The renowned detective show ‘Law & Order‘ has been revived for its 22nd season! Fans still love the show irrespective of its hiatus after 2010 and a comeback in 2022. However, fans, unfortunately, could not see Anthony Anderson as Detective Kevin Bernard. Anthony has been a part of the series since he replaced Jesse L. Martin, who played Detective Ed Green. He joined the cast in 2008 and continued till the series ended in 2010.
However, the series returned to its glory after the hiatus with the 21st season. Anthony did make a comeback, but he discontinued after the pilot revival season. He was excited to be back on the show, but what led to the discontinuation? And will the audience see Detective Bernard again?
Also Read: Law And Order Actress Mary Mara Found Dead At 61 After Drowning In New York River
“I Wanted To Create Things That I Have Ownership In”: Anthony Anderson On His Exit
Before rejoining the revival season of ‘Law & Order,’ Anthony was running the show ‘black-ish.’ He also played Andre Johnson in the show. In 2021, he announced the end of the sitcom. The same year he announced his return as Detective Kevin Bernard on the show. At the time, in an interview, he explained about reviving a decade-older character.
He replied, “You know, a lot of people ask why, and I say why not? It’s the opportunity to go back and reprise [my] character, and have a little fun in the dramatic space for a little while.”
The show aired earlier this year but did not confirm the return of Anderson. There were reports making the rounds that the ‘Scream 4’ actor had a one-season contract. In July, the actor cited the reason for the exit. He said, “I wanted to go off and create more shows like Black-ish, create things that I have ownership in, and do something a little bit different.”
Also Read: Emmy Awards 2022: Netflix’s Arcane And NBC’s Annie Live Among The Winners
Is There Any Chance That The Actor Will Join The Show?
‘Law and Order’ returned for Season 22 with a mega-crossover with ‘SVU’ and ‘Organized Crime.’ In the three-part crossover, there was no mention of Detective Bernard due to his departure after Season 21. In the show, Anthony’s character was paired with Jeffrey Donovan’s character Frank Cosgrove. However, the ‘Supergirl’ alumnus Mehcad Brook replaced Anthony in the latest season as Jalen Shaw.
However, in August, Rick Eid, the showrunner made it clear that Bernard will be briefly mentioned in the second episode of the new season. In an interview with Cinemablend at D23, Anthony talked about the return to the show, but it will all depend on Dick Wolf, the creator of ‘Law & Order.’
The actor said, “Oh well, you know, that’s up to Dick Wolf and NBC Universal. I wouldn’t have a problem going back, but we wanted to test the waters and see what else was out there and to develop some new things.” So, there is still a ray of hope for the fandom!
Also Read: D23 Expo 2022: Everything You Need To Know About The Ultimate Disney Fan Meet
