After more than a decade on air, Chicago P.D. has become one of NBC’s most enduring police dramas, thanks in large part to the gritty leadership of Sergeant Hank Voight. But heading into Season 13, the series faces a seismic shift: Jason Beghe, who has portrayed Voight since the show’s 2014 debut, is stepping away. The news lands just months after the exit of Kiana Cook (Toya Turner), making this latest change feel far more impactful for the future of the series.
Voight has long been the backbone of Chicago P.D.. His morally ambiguous approach to policing, his complicated past, and his role as both a mentor and an antihero set the tone for the entire show. For many fans, he wasn’t just another character—he was the face of the series. Losing him now means that Season 13 must do more than continue storylines; it must redefine its very identity.
The comparison to Kiana Cook’s departure is inevitable. Cook, a new character introduced in Season 12, brought fresh energy and promise but hadn’t yet had the time to embed herself deeply into the fabric of the Intelligence Unit. Her exit, while disappointing, didn’t carry the same weight as saying goodbye to Voight, a figure whose presence shaped nearly every narrative thread over the past 12 years.
Behind the decision, Beghe has shared that the exit is rooted in personal and creative reasons rather than controversy. Still, for showrunner Gwen Sigan and her team, the challenge now lies in how to transition the Intelligence Unit without its cornerstone. The options range from a dramatic on-screen farewell to a quieter, more ambiguous resolution that leaves the door open for Voight to reappear down the line.
To balance the loss, the writers are introducing new characters designed to inject fresh dynamics into the team. Among them is Naomi Kerr, played by Arienne Mandi, a former soldier and contractor who promises to bring a unique perspective and intensity to the unit. While her presence may spark new storylines, filling Voight’s shoes is a task few would envy.
The departure also raises broader questions about the direction of Chicago P.D.. For years, the show has leaned on Voight’s moral grayness to fuel debates about justice, loyalty, and leadership. Without him, the writers may shift toward a more ensemble-driven approach, spotlighting veterans like Burgess, Atwater, and Upton. Whether this reinvention will resonate with fans remains to be seen.
What is clear is that the stakes have never been higher. Chicago P.D. has weathered cast changes before, but none on this scale. Voight’s exit is more than just another departure—it marks the end of an era. For longtime viewers, Season 13 will be a test of whether the show can evolve without the man who has been its moral compass, however flawed, since day one.
