As Chicago P.D. Season 12 continues to unfold, one question lingers in the minds of loyal viewers: where is Kim Burgess? Played by Marina Squerciati since the show’s inception, Burgess has long been one of the series’ emotional anchors, but her noticeable absence this season has left both fans and her on-screen colleagues searching for answers.
Burgess’s journey on the show has never been easy. From surviving near-fatal injuries to navigating her complex relationship with Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger), her resilience has made her a fan favorite. Yet, in Season 12, her absence has been striking, especially as storylines unfold without her steady presence. The lack of Burgess on-screen has sparked speculation and, naturally, concern about whether her character’s story is nearing its end.
Behind the Scenes: A Creative Choice
Insiders close to production suggest that Burgess’s absence stems from a combination of creative direction and character recovery. After enduring years of trauma, both personally and professionally, Burgess may finally be getting space to heal — albeit off-screen. Writers appear to be giving her a breather, allowing other characters to step into the spotlight while creating anticipation for her eventual return. This strategy, while frustrating for fans, could be setting the stage for a powerful re-entry later in the season.
Few characters feel Burgess’s absence more than Adam Ruzek. Their long, complicated romance has been at the heart of Chicago P.D. for years, evolving from flirtation to heartbreak and, most recently, to co-parenting their adopted daughter, Makayla. Without Burgess, Ruzek’s emotional struggle is more pronounced, underscoring just how vital she is to his storyline. His scenes this season highlight the void her character has left, amplifying the sense of loss that fans themselves are experiencing.
The “Burzek” dynamic — the portmanteau fans coined for the beloved pair — remains one of the most discussed relationships in the One Chicago universe. Burgess’s time away only adds uncertainty to their future: will her return bring healing and stability, or will it trigger another round of turmoil?
Is This the Calm Before the Storm?
Showrunners have yet to confirm whether Burgess’s absence will lead to a permanent departure. However, no official exit announcement has been made, and Marina Squerciati herself has not indicated she is leaving the series. For fans, that’s a glimmer of hope.
Given Chicago P.D.’s history of delivering shocking twists, Burgess’s absence could well be a setup for a dramatic re-entry — one that could shake up not only her relationship with Ruzek but also the entire Intelligence Unit. With Voight (Jason Beghe) facing mounting challenges and the team in flux, the timing of her return could be crucial.
The Waiting Game
For now, fans are left in suspense. Theories swirl across social media, ranging from Burgess making a triumphant comeback to her character possibly stepping away for good. But one thing is certain: Kim Burgess is too integral to the heart of Chicago P.D. to vanish without consequence.
Whether her return delivers closure or sparks more drama, her absence is proof of how deeply she resonates with fans — and why all eyes will be on her when she finally walks back into Intelligence.
