NBC’s Law & Order shows are about to be pulled from the schedule for weeks, leaving fans of the iconic franchise facing a significant hiatus right in the middle of the winter season. As of late January 2026, both Law & Order (Season 25) and Law & Order: SVU (Season 27) aired their most recent new episodes on January 29, before NBC temporarily removes them from the Thursday night lineup. This break stems primarily from major sporting events taking over primetime, including the NFL Honors ceremony and the lead-up to the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics.
This isn’t the first interruption the franchise has faced this season, but the current multi-week pull marks one of the longest stretches without new episodes since the shows returned from their holiday hiatus earlier in January. For dedicated viewers who tune in weekly to follow Captain Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay), the 27th Precinct detectives, and the gripping courtroom battles, the wait until late February feels especially tough.
Why Are the Law & Order Shows Being Pulled Now?
NBC’s Thursday night block has long been home to the Law & Order universe, delivering procedural drama that consistently draws loyal audiences. However, broadcast networks like NBC frequently adjust schedules to accommodate high-profile live events that attract massive viewership and advertising revenue.
In this case, the network is prioritizing the NFL Honors on February 5, 2026—a star-studded event celebrating the best in professional football, airing ahead of Super Bowl weekend. To clear the primetime slot, NBC is preempting Law & Order, Law & Order: SVU, and fellow Thursday drama The Hunting Party. This one-week shift is followed by extended Olympic coverage from the 2026 Winter Games in Milano-Cortina, Italy. The Olympics, running from February 6 to 22, 2026, command primetime slots across NBC’s lineup, pushing scripted programming—including the Law & Order shows—off the air for several weeks.
Unlike the One Chicago franchise (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Chicago PD), which remains on air into early February before its own Olympic break, the Law & Order series are hitting pause earlier. This decision reflects NBC’s strategy to maximize live sports viewership during peak winter events. Fans can expect the shows to return sometime after the Olympics conclude, likely in late February or early March 2026, depending on NBC’s post-Olympics programming plans.
A Look Back at Recent Schedule Disruptions in the Franchise
The Law & Order franchise has weathered various scheduling hiccups over the years, but 2026 has been particularly eventful. The shows kicked off the year with a bang on January 8, featuring a highly anticipated two-hour crossover event between Law & Order and SVU. This special episode blended the procedural strengths of both series, with characters like ADA Nolan Price and Captain Benson collaborating on a high-stakes case that felt more like a cinematic thriller than typical network TV.
That momentum carried through January, but earlier in the month, SVU faced a separate controversy when one episode was pulled from the schedule due to off-screen issues involving a guest star (reports linked to allegations against actor Timothy Busfield). NBC opted to air a different episode instead, highlighting how sensitive content decisions can impact airing plans.
Additionally, the franchise lineup has evolved: Law & Order: Organized Crime concluded its run on NBC earlier and shifted focus (with some seasons streaming on Peacock), leaving Law & Order and SVU to anchor Thursdays alongside newer additions like The Hunting Party. These changes keep the block fresh but also make it more susceptible to preemption when big events arise.
What Fans Can Do During the Hiatus
While waiting for new episodes, Law & Order enthusiasts have plenty of ways to stay engaged:
- Streaming Catch-Up on Peacock: All recent seasons of Law & Order and SVU are available to stream the day after airing. Peacock offers on-demand access to classics, crossovers, and full seasons—perfect for rewatching fan-favorite episodes or introducing newcomers to the franchise.
- Explore the Franchise’s Legacy: With over 1,000 combined episodes across the main shows, there’s endless material. Dive into iconic seasons featuring original cast members like Jerry Orbach, Sam Waterston’s Jack McCoy, or Mariska Hargitay’s groundbreaking portrayal of Olivia Benson.
- Follow Behind-the-Scenes News: Stay updated via official NBC sources, Dick Wolf Entertainment announcements, or fan communities. Cast interviews often tease upcoming storylines, including potential returns or new character arcs.
- Catch Reruns: NBC may fill slots with encores or specials during the break, keeping the procedural spirit alive.
This hiatus also serves as a reminder of how broadcast television balances scripted content with live events. The Law & Order brand remains one of NBC’s most enduring assets—renewed for the 2025-26 season and beyond—proving its resilience even amid schedule shifts.
The Enduring Appeal of Law & Order
What keeps millions tuning in? The franchise’s signature format—ripped-from-the-headlines cases, the classic “dun-dun” sound effect, and the split between police investigation and courtroom drama—delivers satisfying justice in bite-sized episodes. SVU tackles sensitive topics with nuance, while the flagship series explores broader societal issues. Stars like Hargitay, Ice-T (as Fin Tutuola), and the ensemble casts bring depth and authenticity.
As the shows head into this break, fans can reflect on recent highlights: intense crossovers, evolving character dynamics, and the ongoing relevance of procedural storytelling in a streaming-dominated era.
Conclusion: Hang Tight, Justice Will Return
NBC’s decision to pull the Law & Order shows from the schedule for weeks is disappointing but understandable given the draw of the NFL Honors and 2026 Winter Olympics. The January 29 episodes mark the last new content until after the Games, but the wait will be worth it when the Thursday block returns refreshed and ready for more gripping cases.
In the meantime, stream past episodes, revisit classics, and stay connected with the fan community. The Law & Order universe isn’t going anywhere—it’s simply taking a brief timeout before delivering more twists, trials, and triumphs. Justice may be delayed, but it always finds its way back to primetime.
