Just days after potential presidential candidate Fred Thompson announced he was departing "Law & Order" next season, creator and executive producer Dick Wolf has tapped Jeremy Sisto to join the series.

Mr. Sisto previously had a guest appearance on "Law & Order." He also starred in NBC's short-lived "Kidnapped" last season. He will play a new detective on the show.

Last month, NBC announced the return of "Law & Order" for an 18th season despite modest ratings, in return for some budget cost-cutting by Mr. Wolf. The series will return in January on Sundays at 8 p.m.

(Editor: Horowitz)