The delay of Season 12, Episode 20 isn’t due to any production issues, behind-the-scenes drama, or cast changes. Instead, it’s a calculated move by NBC as part of a broader programming strategy during one of the most critical periods of the television calendar: May sweeps. For those unfamiliar, May sweeps is when major networks aim to attract the highest possible ratings in order to set advertising rates for the next season. This window is so important that shows often save their most explosive and emotionally charged episodes for this period to maximize viewership.
NBC, knowing the popularity and momentum of Chicago P.D., has shifted the schedule to ensure the final stretch of the season lands during this time. By doing so, they not only boost ratings but also give the show its best shot at ending Season 12 on a high note. It’s not the first time Chicago P.D. has made such a move, and it likely won’t be the last. But for fans, the extra week of waiting has sparked questions — and theories — about what Episode 20 could bring.
So, when exactly will Episode 20 air? According to NBC’s updated schedule, the next new episode is set to premiere on Wednesday, May 15, 2025, in its usual 10 PM EST timeslot. This gives fans a brief hiatus before the final three episodes of the season play out back-to-back. It also places the finale squarely in late May, setting the stage for an intense, potentially game-changing conclusion.
While the delay may seem like a hiccup, it could actually signal something big. Shows like Chicago P.D. are known for using strategic delays to build hype for major plot twists. Think shocking deaths, dramatic exits, or season-ending cliffhangers that leave viewers talking all summer long. There’s already speculation swirling around potential character departures, with rumors that a longtime series regular might be preparing to say goodbye before Season 13 begins. And with the show’s writers leaning heavily into personal story arcs this season—especially for Ruzek, Burgess, Atwater, and Voight—it wouldn’t be surprising to see something major unfold.
So, what can fans expect when Episode 20 finally airs? Though NBC has kept most details under wraps, early teasers suggest the episode will be high-stakes, emotionally complex, and centered on a controversial case that pushes the unit to its limits. Burgess and Ruzek, now navigating both their romantic and professional relationship, will find themselves at odds as the pressure of the job clashes with their desire to rebuild their family. Meanwhile, Atwater may face a moral dilemma that threatens his future on the force, and Voight is rumored to confront a political rival who’s been pulling strings behind the scenes.
This mid-May return is not just about timing — it’s also about building momentum. By slowing the pace slightly, NBC allows tension to simmer, anticipation to grow, and conversations to thrive online. Already, fan forums and social media pages are filled with theories about what’s coming. Some fans believe the show is setting up a multi-episode arc that could serve as a backdoor pilot for a spinoff. Others are convinced a fan-favorite character from earlier seasons could return — either as an ally or an unexpected threat.
The delay also gives new and casual viewers a chance to catch up. With Chicago P.D. Season 12 episodes streaming on Peacock, the brief pause serves as a buffer for those who might have fallen behind. It’s a subtle but clever way to boost viewership numbers and bring more eyes to the season’s final act.
