The Real Reason the 'Law & Order' Franchise Isn't Airing New Episodes Tonight

Christopher Meloni, Sam Waterston and Mariska Hargitay in the 'Law & Order' franchise.

It may seem like the new, long-awaited seasons of Law & Order, Special Victims Unit, and Organized Crime just began—because, well, they did—but there's already a "bye" week taking place for the NBC procedural franchise. So if you're wondering why NBC's usual time slot for Thursday night is filled with reruns, it's because the shows are taking a week off.

Instead, the network will re-air the premiere episodes from Law & Order Season 23 ("Freedom of Expression"), SVU Season 25 ("Tunnel Blind"), and Organized Crime Season 4 ("Memory Lane"). The series will return to its regularly scheduled rollout of new episodes next week on Thursday, Feb. 22.

The good news for fans is that it seems like the upcoming slate will be well worth the wait.

Related: Everything to Know About 'Law & Order: Organized Crime' Season 4

Most notably, Law & Order's next bow will mark the end of an era as the show says goodbye to Sam Waterston's Jack McCoy after more than 400 episodes. Perhaps appropriately, the episode is titled "Last Dance."

Waterston's decision to leave the iconic legal drama, which he first joined in Season 5, was revealed earlier this month, with the actor saying in a statement, "It’s a pleasure to talk directly like this to the backbone of Law & Order’s absolutely amazing audience. The time has come for me to move on and take Jack McCoy with me. There’s sadness in leaving, but I’m just too curious about what’s next."

Related: 'Law & Order' Sees Another Cast Change as Sam Waterston Exits

Waterson's statement continued and implied the reason for his decision to leave after 30 years, saying, "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 come-back, 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. I feel very blessed. I hope to see you all on the flip side."

Joining the show in the long-timer's stead is Scandal alum Tony Goldwyn, who previously played Frank Goren on Law & Order: Criminal Intent.

Meanwhile, Law & Order: SVU's rerun is probably going to be helpful to revisit because the next episode is titled "Zone Rouge," and, judging by the teaser, Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay) will continue her work on the case that's been plaguing her all season: the disappearance of Maddie Flynn (Allison Elaine), the 15-year-old girl who was abducted in the season premiere. Olivia's investment in the case has quickly transformed from professional to personal, and the thought of Maddie's disappearance has taken a toll on her mental well-being and focus in recent episodes. However, it looks like Olivia might finally catch a new lead in the case if the preview is any indication.

Last but not least, Organized Crime will also center on a disappearance as Elliot Stabler (Christopher Meloni) searches for a kidnapping victim after experiencing a personal loss in the episode, tellingly titled "Missing Persons."

Law & Order, SVU, and Organized Crime will return with these new episodes on Thursday, Feb. 22, beginning at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Next, 'Law & Order' Is Back for Season 23: Everything You Need to Know