When fans think of Chicago P.D., a few names instantly come to mind — Sgt. Trudy Platt, played by the commanding Amy Morton, and Officer Kevin Atwater, portrayed by the charismatic LaRoyce Hawkins. Both have been core members of the series for years, with strong character arcs and undeniable presence. But surprisingly, when tallying up the number of episode appearances across all 12 seasons, neither Morton nor Hawkins lands in the top three. And that fact has left Chicago P.D. fans buzzing.
Who Made the Top 3?
As of the end of Season 12, the three actors who have appeared in the most episodes of Chicago P.D. are:
- Jason Beghe (Hank Voight) – Unquestionably the face of the show, Jason Beghe has been a part of every single episode since the pilot aired in 2014. As the controversial yet captivating Sergeant Hank Voight, Beghe’s commanding performance has anchored the series through cast exits, crossovers, and tonal shifts.
- Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) – Despite leaving the series in Season 10, Soffer racked up an impressive number of episodes. With his complex portrayal of Detective Jay Halstead, he was a fan-favorite and constant presence throughout the show’s early and middle years. His absence is still felt, but his episode count remains high.
- Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) – As Adam Ruzek, Flueger has been a series mainstay since the beginning. Though his character has faced countless ups and downs — from undercover missions to relationship turmoil — Ruzek’s longevity and emotional depth have earned him a spot in the top three.
Why Not Amy Morton or LaRoyce Hawkins?
At first glance, it feels almost criminal to leave out Amy Morton and LaRoyce Hawkins, especially considering how deeply ingrained they are in the show’s DNA. But when breaking down the numbers, the reasoning becomes clear — both actors joined the series later than others or took on roles that, while impactful, were not present in every episode.
Amy Morton’s Sgt. Platt didn’t appear in the pilot and wasn’t a part of every storyline in the early seasons. While her role grew into a fan-favorite — often serving as the moral compass of the precinct — she wasn’t always front and center. LaRoyce Hawkins’ Kevin Atwater, on the other hand, has been around since Season 1, but he hasn’t appeared in every single episode. Atwater’s screen time has fluctuated over the years due to storyline focus, and he sometimes took a backseat when the narrative centered around other characters like Halstead, Ruzek, or Upton.
When this fact surfaced on social media, fans reacted with a mix of shock and curiosity. One fan on Reddit commented, “How is LaRoyce Hawkins not in the top three? He feels like he’s in every episode.” Another fan chimed in, “Amy Morton is the backbone of the station. This doesn’t feel right!”
This discrepancy between presence and perception speaks volumes about how certain characters, even when absent from an episode or two, leave such a strong impression that viewers assume they’re always there. Platt’s sass and Atwater’s integrity have become foundational elements of the show. While Jason Beghe, Jesse Lee Soffer, and Patrick John Flueger may lead the numbers game, there’s no doubt that actors like Morton and Hawkins provide the emotional and ethical depth that keeps fans coming back. It’s a classic case of quantity versus quality — and in Chicago P.D., both matter.
Hawkins, in particular, has delivered some of the show’s most powerful scenes dealing with race, justice, and policing. His performance in episodes like “Night in Chicago” and “Black and Blue” earned praise not just from fans but also from critics. Morton, meanwhile, has brought nuance and gravity to every sarcastic one-liner and quiet moment in the bullpen. With Season 13 confirmed and already sparking interest due to new casting announcements and storyline teases, it’ll be interesting to see if these rankings shift. If LaRoyce Hawkins continues his strong presence and Amy Morton’s rumored retirement doesn’t materialize, both actors could climb the ranks quickly.
Additionally, the departure of longtime cast members like Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) opens the door for more screen time for existing characters — a potential boost for Morton and Hawkins. Ultimately, episode counts don’t tell the whole story. While it’s fascinating to analyze who appears the most, the emotional resonance of characters like Platt and Atwater can’t be measured by numbers alone. They’re the soul of the 21st District — reminding viewers of the show’s core values: loyalty, resilience, and justice. So whether they’re technically in the top three or not, Amy Morton and LaRoyce Hawkins are undeniably among Chicago P.D.’s greatest assets. And for fans, that’s more than enough.
