Sam Waterston Reveals If He Still Watches “Law & Order” After His Exit and More Than 400 Episodes on the Show (Exclusive)
Sam Waterston Reveals If He Still Watches “Law & Order” After His Exit and More Than 400 Episodes on the Show (Exclusive)
Lily Brown, Aliza SesslerFri, June 12, 2026 at 11:49 PM UTC
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Sam Waterston in 2025Credit: Michael Tullberg/Getty -
Sam Waterston reflects on his nearly three-decade run as Jack McCoy on Law & Order
The 85-year-old actor shares that life after the show is "beautiful" as he enjoys more time with family
Waterston recalls meeting his wife during a Much Ado About Nothing production, calling it a pivotal moment in his life
After more than 400 episodes on Law & Order, Sam Waterston may have stepped away from the long-running NBC drama, but he hasn't completely left it behind.
The actor, 85, tells PEOPLE at the opening night of Shakespeare in the Park that he still occasionally tunes in to the series that made his character, Jack McCoy, a television institution.
Waterston first joined Law & Order in 1994 as Executive Assistant District Attorney Jack McCoy, the sharp-witted, fiercely ambitious prosecutor known for pushing legal and ethical boundaries in pursuit of justice. Over nearly three decades, McCoy evolved from a hard-charging courtroom attorney into the District Attorney of Manhattan, becoming one of the franchise's defining characters and one of the longest-running roles in primetime television.
Sam Waterston as DA Jack McCoy in 'Law & Order'Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBC via Getty
"I do sometimes, yes," Waterston says when asked if he still watches Law & Order.
When it comes to a favorite episode from his decades-long run, Waterston laughs off the question. "Oh gosh, no," he says.
These days, however, Waterston is more focused on enjoying a slower pace of life than revisiting old cases. When asked what life has looked like since leaving Law & Order, the veteran actor didn't hesitate.
"Beautiful," he says. Then, for emphasis, he repeats it: "Beautiful."
Waterston explains that he's spending time with the people who matter most.
"Well, we've been living our life, my wife and I," he shared. "And we're very lucky where we live and then our family and our children. And they are thriving and it's good."
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Sam Waterston as DA Jack McCoy in 'Law & Order' in 2008Credit: Virginia Sherwood/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty
The actor added that one of the biggest perks of life after the hit procedural is a schedule that's a little less demanding.
"Not having to get up early and not having to stay late. It's good," Waterston says.
The Shakespeare in the Park opening was also a reminder of another important chapter in Waterston's life. A longtime supporter and performer in the famed outdoor theater program, he revealed that one production holds a particularly special place in his heart.
"The year I did Much Ado About Nothing I also met my wife," Waterston says. "So this would be a good year to repeat, but endlessly.
He adds, "I always thought that Much Ado About Nothing was a help."
In fact, Waterston and his wife were making a theater date night out of the event.
"We're doing one tonight," he said when asked whether they still enjoy seeing shows together.
New episodes of Law & Order will return for NBC's 2026-2027 season. It can be streamed on Peacock.
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
