Produced by Universal Television and Wolf Entertainment, season 22 of Law & Order is set to premiere in France on TF1+ with free streaming starting December 18, before making its linear debut on TF1 Séries Films in early 2026. This new batch of episodes brings back familiar faces like Sam Waterston, Hugh Dancy, Camryn Manheim, Odelya Halevi, Mehcad Brooks, and Jeffrey Donovan in a procedural format that switches between police investigations and courtroom drama.
The season kicks off with a series of cases inspired by recent real-life events, blending violent crimes, societal issues, and intricate investigations led by Detective Frank Cosgrove and his partner Jalen Shaw. At the heart of the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, Jack McCoy and Nolan Price grapple with balancing strategic decisions, moral dilemmas, and media pressure, while Samantha Maroun steps into the most sensitive hearings. The episodes follow a dual trajectory: first, the police identify the suspects; then, the case is built through the courts, always offering a institutional perspective on the judicial system.
This season continues the semi-anthological format of the series, featuring standalone stories that mirror current political, social, and technological tensions. Legal dilemmas are heightened by internal changes within the prosecutor's office, while NYPD officers grapple with new procedural hurdles in a rapidly evolving urban landscape. The narrative consistently balances the rule of law with the pursuit of truth, subtly weaving in emotional arcs around the main characters.
Renewed in 2022 after over a decade off the air, the series continues the legacy of Dick Wolf, who also created the Chicago and FBI franchises. For its 22nd season, the show returns to real-location filming in New York, sticking closely to its established visual style: clean shots, brisk pacing, and a fast-paced editing rhythm alternating between interrogations and courtroom scenes. The production team maintains the classic 42-minute format typical of American networks and a storytelling approach inspired by courtroom journalism and Manhattan district attorney archives.
The tone remains true to the realistic procedural that has built the series’ reputation: straightforward storytelling, no flashy effects, a strong institutional focus, and a deep dive into the gray areas of the law. The target audience includes fans of legal dramas, long-time followers of the Wolf Entertainment universe, and newcomers looking for a self-contained series that can be enjoyed episode by episode. The season continues in the same vein as the later years of Law & Order, blending factual precision with compelling storytelling, reminiscent of shows like Cold Case or FBI.
Law & Order – Season 22
Series | 1990
Season 22 available on TF1+ starting December 18, 2025
Crime drama | 22 episodes of 42 minutes each
Created by Dick Wolf | Featuring Sam Waterston, Hugh Dancy, Camryn Manheim, Odelya Halevi, Mehcad Brooks, Jeffrey Donovan
Original title: Law & Order
Country: United States
This season stays true to the series' core DNA: an authentic portrayal of the institutional world grounded in reality, meticulous investigation methods, and a sharp focus on the intricacies of the American justice system. With a refreshed team and shifting societal themes, it continues to extend the franchise's legacy as a leading name in the procedural genre.
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