It’s the news no Chicago P.D. fan wanted to hear: Jesse Lee Soffer, the man behind the stoic, loyal, and deeply beloved Detective Jay Halstead, is leaving the show. After a decade of service in the Intelligence Unit, Season 10 marks the final chapter for Soffer’s character—and for fans, it’s truly the end of an era.
When Chicago P.D. first premiered in 2014, Halstead quickly became a cornerstone of the show. A military veteran with a strong moral code and a quiet intensity, Jay was the kind of cop who would fight for justice, even if it meant going against his superiors. Whether it was his brotherly bond with his team or his complicated love story with Detective Hailey Upton, Halstead was a fan favorite—steadfast, sharp, and fiercely human.
So when NBC announced that Jesse Lee Soffer would be exiting the series in Fall 2022, the fandom responded with a mixture of shock, sadness, and heartfelt gratitude.
“This is sad. Jay Halstead is the heart of Chicago P.D.,” one fan tweeted. “It won’t be the same without him.”
In a statement, Soffer expressed deep appreciation for his time on the show:
“I want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support throughout the last 10 years. To create this character and watch him grow has been a gift. I’m proud of my time as Detective Jay Halstead, and it’s been an honor to be part of this cast and crew.”
While the details of his character’s exit were kept under wraps prior to airing, fans began speculating immediately. Would Halstead be killed off? Reassigned? Could there be a heroic sacrifice? Whatever the outcome, viewers braced themselves for an emotional farewell.
And emotional it was.
Halstead’s final arc showed a man torn between his duty and his conscience. As the pressure of life in Intelligence escalated—and his marriage to Upton began to feel the strain—Halstead made a life-changing decision. His exit wasn’t a betrayal of who he was; it was the ultimate expression of his character: a man who refuses to lose himself in the darkness.
What makes Soffer’s departure hit even harder is that he was more than just a leading man—he was the glue that held the show together. His chemistry with Jason Beghe’s Hank Voight, his deepening relationship with Tracy Spiridakos’s Hailey Upton, and his dynamic with every member of the squad made him irreplaceable.
Behind the scenes, Soffer was just as respected. Cast and crew members often praised his professionalism, humility, and quiet leadership. It’s no surprise that his final days on set were marked by hugs, tears, and heartfelt tributes.
But just because Halstead has left the screen doesn’t mean he’ll be forgotten. Fans continue to celebrate his best moments: from intense interrogations to vulnerable conversations, from high-speed chases to quiet acts of kindness.
And while Jesse Lee Soffer is closing the chapter on Chicago P.D., this likely isn’t the end of his story. With his talent, presence, and growing interest behind the camera—he even returned to direct an episode in Season 10—it’s only a matter of time before we see him again, perhaps in a brand-new role or project that allows him to stretch his creative wings.
Until then, Detective Jay Halstead’s badge may be turned in, but his legacy lives on. In the hearts of fans, in the halls of the 21st District, and in every gripping moment that made Chicago P.D. one of the most compelling police dramas of the decade.
