Fred Thompson Not Returning to Law and Order
An NBC exec said Fred Thompson probably won't return to the show, fuel presidential candidacy rumors
No one knows for sure if "Law & Order" actor and former Tennessee senator Fred Thompson will be running on the republican ticket in the upcoming presidential election, but NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said it's "most likely" that he won't be returning to the show.
"It's pretty clear that Fred is going to be leaving the cast of the show no matter what," Reilly said. He added that he has no knowledge of Thompson's plans for candidacy. He will announce his decision this summer.
Thompson plays district attorney Arthur Branch on the NBC series. The network announced there will be an 18th season, but new episodes won't air until January after the Sunday-night football series is over.
Like most shows, "Law & Order" will start production earlier than usual as there may be a strike by the writers guild in the fall.
