Law & Order Guest Debuts Sixth Character in Franchise

Actress Susan Misner has now played more Law & Order characters than Stranger Things star David Harbour.

Mar. 14, 2026 at 2:20am

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In the latest episode of NBC's Law & Order Season 25, actress Susan Misner debuted her sixth character in the Law & Order franchise, playing attorney Allison Whitt. Misner has now played more characters across the Law & Order shows than Stranger Things star David Harbour, who previously held the record with five. While Misner's character lost her case in the episode, the actress's appearance marks an impressive milestone in her career, having portrayed characters in the Law & Order universe for over a quarter century.

Why it matters

The ability for actors to reprise multiple roles across the expansive Dick Wolf television universe, which includes Law & Order, FBI, and One Chicago shows, speaks to the longevity and popularity of these franchises. While some viewers may find it jarring for actors to play different characters, it has become a common practice that allows the shows to feature familiar faces. Misner's six-character milestone underscores how deeply embedded she is within the Dick Wolf world of television.

The details

In the latest Law & Order episode 'Bright Lights', Susan Misner played the role of attorney Allison Whitt, who was tasked with defending a husband accused of murdering his wife. Despite Misner's character losing the case, her appearance marked the sixth time she has portrayed a character in the Law & Order franchise. This surpasses the previous record held by Stranger Things actor David Harbour, who had five Law & Order characters to his name.

  • Susan Misner first appeared in the Law & Order franchise nearly two decades ago.
  • Her latest role as Allison Whitt in 'Bright Lights' aired on March 14, 2026.

The players

Susan Misner

An actress who has now played six different characters across the Law & Order franchise, more than any other actor.

David Harbour

An actor who previously held the record for most Law & Order characters played, with five.

Allison Whitt

The character played by Susan Misner in the latest Law & Order episode 'Bright Lights', a defense attorney who lost her case.

Nolan Price

The Assistant District Attorney who prosecuted the case against Misner's character Allison Whitt.

Remy

A character from the Dick Wolf series FBI: Most Wanted, who Misner also portrayed in a key role.

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What they’re saying

“Rarely does an episode of Law & Order or Law & Order: SVU air without a guest star or two who already has at least one credit within the same franchise, with a very long list of returnees that even includes series regulars like Tony Goldwyn and Kelli Giddish.”

— Laura Hurley, Author (cinemablend.com)

“Suffice it to say that if you're a stickler about actors never playing more than one character in one TV world, you might not enjoy any of the Law & Order shows, any of the FBI shows, any of the One Chicago shows, and/or CIA as the newest entry on CBS.”

— Laura Hurley, Author (cinemablend.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Allison Whitt, the defense attorney played by Susan Misner, to remain on the case.

The takeaway

Susan Misner's ability to portray six different characters across the expansive Dick Wolf television universe, including Law & Order and FBI: Most Wanted, underscores the longevity and popularity of these franchises that allow for familiar faces to appear in multiple roles over the course of decades.