After over 400 episodes, Law & Order said goodbye to Sam Waterston. The actor joined the legal drama as DA Jack McCoy in Season 5 and has remained on the series since. He was one of the few returning cast members for the , but it was revealed earlier this month that Waterston would officially be leaving. His final episode, “Last Dance,” aired on Feb. 22.
Following the episode, many fans, both old and new, took to social media to share their thoughts on the fan-favorite district attorney. Throughout the many casting changes on Law & Order, Waterston has been the one constant since 1994, and it’s going to be hard to watch the series without him. A lot of fans are feeling the same way.
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It’s the End of an Era
“Sam Waterston’s final episode on Law & Order was a perfect send off for Jack McCoy,” one fan stated. “You will be missed. [Legend].”
Cue the Waterworks
One fan shared, “Omggg Jack McCoy left the show.. I’m so sad.” Another wrote, “Just saw the episode of Law & Order when Jack McCoy resigned. This can’t be true! [crying face emoji].”
Many ‘Law & Order’ Fans are in Tears
One fan said, “‘It’s been a hell of a ride’ aw Jack [loudly crying face emoji].” Another fan admitted, “Tears last night, so many tears!! McCoy was Law & Order!!!”
It Was the Perfect Way to Say Goodbye
“Sam Waterston’s bravura departure from Law & Order (after 30 years) reminded everyone of why he’s a star,” one fan expressed. “It was perfect, he nailed the bad guy, and he was given a suitably moving and elegant final two scenes, wit and integrity intact, moral core blazing. Bravo!”
Thank you, Sam Waterston for the Memories
“Watching Jack McCoy leave was like saying goodbye to an old friend,” one fan explained. “Thanks for the memories, Sam. Legend.”
Sam Waterston as Jack McCoy Will Truly Be Missed
“God Bless this man, he’s always been a shining beacon in the Law & Order world, and he will be sorely missed,” one fan shared. “This ending was perfect for Jack McCoy, and I hope Sam Waterston enjoys his retirement [red heart emoji].”
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NEW YORK CITY – DECEMBER 19: "Toil and Trouble" – Elsbeth is thrown into the world of television after the showrunner of a long-running police procedural is brutally murdered in his office, and although it appears to be the act of a disgruntled fan, she begins to suspect the show's longtime star Regina Coburn (Laurie Metcalf) who yearns for artistic fulfillment. Meanwhile, Judge Crawford (Michael Emerson) continues to be a thorn in Elsbeth's side, on the CBS original series ELSBETH, Thursday, Dec. 19 (10:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network, and streaming on Paramount+ (live and on demand for Paramount+ with SHOWTIME subscribers, or on demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers the day after the episode airs). Pictured (L-R): Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni and Carra Patterson as Kaya Blanke. (Photo by Michael Parmelee/CBS via Getty Images)







