After weeks of reruns and scheduling shifts that left fans wondering when justice would be back on their screens, NBC has officially confirmed the return dates for Law & Order and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit with brand-new episodes in February 2026.
For long-time viewers of the Law & Order universe, the midseason pause felt especially long this year. With cliffhangers still fresh in memory and unresolved cases hanging in the balance, anticipation has been steadily building. Now, the wait is almost over.
Here’s everything we know so far about when Law & Order and SVU are returning, what led to the hiatus, and what fans can expect when the iconic franchises resume.
When Do Law & Order and SVU Return in February 2026?
NBC has confirmed that both Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU will return with new episodes in mid-February 2026, resuming their usual Thursday night lineup.
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Law & Order returns Thursday, February 12, 2026
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Law & Order: SVU follows immediately after on the same night
The shows will air in their traditional primetime slots, restoring NBC’s Thursday night crime drama block that fans have relied on for years.
This synchronized return means viewers won’t have to wait an extra week to catch up with one series before the other—both will be back in full force on the same night.
Why Were Law & Order and SVU on Hiatus?
The February return comes after a planned midseason break, a strategy that has become increasingly common for broadcast television. Rather than airing episodes straight through the winter and risking extended gaps later in the spring, NBC opted to pause production and release schedules.
Several factors contributed to the break:
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Production pacing to ensure consistent episode quality
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Scheduling flexibility during awards season and major sports broadcasts
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Storyline planning, allowing writers to refine longer arcs for the second half of the season
While reruns filled the timeslots in recent weeks, NBC reassured viewers that the hiatus was temporary—and that new episodes were already in post-production.
Where Did the Shows Leave Off Before the Break?
Both series entered the hiatus with storylines that left fans eager for answers.
Law & Order
The flagship series ended its last new episode with a morally complex case that challenged both the detectives and the prosecutors. Internal disagreements within the DA’s office hinted at deeper conflicts ahead, while a controversial verdict sparked debate among viewers.
Fans have been particularly curious about how the legal team will handle the political and ethical fallout from that case once the show returns.
Law & Order: SVU
SVU’s most recent episode before the break delivered one of the season’s most emotionally intense storylines. The case not only tested the squad’s investigative limits but also forced personal reckonings for several key characters.
As always, the show balanced procedural elements with character-driven drama—leaving multiple emotional threads unresolved.
What to Expect When New Episodes Air
NBC has remained tight-lipped about specific plot details, but early teases suggest that February’s episodes will hit the ground running.
Viewers can expect:
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High-stakes cases inspired by contemporary social issues
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Character-focused moments that explore the emotional toll of the job
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Ongoing arcs that build toward the latter half of the season
For SVU in particular, insiders hint that upcoming episodes will continue to explore long-term consequences for both victims and detectives, rather than wrapping cases neatly in a single hour.
Will There Be Crossovers or Special Events?
While NBC has not officially announced a crossover event tied to the February return, fans know that the Law & Order universe rarely rules anything out.
Past seasons have featured interconnected storylines between Law & Order, SVU, and even Organized Crime. Whether February 2026 will bring another crossover remains to be seen, but the synchronized return date certainly keeps the possibility open.
Why February 2026 Matters for the Franchise
Returning in February places both series in a strong position heading into the spring television season. This timing allows:
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Momentum to build toward season finales
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Room for multi-episode arcs
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Greater viewer consistency without long interruptions
For a franchise that has thrived for decades, maintaining rhythm is key—and NBC appears intent on keeping Law & Order and SVU front and center.
A Legacy That Still Resonates
Few television franchises have the cultural staying power of Law & Order. With its signature “ripped from the headlines” approach and evolving cast of characters, the series continues to reflect real-world tensions while delivering compelling drama.
SVU, in particular, has remained a cornerstone of network television by addressing difficult topics with empathy and seriousness—earning a devoted fanbase across generations.
The February 2026 return isn’t just about new episodes; it’s about the continuation of a television institution.
Final Thoughts
After weeks of waiting, Law & Order and Law & Order: SVU are officially set to return with new episodes in February 2026, bringing fresh cases, emotional depth, and courtroom drama back to NBC’s Thursday nights.
For fans who’ve been counting down the days, justice is almost back in session.
