Maura Tierney has joined Law and Order for season 24 and is hinting at how the new boss is going to clash with Olivia Benson!
Maura Tierney is about to join Law and Order and is giving a peek at what to expect from her new boss!
Law and Order fans are used to the revolving door of cast members coming and going over the show’s 34-year history. Season 23 opened with Jeffrey Donovan having left as Frank Cosgrove and Reid Scott joining as Detective Vincent Riley. Midway through the season, Sam Waterston ended his long run as iconic D.A. Jack McCoy with Tony Goldwyn replacing him as Nicholas Baxter.
So it was little surprise it was announced in May that Camryn Manheim, who had joined the show in its 2022 revival as Lieutenant Kate Dixon, would be departing the series. There’s no word on how Dixon leaves, but the show has already cast her replacement, with Maura Tierney joining the season 24 premiere as Lieutenant Jessica Grady.
Tierney has experience with the show, as one of her first acting gigs was a Law and Order episode way back in 1991. That was before her breakout turn in NewsRadio and a great career including ER, The Affair, American Rust and more.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Tierney discussed her debut on Law and Order, revealing that her character, Lieutenant Grady, is a notable shift from previous lieutenants. Unlike those who mostly stay behind the desk, Grady will be out in the field, leading investigations. Her first major case involves the murder of a prosecutor in her own home.
Tierney admitted feeling “fairly nervous” about joining such an iconic franchise in a significant role, but she’s eager to showcase Grady’s determination as a former homicide detective tackling tough cases—especially when it comes to crossing paths with one very well-known Law and Order character.
What happens when Grady meets Benson?
The second episode of the season promises a standout moment as Mariska Hargitay guest stars as Olivia Benson. The SVU veteran joins the team to investigate a murder connected to a dating app, but when Grady and Benson work together, things don’t go as smoothly as expected.
“It was funny because I read the script and thought, ‘Oh, I get to call her Liv,’ which was exciting,” Tierney shared. “But our characters don’t exactly get along. They disagree about how to handle a particular legal matter, so it was fun to go head-to-head with her a bit.”
Grady also aims to prove herself to detectives Riley and Shaw (Mehcad Brooks), who are surprised by her assertive style, potentially setting the stage for further conflicts with prosecutors. It looks like Tierney is ready to shake things up in season 24, bringing a fresh, bold energy to Law and Order.
