After more than a decade commanding respect both on and off screen, Amy Morton is officially preparing to leave Chicago P.D. after the upcoming season. NBC confirmed the news in a quiet but emotional announcement that immediately sent shockwaves through the fiercely loyal One Chicago fanbase. Morton, who has portrayed Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt since the show’s debut in 2014, has long been regarded as the franchise’s grounding force—equal parts sharp-tongued, hilarious, and fiercely protective of the Intelligence Unit.
According to production insiders, Morton will remain a key presence throughout the next season, giving writers time to craft a meaningful send-off for one of the series’ most enduring characters. While details of the exit storyline remain tightly guarded, sources say the departure will be “respectful, heartfelt, and true to Platt’s legacy.”
Morton’s exit marks a significant turning point for Chicago P.D., a series already navigating major cast shifts in recent years. The departures of Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) and Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) reshaped the emotional core of the show, while Marina Squerciati, Patrick John Flueger, and LaRoyce Hawkins have carried much of the ensemble’s weight. Yet through every lineup change, Trudy Platt remained the constant—a no-nonsense anchor who balanced sarcasm with sincerity and embodied the working-class heart of the 21st District.
Fans have long praised Morton’s ability to elevate even the smallest moments. Whether delivering a perfectly timed one-liner or offering quiet, unwavering support to a grieving officer, Platt’s presence created a sense of stability in a series defined by high-stakes tension and moral conflict. In many ways, she became the franchise’s emotional compass, standing firmly between the chaos of the Intelligence Unit and the everyday realities of police work.
Industry analysts note that Morton’s departure is not only a loss for Chicago P.D. but also a major shift for the entire One Chicago universe. Platt frequently appeared across Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, serving as connective tissue between the three dramas. Her exit will leave a noticeable gap in the crossover ecosystem that fans have come to expect each season.
While Morton has not publicly commented on the reason behind her exit, those close to the production suggest the choice may reflect her desire to pursue new projects or step back from long-term network commitments. The 66-year-old Tony-nominated actress has maintained an active stage career throughout her time on NBC, continuing to direct and perform in Chicago’s theater community—a passion she is expected to expand following her departure.
As for the series itself, NBC appears committed to giving viewers a thoughtful transition. Showrunner Gwen Sigan has previously emphasized the importance of honoring legacy characters, and insiders say writers are already crafting a storyline that reflects Platt’s toughness, humor, and enduring influence on the team she has shepherded for more than ten years.
For fans, the next season will be bittersweet: a celebration of a character who defined an era—and the difficult farewell to one of the last remaining original cast anchors. One thing is certain: Chicago P.D. will never quite be the same without Sergeant Trudy Platt at the front desk.
