The One Chicago franchise, which encompasses Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D., has witnessed many beloved cast members come and go over the years. On Thursday, June 26, another heart-wrenching exit rocked the Chicago P.D. universe. Toya Turner, who joined as a main cast member in season 12 and portrayed Kiana, officially announced she would not be returning for season 13.

Taking to Instagram, Turner expressed her gratitude for the journey, acknowledging how the show challenged and shaped her both as an artist and as a person. “My time on Chicago P.D. has come to a close,” she shared, “This show challenged me, sharpened me, and revealed what I’m made of. I’ve evolved through this experience, both as an artist and in my craft, and I’m walking away with depth, clarity, and momentum for whatever comes next.”

Her departure marks the end of a notable chapter, as Turner’s character Kiana brought a fresh dynamic to the Chicago P.D. team. Kiana, a skilled and determined officer, was part of the ATF Task Force, showcasing a strong-willed, “loose cannon” personality that captivated viewers. Showrunner Gwen Sigan praised Kiana’s addition to the show, noting her experience in the field, which added a unique layer to the show’s complex and often high-stakes world.

Fans of Turner’s portrayal of Kiana will surely miss her, but the departure of another central character in the One Chicago universe raises important questions. With each exit, including Turner’s, the fate of beloved characters can be uncertain, and casting changes within the franchise are becoming all too familiar.

In her message, Turner took the time to thank the cast and crew for their support and camaraderie. “To the cast and crew: thank you for the warmth, the laughter, and the generosity you brought every day,” she wrote. “It was an honor to share the screen and the set with such talent. To the ChiHards: thank you for welcoming me, rooting for me, and showing Kiana love.”

While Turner did not disclose the specific reason for her departure, the Chicago P.D. universe is no stranger to such changes. The franchise, known for its dynamic and often unpredictable storyline arcs, continues to bring in new characters and plotlines while bidding farewell to familiar faces. This revolving door of talent keeps the franchise fresh, though it’s also met with a mix of excitement and apprehension from fans.

Toya Turner is not the first to leave the One Chicago world, as the franchise has seen multiple actors come and go over the years. The impact of these exits, however, never seems to diminish. NBC’s President of Program Planning, Jeff Bader, addressed the concern regarding constant cast changes, emphasizing that the series continues to be successful despite these shifts. “Cast comes in, cast goes out,” Bader explained in a 2024 interview. “It’s interesting. Because every year there are cast changes, and every year someone asks the same question about what’s going on within the One Chicago universe. But [those shows] just keep going on.”

Despite the changes, Bader remained optimistic about the future of the franchise, adding, “We’re thrilled with how the Chicagos do on Wednesday. We have no plans on changing anything on that night.” The One Chicago series, particularly Chicago Fire, continues to enjoy high ratings and dedicated fan support, ensuring that the shows remain at the forefront of popular television.

Toya Turner’s departure from Chicago P.D. leaves fans wondering what lies ahead for the One Chicago universe. As the series gears up for the next season, Turner’s absence will surely leave a gap, but with new faces coming into the fold, the team must continue to adapt to new dynamics. The end of one chapter is merely the beginning of another, and the fate of Kiana is a reminder that, in the world of One Chicago, change is a constant that keeps viewers hooked.

For now, fans will have to wait and see what’s next for Chicago Fire and the One Chicago franchise as a whole. The loss of Toya Turner is undeniably significant, but with the unpredictable nature of the show, there’s no doubt that new and exciting twists are on the horizon. Stay tuned for more updates, as the One Chicago family continues to evolve, and the stories of our favourite characters move forward.