, Tierney displayed the depth and vulnerability she now channels as Lt. Jessica Brady.
Nostalgia on TODAY
During an October 2024 TODAY episode, Tierney watched a clip from her early scenes. She laughed and cringed at the footage. “I can’t even… oh my god!” she exclaimed. The throwback reminded her how far she had come. Over three decades later, Tierney still remembers the episode vividly. She joked about what she would tell her younger self: “Oh, I would just tell her to relax, man. Look, you’ll be fine!”
Co-Star Praise
Tierney’s co-star Hugh Dancy, who plays Executive Assistant District Attorney Nolan Price, praised her acting. “Maura keeps it quiet and contained, then slowly… it starts to take shape,” Dancy said. “It’s subtle and fun to watch. The writers are clearly writing for her style.” He added, “You see it in some interrogation scenes… this quiet, friendly person comes in and ties somebody up in knots. It’s really fun to watch.”
Don’t Miss Her Return
Tierney’s return as Lt. Jessica Brady is set for the Law & Order premiere night on Thursday, September 25. Law & Order Season 25 airs at 8/7c on NBC, followed by Law & Order: SVU Season 27 at 9/8c. Season 5 of Law & Order: Organized Crime airs on NBC Thursdays at 10/9c.