Street Justice, Chicago Style: P.D. Takes No Prisoners

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There have been many Chicago P.D. roster changes over 12 seasons, and now another series regular is handing in their badge. While previous reports stated all One Chicago leads will return for the 2025-2026 season, only Jason Beghe’s name was on the list for Chicago P.D. As it turns out, the Chicago P.D. cast is getting smaller after all.

As reported by Variety, Toya Turner is leaving her role as Kiana Cook on Chicago P.D. after just one season. Kiana joined the Intelligence Unit in Chicago P.D. season 12, replacing Tracy Spiridakos’ Hailey Upton after her season 11 departure. Confirming her own exit ahead of Chicago P.D. season 13, Turner said goodbye in an Instagram post on Thursday, writing:

Toya Turner as Kiana Cook in Chicago P.D. season 12, episode 19

My time on Chicago P.D. has come to a close. This show challenged me, sharpened me, and revealed what I’m made of. I’ve evolved through this experience, both as an artist and in my craft, and I’m walking away with depth, clarity, and momentum for whatever comes next.

To the cast and crew: thank you for the warmth, the laughter, and the generosity you brought every day. It was an honor to share the screen and the set with such talent.

To the ChiHards: thank you for welcoming me, rooting for me, and showing Kiana love.

And to everyone who believes in me: your support means the world. I’m excited for the opportunities ahead.

In the wake of Turner’s departure, Deadline reports that Chicago P.D. is already looking to cast a new series regular for season 13. Rather than a direct stand-in for Kiana, her replacement character is described as a female loose cannon and former military member now working for the ATF Task Force.

While this casting change comes as a shock to fans who hoped to see more of Kiana Cook’s character moving forward, Turner didn’t leave her followers empty-handed. Her Instagram post contains several behind-the-scenes photos and videos, showing her on the set of both Chicago P.D. and the 2025 One Chicago crossover.

What Kiana’s Exit Means For Chicago P.D.

Her Character Was Never Fully Developed

Toya Turner’s departure could have significant effects on Chicago P.D. season 13, both onscreen and off. A particularly sad aspect of the latter is that Kim Burgess actor Marina Squerciati has specifically voiced excitement about her professional future with Turner. As she tells Deadline:

“I didn’t get a relationship with Tracy [Spiridakos]. I have talked about that in the press. That made me sad. I would love to see a female relationship blossom on this show. I really love Toya [Turner], and she’s a fresh voice on the show. I also feel like [Kim is] a bit of a mentor to Cook, and I’d love to see that grow as well.”

Not only will Burgess lose a friend, but she’s now being replaced with someone described as a loose cannon, a term that hardly describes Cook. And this loose cannon is arriving on the heels of Reid’s Chicago P.D. season 12 death, meaning Kiana’s replacement could be making waves right as Chapman suspects the unit’s lead of conspiracy to commit murder.

But if anything could rank Kiana’s exit as one of the most upsetting One Chicago departures in recent history, it’s that Chicago P.D. barely had a chance to scratch the surface of her character’s story. Any questions about Kiana will now remain unanswered, and it’s not even entirely clear why.

Our Take On The New Chicago P.D. Casting Change

There’s Going To Be Speculation About Why She Left

The lack of explanation for Turner’s departure could be problematic if even a fraction of the fanbase begins theorizing that it relates to why Sophia Bush left Chicago P.D. as Erin Lindsay. Bush notoriously left the series claiming behind-the-scenes abuse, and Turner’s positive farewell message might not quell similar gossip since it took Bush a year to open up about the matter.

But regardless of why Turner left, the best fans can do is hope the transition is well-managed. Kiana will be missed, but there’s little choice now but to welcome her replacement with open arms and wish them both the best. Maybe Chicago P.D. is closing a door, but hopefully windows will continue opening for both the series and Turner’s career.

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