What to Watch: Law & Order's Return, Family Drama on Georgie & Mandy, and Liam Hemsworth in The Witcher

This Thursday, September 28, marks the return of Ryan Eggold to NBC's Law & Order for its 25th season, an important milestone for the long-running franchise. Eggold, who portrays Detective Eliott Stabler, previously appeared in the series from 2020 until the end of Season 24, which concluded on May 25, 2023. This marks his first reappearance since that finale.

The Law & Order franchise has a storied history, with the original series debuting in 1990. The revival of the show in 2022 became notable for its ability to maintain significant viewership, averaging 5.9 million viewers per episode during its last season. With Eggold’s return, industry experts expect the viewership numbers to remain strong as familiar faces can attract a loyal audience.

Simultaneously, Zoe Perry returns to her leading role in the family drama Georgie & Mandy. This follow-up to the successful spinoff, Georgie, first premiered on January 24, 2023, and is now in its second season. Remarkably, the show has garnered a 72% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating positive reception from both fans and critics alike.

Furthermore, today also marks the continuation of the beloved fantasy series The Witcher, which will feature Liam Hemsworth in the lead role, succeeding Henry Cavill. Hemsworth's casting was announced in October 2022, with Cavill's last episode aired on July 27, 2023, concluding Season 3. This transition echoes similar changes in franchises, such as when Matt Smith replaced Peter Capaldi in Doctor Who, an event that garnered mixed reactions from fans.

Sources confirm that Hemsworth has undergone intensive training for the role, utilizing a regimen that includes sword fighting and language coaching to embody Geralt more authentically. The Witcher has reportedly attracted viewership peaks of 76 million during its Season 1 debut, signifying the significant interest in this franchise.

The family dynamic in Georgie & Mandy could also draw comparisons to past series like This Is Us, which effectively highlighted familial relationships and garnered numerous accolades during its six-season run, concluding on May 24, 2022.

As for upcoming projects, Ryan Eggold has a recurring role in the upcoming NBC series Medical Review, set to premiere in early 2024, while Zoe Perry is expected to continue in Georgie & Mandy for the foreseeable future, with a Season 3 renewal already anticipated by fans.

In summary, Thursday evening is packed with significant television offerings, from the return of Detective Stabler on Law & Order to the new adventures in The Witcher. The convergence of these narratives highlights ongoing trends in entertainment, where beloved characters return, and new adaptations spark renewed interest.