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Jill Hennessy's Role Revived Law & Order's Ratings Boost

4/7/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Jill Hennessy (former star of Law & Order) said the series nearly canceled before she joined in 1993.
Creator Dick Wolf added female characters, including Jill Hennessy and S. Epatha Merkerson (actress), to boost ratings.
Their addition improved ratings significantly, fueling the show’s long-term success.
Law & Order has aired 25 seasons and spawned spinoffs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, now in its 27th season.

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Story summary

Jill Hennessy (former star of Law & Order) said the series nearly canceled before she joined in 1993.
Creator Dick Wolf added female characters, including Jill Hennessy and S. Epatha Merkerson (actress), to boost ratings.
Their addition improved ratings significantly, fueling the show’s long-term success.
Law & Order has aired 25 seasons and spawned spinoffs, including Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, now in its 27th season.