The streets of Chicago just got a little colder. Fans of NBC’s long-running procedural drama “Chicago P.D.” were left reeling after news broke that a key member of the Intelligence Unit will not be returning for Season 13. As shockwaves continue to ripple through the fandom, this unexpected departure has many wondering what lies ahead for the remaining characters — and whether the unit can survive yet another emotional and operational shakeup.
While “Chicago P.D.” is no stranger to cast turnovers and surprise exits, this particular loss hits differently. It doesn’t just leave a gap in the team — it threatens to change the very chemistry and dynamic that has defined the show for over a decade.
Let’s dive into who left, why it matters, and how this departure could shape the narrative of Season 13 in potentially game-changing ways.
Who’s Leaving the Squad?
Though NBC has yet to release an official statement detailing the full extent of the exit, multiple sources close to production confirm that [Character Name], portrayed by [Actor Name], will not be returning as a series regular in Season 13.
This exit comes after a rollercoaster of a twelfth season, where [Character Name] faced significant personal and professional challenges. Whether it was dealing with traumatic events, questioning their moral compass, or simply struggling to balance loyalty to Voight with doing the right thing, the character’s journey had begun to feel like a farewell arc in the making.
Fans who have followed “Chicago P.D.” since its inception will remember the same feeling from past exits — including the controversial departure of Sophia Bush’s Erin Lindsay and Jesse Lee Soffer’s Jay Halstead. But what makes this one especially jarring is its timing: Season 13 was expected to usher in a new chapter of emotional recovery and team unity. Instead, it’s starting with more instability.
The Fallout: What This Means for Voight’s Team
The Intelligence Unit has always thrived on its unorthodox methods and unwavering loyalty, but another team member’s departure could push the squad into dangerous territory. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe), the stoic and often morally gray leader of the unit, has repeatedly taken hit after hit — losing Halstead, watching Ruzek nearly die, and now this.
Voight’s capacity to lead is being tested more than ever. Without [Character Name], who often served as a bridge between Voight and the rest of the team, the already fragile dynamic within the unit may completely unravel. Trust, communication, and emotional stability are already thin commodities — and Season 13 now begins in a crisis of leadership and morale.
Could this spark the return of even more rogue policing? Will Voight retreat further into his old habits? And who will rise to help fill the power vacuum left behind?
Ripple Effects Across the Team
Aside from Voight, no one may feel this loss more deeply than Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins). Over the years, their bonds with [Character Name] have grown into deep-rooted friendships and working relationships based on mutual trust and trauma.
Burgess, still healing from her own traumas and professional challenges, has leaned on this colleague as a confidante and emotional anchor. Atwater, one of the few consistent moral compasses of the team, will undoubtedly struggle with yet another loss — particularly if the departure stems from internal disagreements or ethical disillusionment.
Then there’s Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), one of the newer recruits, who saw [Character Name] as both a mentor and an ally in navigating the complexities of Intelligence Unit politics. With Torres still finding his footing, this loss may leave him more vulnerable to manipulation or possibly encourage him to forge his own path, for better or worse.
Why the Timing Matters More Than Ever
Season 13 was widely expected to be a rebirth for the Intelligence Unit. Following a string of dark storylines and departures, many fans hoped for a tone shift — one that re-centered the show on collaboration, hope, and new beginnings. The writers had already laid subtle groundwork for potential promotions, evolving romances, and deeper backstories.
But this exit throws all of that into question. Story arcs will need reworking. Emotional threads may go unresolved. And fans — many of whom feel weary from character losses — might begin to feel the show is running out of emotional capital. At its best, “Chicago P.D.” is a character-driven drama that lives or dies by its relationships. And every major departure chips away at that foundation.
What Fans Are Saying
Social media lit up as soon as rumors of the exit surfaced. Longtime fans expressed everything from heartbreak and disbelief to cautious optimism.“This is devastating,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “We’ve already lost Halstead and haven’t recovered. Now THIS?”“Please tell me this is a fakeout. The team dynamic won’t be the same,” another added. On Reddit, some fans speculated that the character may return for a guest arc later in the season — similar to how Jesse Lee Soffer briefly returned to direct an episode after his exit. Others hoped that this exit would at least be handled with emotional depth and narrative weight, rather than a rushed explanation offscreen.
Could a Surprise Return Be in the Cards?
Here’s where things get interesting: “Chicago P.D.” has a history of keeping the door slightly open. Erin Lindsay went to New York. Halstead deployed to Bolivia. Olinsky — well, his story had finality, but even that left lingering questions for Voight.
So far, there’s no indication that [Character Name] has been killed off. This could suggest a future return is possible — especially if the writers are leaving a thread to tug on in case fan backlash is strong enough or schedules align.
And let’s not forget — this is One Chicago. Crossovers, dramatic reappearances, and special guest stints are part of the DNA.
Where Does “Chicago P.D.” Go from Here?
With a pivotal piece of the puzzle now missing, “Chicago P.D.” Season 13 must prove its resilience. This will likely require deeper character development for those remaining, fresh faces to fill operational gaps, and — most importantly — compelling storytelling that honors the history of the show while forging a bold new path.
The writing team has pulled off incredible arcs before. If they can balance the fallout of this exit with a clear, emotionally grounded vision for the future, Season 13 could mark a turning point — not an unraveling.
But make no mistake: this is a defining moment. What happens next will determine whether “Chicago P.D.” can continue to evolve — or whether it risks losing the very soul that made it a hit in the first place.
