When Sophia Bush left Chicago P.D. in 2017 after playing Detective Erin Lindsay for four seasons, fans were left with a noticeable void in the Intelligence Unit. Lindsay was not only a fan favorite but also a central figure in the show’s storytelling, with her personal struggles and professional drive adding depth to the ensemble drama. For years, viewers have speculated about whether the series could ever truly replace her presence. Now, as Chicago P.D. enters its thirteenth season, the long wait appears to be over.
According to producers, a new character joining the unit in Season 13 is being positioned as the perfect spiritual successor to Lindsay. While the show has introduced multiple female detectives since Bush’s departure—including Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), who became a core character—there has always been a lingering sense among fans that Lindsay’s unique balance of vulnerability and toughness was unmatched.
The upcoming season promises to deliver that balance through a fresh face: Detective Eva Martel, played by rising star Eva Imani. Early previews of Season 13 suggest that Martel will not only bring a sharp investigative mind but also a layered backstory that mirrors some of the complexity Bush brought to Lindsay. Insiders say the character is designed to provide the same emotional resonance that once made Lindsay so beloved.
Behind the scenes, showrunner Gwen Sigan has acknowledged the challenge of filling the Lindsay-shaped hole in Chicago P.D.. “Sophia’s contribution to the first four seasons was enormous. We never wanted to simply ‘replace’ Erin Lindsay, but we always knew there would come a time when another character could bring that same emotional depth to the team,” Sigan explained.
Fans have already reacted positively to early footage of Martel, praising the decision to add a character who feels like a natural fit rather than a forced addition. Social media buzz has been particularly strong around the parallels between Martel’s arc and Lindsay’s early days on the show.
With its thirteenth season, Chicago P.D. finds itself in rare territory for a network procedural—still delivering compelling stories, introducing new characters, and maintaining cultural relevance over a decade after its debut. For long-time viewers, the arrival of Martel feels like the closing of a circle. After eight years of waiting, Lindsay’s spirit seems ready to live on in a new detective, signaling a fresh era for the Intelligence Unit.
As the show prepares to premiere its new season, all eyes will be on how Martel integrates with Voight’s team and whether she can carry the emotional weight once held by Lindsay. If early signs are any indication, Season 13 might just offer the closure fans have been craving since Sophia Bush’s bittersweet goodbye.
