The One Chicago universe—comprising Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—has built a reputation for keeping viewers on their toes with shocking exits and emotional goodbyes. As the franchise heads into its 2025 slate of episodes, several beloved actors and characters are confirmed not to return, leaving fans both heartbroken and curious about how the shows will handle their departures.
On Chicago Fire, the most notable absence is Kara Killmer, who has played paramedic Sylvie Brett since Season 3. Killmer confirmed her exit earlier this year, marking the end of Brett’s long journey at Firehouse 51. Her character’s emotional wedding to Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) offered fans closure, but her absence will undoubtedly leave a void in the firehouse dynamic. Another major departure comes from Alberto Rosende, who portrayed firefighter Blake Gallo. Rosende’s exit was quieter, but Gallo’s energy and youthful perspective will be missed as the series moves forward.
Over on Chicago P.D., the departures have been equally impactful. Tracy Spiridakos, who has played Detective Hailey Upton since Season 4, is exiting the series in 2025. Upton’s journey has been filled with resilience and heartbreak, particularly following the exit of her on-screen husband, Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer). Spiridakos’ departure closes the book on another chapter of Intelligence, and fans are already speculating on how her storyline will wrap up. Without Upton, the unit will face a major shake-up, raising questions about who will step into her shoes.
Chicago Med has not been immune to cast turnover either. Dominic Rains, who plays Dr. Crockett Marcel, is not slated to return in 2025. His character brought complexity and moral ambiguity to Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, and his absence will significantly alter the surgical team. Similarly, rumors swirl about more departures on the horizon, though NBC has yet to make official announcements.
The exits highlight an ongoing reality for long-running series: change is inevitable. While fans may grieve the loss of their favorite characters, the One Chicago franchise has a strong history of introducing compelling new talent to fill the gaps. Still, the emotional connection audiences have built with characters like Brett, Upton, and Marcel means their absence will be felt deeply in upcoming seasons.
For die-hard fans, these departures are bittersweet reminders of the show’s evolution. Each exit paves the way for new storylines, new heroes, and fresh dynamics, but they also close the door on characters who have become part of viewers’ weekly lives.
