NBC confirms that Chicago P.D. season 13 will premiere on January 8, 2026, with major changes in the Intelligence Unit and a new primetime strategy.
NBC confirms later-than-usual premiere for Chicago P.D. season 13
After months of speculation, NBC has finally set the premiere date for Chicago P.D. season 13. The beloved police procedural will return to the network on Wednesday, January 8, 2026, marking a noticeable shift from its usual fall debut. This delay, which also affects Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, is part of NBC’s broader strategy for its midseason lineup.
Fans of the Intelligence Unit, led by Sergeant Hank Voight, have grown accustomed to tuning in every September. But this time, they’ll have to wait until the new year to dive back into the gritty streets of Chicago.
Why is Chicago P.D. returning later this season?
NBC’s decision to push Chicago P.D. to January stems from a combination of scheduling changes and internal reshuffling of its scripted lineup. While no strikes or major production delays have been reported, industry analysts believe the network is using its flagship Dick Wolf franchises to strengthen its midseason offerings.
According to Deadline, NBC aims to create a more balanced year-round schedule and avoid competition with high-profile streaming premieres. This means shows like Chicago P.D., Law & Order: SVU, and FBI are now being spaced more strategically across the calendar year.
Additionally, sources close to production confirm that filming for season 13 began smoothly earlier this summer, ensuring that the premiere episode will be ready for its early 2026 launch. This later debut may also give the writers room to build a more cohesive and impactful narrative arc.
What’s in store for the Intelligence Unit in Season 13?
While NBC has kept major plot points under wraps, a few key details have emerged. Season 13 of Chicago P.D. will pick up with the Intelligence Unit in crisis, following the departure of Jay Halstead (played by Jesse Lee Soffer) and growing tensions within the team.
A new character is expected to join the squad, although casting announcements have yet to be finalized. This fresh dynamic could reshape the power structure inside the unit, especially after Voight’s increasingly controversial decisions in past seasons.
The season is also expected to address lingering storylines from the season 12 finale, particularly surrounding Upton’s future and the emotional toll of recent losses. NBC has teased that the opening episodes will focus heavily on personal reckonings and the consequences of crossing the line in pursuit of justice.
When and where can you watch Chicago P.D. season 13?
Chicago P.D. season 13 will air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC, following new episodes of Chicago Med and Chicago Fire. Episodes will also be available to stream the next day on Peacock, making it easier for fans to stay up to date.
As part of the broader One Chicago universe, Chicago P.D. continues to be a cornerstone of NBC’s primetime schedule. Despite the delayed return, anticipation remains high, and early buzz suggests this could be one of the show’s most emotionally intense seasons yet.
Are you ready to return to the Windy City’s most morally complex precinct?
