Camryn Manheim won't be in Law and Order season 24 (cast exit)

The revolving door of Law and Order has struck again as Camryn Mannheim is leaving the show after the season 23 finale. What’s going on with her?

Law and Order fans are always used to cast members coming and going. Season 23 began with Jeffrey Donovan’s Frank Cosgrove written off after some sort of public altercation with Reid Scott joining as Vincent Riley. 

The big move was Sam Waterston departing his iconic role as Jack McCoy. His character resigned to protect Nolan Price (Hugh Dancy) from political blowback on a case. He was replaced by Tony Goldwyn as the new D.A. Nicholas Baxter.

Now, it’s confirmed by Variety that Camryn Manheim is departing as Kate Dixon. The Emmy-award winning veteran had been part of the show when it returned in 2021 as the tough Lieutenant handling the department’s cases. Her final episode will be the season 23 finale, which airs on May 16. 

Best known for her Emmy-winning turn on The Practice, Manheim appeared in Law and Order episodes in 1991, 1993, and 1994 as different characters. 

Executive producer Dick Wolf issued a statement thanking Manheim, and it seems she left on good terms. 

"I thank Camryn for her three wonderful seasons helping us relaunch ‘Law & Order. She is a class act, and I wish her nothing but the best for her next chapter."

Manheim herself hasn’t spoken about the exit, which may be surprising to viewers.

Camryn Maneheim's Law and Order exit may have to due with being underused

The actress' exit may be a surprise, but Dixon always seemed a bit underused on the show. Some episodes did play on her having a son who is deaf and using sign language (which Manheim is versed in in real life). Aside from that, we didn’t get much insight into her personal life, and she was pretty much just there for a few scenes with the detectives sharing information. It often seemed a waste of Manheim’s talents in some episodes, so it's little wonder she might want to move on. 

There’s no word yet on how Dixon will be written out of the show. It’s unknown if something in the season 23 finale sets up her exit. More likely, in the grand tradition of Law and Order, season 24 opens with a new lieutenant in charge and just a passing reference to Dixon either retiring or transferring to a another part of the NYPD.

It may be a bit jarring for fans, but Law and Order is long used to handling unexpected cast exits and likely was preparing for this for a while. So, while it is sad to see Dixon depart, it also means a new boss for season 24 and the series is prepared to keep up the usual drama. 

Law and Order season 23 finale airs Thursday May 16 at 8/7c on NBC.