Mehcad Brooks is officially stepping away from Law & Order after a three-season run as Detective Jalen Shaw. The actor joined the long-running NBC procedural in 2022, succeeding Anthony Anderson's longtime role on the show. His departure comes ahead of the show's upcoming 25th season.
According to Deadline, the decision for Brooks to leave was mutual, and he is already exploring new opportunities. Casting is currently underway to find a new detective to join the cast and fill the gap left by his exit.
Brooks’ portrayal of Detective Jalen Shaw brought a fresh dynamic to the series, earning praise for blending empathy with edge. His exit marks another major shift for the iconic crime drama as it continues evolving in its 25th season. Fans will be watching closely to see who fills his shoes next.
While Brooks is moving on, the rest of the main cast—including Tony Goldwyn, Reid Scott, Hugh Dancy, Odelya Halevi, and Maura Tierney—are all expected to return. Goldwyn and Scott, whose contracts ended with the conclusion of last season, are reportedly set to re-sign. However, viewers may notice less screen time overall, as NBC’s Law & Order and Chicago franchises will feature most actors in fewer episodes next season as part of broader cost-cutting measures.
Outside of Law & Order, Mehcad Brooks is continuing to make moves in Hollywood. He’s reprising his role as cyber-enhanced powerhouse Jax in Mortal Kombat II, the sequel to the 2021 hit video game adaptation.
The upcoming film, already generating buzz, features The Boys star Karl Urban as Johnny Cage and promises to deliver more of the brutal, tournament-style action fans expect. Brooks’ return as Jax puts him back in the thick of the franchise’s signature Earthrealm-versus-Outworld showdown.
Mortal Kombat II is expected to be released in theaters on October 24.