The One Chicago franchise is no stranger to change, but the latest announcement from Chicago P.D. has left fans reeling. As NBC’s gritty police drama prepares for its 13th season, it will do so without one of its key cast members. This departure marks yet another significant shift for the series, following a string of notable exits across the broader One Chicago universe. As the dust settles, fans are left wondering what’s next for the Intelligence Unit—and how many more farewells they can handle.
The identity of the departing cast member was confirmed just weeks before filming for Season 13 was set to begin. While NBC has yet to release a full statement outlining the reasons for the departure, insiders have hinted that the decision stems from a combination of creative direction and the actor’s personal career goals.
This exit doesn’t just impact Chicago P.D.—it signals a larger trend in the One Chicago franchise. In recent years, each of the connected shows (Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D.) has seen beloved characters leave, either by shocking on-screen deaths, dramatic transfers, or sudden unexplained disappearances. With this latest loss, the franchise seems to be entering a transitional phase, shedding some of its legacy characters to make room for new blood. While showrunners have promised an “emotional and meaningful exit,” fans can’t help but feel the sting. The departing actor played a central role in the ensemble—contributing to key investigations, anchoring interpersonal dynamics, and delivering some of the show’s most powerful moments. Whether leading a case or providing support to their fellow officers, their presence was a consistent and steady force.
The character’s journey has not been without hardship. Over the seasons, they’ve experienced physical danger, personal trauma, and career dilemmas that have tested their resolve. Yet, they always returned stronger. That resilience made them a fan favorite—and their absence will undoubtedly leave a void. With the cast shakeup now official, the writers of Chicago P.D. are facing a major storytelling challenge. This isn’t a background character being written out quietly. This is a core member of the Intelligence Unit—a character whose relationships with others will be impossible to ignore.
Season 12 ended with numerous unresolved plot threads. There were growing tensions between Intelligence and the higher-ups, complicated romantic entanglements, and a looming question about the team’s future leadership. The departure adds another layer to that uncertainty. Will the character be killed off, transferred, or quietly disappear? Showrunner Gwen Sigan has remained tight-lipped but teased that the exit will be addressed early in the new season:
“We wanted to give this character the farewell they deserve—one that honors their arc while staying true to the reality of the show. It’s going to be emotional.”
As the news spread, current and former Chicago P.D. cast members shared their reactions online. Jason Beghe (Hank Voight), the show’s unshakable anchor, posted a heartfelt tribute:
“You don’t just work alongside someone for years and walk away unchanged. This cast member brought heart, soul, and fire. We’ll miss them deeply.” Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton), who herself is rumored to be nearing the end of her time on the show, posted a behind-the-scenes photo with the caption: “So many memories. So much respect. Wishing you nothing but the best on your next chapter.”
Unsurprisingly, the fanbase took to social media in droves, expressing heartbreak, frustration, and concern about the future of the series. Some loyal viewers even questioned whether the show could maintain its identity without so many of its original cast members. Reddit threads and fan forums lit up with speculation about who might step in to fill the void. While newcomers like Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) have brought fresh energy to the squad, they haven’t yet built the emotional history that made the original team feel like family.
This exit follows several high-profile departures from across the One Chicago franchise in the last two years. Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) left Chicago P.D. in Season 10, and the exit of Kara Killmer from Chicago Fire sent fans into mourning. Chicago Med has seen similar upheaval, with original cast members leaving to pursue other opportunities. Some fans have questioned whether NBC is clearing the deck for a new generation of stars—or whether behind-the-scenes shifts are making it harder for actors to commit long-term. With streaming platforms offering more flexible filming schedules and creative freedom, network shows like Chicago P.D. face stiff competition for top-tier talent.
Despite the heartbreak, there’s still hope. Chicago P.D. has a proven track record of reinventing itself. When Elias Koteas’ Alvin Olinsky was killed off, fans doubted the show could survive. But it adapted. When Halstead left, a new emotional dynamic emerged between Burgess, Ruzek, and Upton. Now, the stage is set once again for a reinvention. Season 13 could explore deeper power struggles within the CPD, give more screen time to underused characters like Kevin Atwater, and introduce fresh perspectives through new hires. Voight may find himself in conflict with rising forces in the department. And the emotional fallout from this departure will likely echo throughout the team.
