The heart of Chicago P.D. lies not just in its pulse-pounding action or intricate crime stories but in the raw, authentic chemistry between its characters, particularly the beloved couples Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek (Burzek) and Hailey Upton and Jay Halstead (Upstead). Portrayed by Marina Squerciati, Patrick John Flueger, Tracy Spiridakos, and Jesse Lee Soffer, these characters have become fan favorites, their on-screen romances amplified by the genuine friendships and camaraderie among the actors off-screen.
Let’s start with Burzek, the couple whose rollercoaster romance has kept fans on edge since Season 1. In Episode 15, “A Beautiful Friendship,” Adam Ruzek, played by Patrick John Flueger, risks his engagement to kiss Kim Burgess, portrayed by Marina Squerciati, in a moment that sparked a fandom frenzy. The scene’s electricity—Ruzek’s impulsive lean-in, Burgess’s hesitant yet longing response—owes much to the actors’ real-life rapport. In a 2024 Hollywood Reporter interview, Squerciati described Flueger as her “work husband,” noting how their decade-long friendship allows them to improvise emotional scenes with ease. This bond shines in Season 12’s “Demons” (Episode 18), where Burzek faces a corrupt Deputy Chief, Charlie Reid. The quiet moment when Burgess rests her head on Ruzek’s shoulder after a tense confrontation is achingly tender, a testament to Squerciati and Flueger’s ability to convey unspoken love. A behind-the-scenes clip, shared on NBC’s YouTube channel, shows them laughing between takes, with Flueger teasing Squerciati about her “overly dramatic sigh,” adding a layer of authenticity that fans adore.
Burzek’s real-life chemistry isn’t just about laughter; it’s about trust. Season 7, Episode 8 (“No Regrets”) is a gut-punch, as Burgess suffers a miscarriage after a brutal case. Squerciati’s raw performance, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, is elevated by Flueger’s subtle portrayal of Ruzek’s helplessness. Off-screen, the actors supported each other through this heavy storyline, with Flueger revealing in a 2023 TVLine podcast that they rehearsed late into the night to get the emotions right. This dedication translates into moments like Season 10’s finale, where Burzek’s therapy sessions rebuild their bond as they co-parent their adopted daughter, Makayla. A 30-second Instagram Reel of their heartfelt embrace, captioned “Burzek’s real friendship fuels their love! 💕 #ChicagoPD,” paired with a blooper of Squerciati tripping over a prop, will charm new viewers, showing the warmth behind the drama.
Upstead, meanwhile, is Chicago P.D.’s slow-burn masterpiece, brought to life by Tracy Spiridakos and Jesse Lee Soffer. Their journey from partners to lovers culminates in Season 9, Episode 9 (“A Way Out”), with a wedding that had fans swooning. The scene, where Halstead vows to love Upton “forever,” is made unforgettable by the actors’ chemistry—Spiridakos’s radiant smile, Soffer’s steady gaze. A 2025 First For Women article hinted at a rumored off-screen romance between the two, adding intrigue that fans on X have speculated about since Season 7. Behind-the-scenes footage, shared on TikTok, captures Spiridakos and Soffer joking during rehearsal, with Soffer mimicking Halstead’s serious demeanor, only to crack up when Spiridakos mimics his “cop stance.” This playful dynamic enhances scenes like Season 8’s “Signs of Violence,” where Upstead confronts shared trauma. A YouTube “Cast Confessions” video, featuring Soffer discussing how he and Spiridakos built Upstead’s trust, will draw viewers into their arc, ending with a prompt to “Stream Season 8 on Peacock.”
The real-life bonds extend beyond the couples. Squerciati, Flueger, Spiridakos, and Soffer are part of a tight-knit Chicago P.D. family, often seen together at cast events or sharing inside jokes on social media. A 2024 Instagram post from @NBCChicagoPD showed them celebrating Flueger’s birthday on set, with Squerciati playfully smearing cake on his face. This camaraderie fuels the show’s authenticity, making moments like Season 12’s “Seen and Unseen” (Episode 16) resonate. In this episode, Burgess solves a mass murder case near her home, with Ruzek’s unwavering support. A fan-driven X thread, using #ChicagoPDBTS, will compile cast selfies and bloopers, encouraging viewers to share their favorite behind-the-scenes moments.
The real-life chemistry of Squerciati, Flueger, Spiridakos, and Soffer is Chicago P.D.’s heartbeat, turning Burzek and Upstead into more than characters—they’re stories of trust, love, and resilience. Whether it’s Burzek’s tender moments in Season 10 or Upstead’s passionate vows in Season 9, the actors’ friendships make every scene feel alive. Imagine watching Flueger and Squerciati banter on set, then seeing their characters fight for each other in “Demons,” or witnessing Spiridakos and Soffer’s playful rapport translate into Upstead’s intense loyalty. These connections are what make Chicago P.D. unmissable.
