Fans of Chicago P.D. were left scratching their heads when Marina Squerciati, who plays fan-favorite Officer Kim Burgess, was noticeably absent from the highly anticipated Season 12 premiere. Speculation ran wild, with theories ranging from scheduling conflicts to major behind-the-scenes drama. But now, Squerciati herself has spoken out, putting all the rumors to rest and revealing the real reason behind her absence.
Why Was Burgess Missing from the Season 12 Opener?
In an exclusive interview, Squerciati candidly addressed her absence from the first episode, explaining that her temporary departure was not due to contract issues or a hidden storyline twist, but rather a personal matter that required her attention. “I know fans were wondering why Burgess wasn’t there in the premiere, and I promise—it’s nothing scandalous!” she said with a laugh. “It was just one of those situations where life outside of Chicago P.D. called, and thankfully, the team was super supportive.” While she didn’t dive into too many specifics, she assured fans that her absence was only temporary and that she would be back on screen sooner than they think.
Addressing the Rumors: No Drama Here!
Ever since fans noticed Burgess missing from the Season 12 premiere, rumors began swirling. Some speculated that Squerciati was quietly being written out of the show, while others worried about possible contract disputes. Some even thought the absence meant a major shake-up in the Burgess-Ruzek (Burzek) relationship storyline. Squerciati shut down those rumors immediately: “I saw some of the wild theories online, and I have to say, fans are creative! But no, I’m not leaving, and there’s no contract drama. I just needed a little time off, and the show was amazing about it.”
What Does This Mean for Burgess in Season 12?
With Squerciati set to return shortly after the premiere, the big question is—what’s next for Burgess? At the end of Season 11, Burgess and Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) were finally in a good place, having overcome a rollercoaster of obstacles in their relationship. Burgess had also continued proving herself as one of Intelligence’s most formidable officers, tackling intense cases while balancing motherhood. Now that she’s back, fans can expect big moments for Burgess in upcoming episodes. With a new dynamic within the Intelligence Unit and plenty of unresolved tension in Chicago’s criminal underworld, Burgess will have her hands full.
Marina Squerciati’s Message to Fans
Knowing that fans were worried about her absence, Squerciati took a moment to thank them for their unwavering support: “I can’t tell you how much it means to have fans who care so much. I promise Burgess is coming back stronger than ever, and there’s some exciting stuff ahead this season. Thank you for always being the best fans in the world!”
Burgess Is Back—And Ready for Action!
While the Chicago P.D. Season 12 premiere may have felt incomplete without Kim Burgess, fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that Marina Squerciati’s return is right around the corner. With more action, intense cases, and undoubtedly some Burzek moments ahead, her comeback is bound to be worth the wait. One thing’s for sure—Burgess is never one to back down, and Season 12 will prove once again why she’s one of Chicago P.D.’s most beloved characters!
