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Sam Waterston is bidding farewell to his role as District Attorney Jack McCoy on Law & Order this week. Despite letting go of such an iconic role, he is looking forward to watching his successor, Tony Goldwyn, become the new DA.
While stopping by The Today Show this morning, Waterston weighed in on the casting choice, gushing that he “think[s] he’s going to be great,” per TODAY.com.
“I think my reputation is in terrible danger because I think he’s just going to be wonderful and I’ll be watching,” he quipped. “But I think it’s going to be big trouble. It’ll be what the DA is — demanding and a lot of fun to watch.”
After news of Goldwyn’s casting, Scandal fans were thrilled (and thirsting) to see the heartthrob as the NBC legal drama’s new DA.
In a statement released earlier this month, Waterston said the time has come for him “to move on” and “take Jack McCoy” with him, per Variety.
“There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next,” he added. “An actor doesn’t want to let himself get too comfortable. I’m more grateful to you than I can say. L&O’s continuing and amazing long run, along with its astounding comeback, is all thanks to you and to Dick Wolf, but for whose vision, patience, perseverance, and unique combination of creative and business talents, none of this would have happened.”
Highlighting that he “feel[s] very blessed,” he concluded his message, “I hope to see you all on the flip side.”
Despite his upcoming departure, Waterston assured the Today co-anchors that he is not retiring just yet.
“Not a chance,” he said. “No, no, no.”
Since his debut on the series in 1994, Waterston has appeared in over 400 episodes of Law & Order. While the show was canceled in 2010, the series ultimately came back for its 21st season in 2022, during which Waterston reprised his role.
According to TV Insider, the network aired a teaser earlier this month for Thursday night’s (Feb. 22) episode, titled “The Last Dance.” Viewers can hear Waterston’s McCoy triumphantly say that “as District Attorney, [he’s] tried to act fairly and ethically. It’s been a hell of a ride.”
During his Today Show interview, Waterston reflected on “the last shot” he filmed for the series, which took place “on the set of the courtroom.”
“Dick Wolf showed up and everybody gave speeches,” he shared. “And I quoted from Abraham Lincoln, going to D.C. at the beginning of the Civil War — that he had been there for 25 years. If 25 years doesn’t matter, nothing matters.”
Law & Order airs on Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. Next-day streaming is available on Peacock. Watch Waterson’s Today Show appearance above.
