Is S. Epatha Merkerson in the Law & Order reboot?

S. Epatha Merkerson is beloved by One Chicago fans as Sharon Goodwin, but the rest of the world probably knows her as Anita Van Buren. Van Buren is the character she played on Law & Order from 1993 to 2010, a staggering time span that saw the actress nominated for several awards.

Merkerson made the transition to Chicago Med shortly after Law & Order went off the air, but the new reboot has led some fans to question whether she would dust off the badge and return as Van Buren.

Here’s what you need to know about the Law & Order reboot and Merkerson’s involvement.

Is Anita Van Buren in the Law & Order reboot?

Law & Order returned on February 24, and the episode brought with it several new characters. One of these characters is Lieutenant Kate Dixon, who’s played by actress Camryn Manheim and quickly set up as the successor to Van Buren.

Van Buren does not appear in the episode, and given the casting of a character as a replacement, it’s safe to assume that she will not be involved with the rest of season 21. TV Line confirmed the actress’ decision to not return, citing her commitment to Chicago Med as the primary reason.

Merkerson is one of several of performers who have appeared in multiple Dick Wolf shows, but she may just be the most notable. In addition to starring on Law & Order and Chicago Med, she’s made guest spots on spinoffs like Law & Order: Criminal Intent and Trial by Jury. When placed in the context of the other One Chicago shows, it might just be easier to find a Wolf show that the actress hasn’t appeared in.

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Merkerson has had plenty of screen time to shine during Chicago Med season 7. Her character has been pivotal in the undercover operation that drove the first batch of episodes, and it was revealed that she’s battling health issues caused by diabetes.

The storyline was particularly important to Merkerson, who’s been open about her own struggles with diabetes. “I think whenever you have the opportunity to voice something like that, it’s a public service to the community”, she told Shadow and Act.

While it would’ve been nice to see Van Buren return to the small screen, we’re glad to know that Merkerson is here to stay as Chicago Med‘s Goodwin.

For the latest Chicago Med season 7 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago Med category at One Chicago Center.