‘Law & Order’: How Camryn Manheim’s Dixon Was Written Off In Season 24 Premiere

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Camryn Manheim looks pensive with her hand on her cheek in a still from 'Law & Order'.

Camryn Manheim as Lt. Kate Dixon in 'Law & Order'. Will Hart/NBC via Getty Images

Law & Order fans finally have some closure around the abrupt departure of Camryn Manheim.

After the actress exited the show following last season, Thursday’s Season 24 premiere ‘Catch and Kill‘ finally explained the absence of Manheim’s Lieutenant Kate Dixon, who moves away with her deaf son Patrick (portrayed by James Caverly).

In the episode, Junior Detective Vincent Riley (Reid Scott) gets a text from Dixon. “Patrick got a great job at a school in Miami. Mom is tagging along. Didn’t want to make a big to-do about it, tears and all that. Come visit,” he reads the text to Shaw (Mehcad Brooks).

‘Catch and Kill’ also introduces Jessica Brady (Maura Tierney), replacing Dixon as the new commanding officer of the Manhattan North Homicide Squad’s 27th Precinct.

Following its original 20-season run from 1990 to 2010 on NBC, Manheim joined the cast when it was revived for Season 21 in 2022. Although her exit was announced in May, the Season 23 finale featured Dixon without any indication of her departure.

Camryn Manheim, Anthony Anderson and Jeffrey Donovan in Law & Order. Photo by: Virginia Sherwood/NBC

“I thank Camryn for her three wonderful seasons helping us relaunch Law & Order,” said creator Dick Wolf in a statement to Deadline at the time. “She is a class act and I wish her nothing but the best for her next chapter.”

Her exit came after returning star Sam Waterston previously departed his role as District Attorney Jack McCoy earlier in the season, with Tony Goldwyn replacing him as DA Nicholas Baxter.

Manheim also had small roles in Seasons 1, 3 and 4 of Law & Order.