> At a Glance
> – TV icon Christopher Meloni headlines the January 9, 2026 PEOPLE Puzzler crossword
> – Puzzle drops every Friday in the free PEOPLE app
> – Photo features the _Law & Order_ star in a playful 128-pixel thumbnail
> – Why it matters: Fans get a weekly brain teaser starring their favorite small-screen detective
Crossword lovers can spend Friday tackling clues inspired by Christopher Meloni, the actor who redefined brooding detectives on _Law & Order_.
Puzzle Drop Details
The grid arrived January 9, 2026, crafted by longtime PEOPLE contributor Patrick Merrell, who has supplied crosswords to the outlet since 2008. A cropped headshot of Meloni-snapped by Amy Sussman-serves as the visual cue above the 18 Across clue list.
- Free to play anytime in the PEOPLE app
- Streak tracking for daily solvers
- Easy sharing for bragging rights
How to Play
Download the PEOPLE app, open the Puzzler section, and tap the January 9 edition. Themed answers revolve around Meloni’s career highlights, from _SVU_ to his latest spin-off.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Daily puzzles | New challenge every morning |
| Offline mode | Solve without Wi-Fi |
| Leaderboard | Compare times with friends |
Key Takeaways
- Christopher Meloni is the crossword celebrity of the week
- Puzzles release every Friday inside the PEOPLE app
- No cost to play; streaks tracked automatically
- Grid celebrates the actor’s decades on network TV
Grab your morning coffee and test your pop-culture IQ with the latest PEOPLE Puzzler.
