The cast of Chicago P.D. is giving fans an unfiltered glimpse into the upcoming thirteenth season, and their message is clear: this year will push the characters to their breaking points. In a series of candid comments ahead of the premiere, the actors revealed that “nobody is thriving” when the season begins, setting the stage for one of the show’s most intense chapters yet.
For more than a decade, Chicago P.D. has thrived on balancing high-stakes cases with the emotional and moral complexities of its characters. Season 13, according to the cast, is doubling down on that formula but with an even darker edge. Each member of the Intelligence Unit is grappling with personal struggles that bleed into their work, forcing the team to confront not only dangerous criminals but also their own vulnerabilities.
Jason Beghe, who anchors the series as Sergeant Hank Voight, admitted that his character is entering the new season carrying the weight of his choices. “Voight has always operated in the gray, but this time it’s taking more of a toll on him,” Beghe explained. “He’s questioning himself in ways we haven’t seen before.”
Marina Squerciati, who plays Detective Kim Burgess, echoed that sentiment. Burgess, still reeling from last season’s harrowing events, is struggling to find balance in her personal life with Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) while maintaining her resilience on the job. “She’s not in a great place,” Squerciati revealed. “She wants to be strong, but sometimes strength comes at a cost.”
Meanwhile, Flueger teased that Ruzek, too, is on uncertain ground. “I wouldn’t say Adam is thriving,” he said with a laugh. “He’s trying, but he’s human. The job, the relationships, the trauma—it all piles up.”
Benjamin Levy Aguilar, whose character Dante Torres joined the unit in recent seasons, added that the younger detective isn’t immune to the turmoil. “Torres is still finding his footing, but this season, the weight of the badge is heavier. He wants to prove himself, but it’s not easy when the whole team is struggling.”
The cast’s reflections highlight a deliberate creative choice by the writers to strip the characters down emotionally, making their victories harder fought and more meaningful. Instead of offering easy resolutions, Season 13 promises a raw and realistic portrayal of what happens when dedicated officers are pushed to their limits.
This darker turn, however, doesn’t mean the series will lose its heart. The actors assured fans that the bonds within Intelligence remain strong, even if they are tested in new and painful ways. As Squerciati noted, “At the end of the day, these people are family. They may be hurting, but they’ll keep showing up for each other.”
For longtime viewers, the promise of a season where “nobody is thriving” may sound bleak, but it underscores the resilience and humanity that have made Chicago P.D. a standout in the One Chicago franchise. As Season 13 unfolds, fans can expect not only gripping cases but also a deeper exploration of the scars, sacrifices, and strength that define the Intelligence Unit.
