NBC has officially confirmed that Chicago P.D. Season 13 will premiere on October 1, 2025, marking the highly anticipated return of the Intelligence Unit after a gripping Season 12 finale. The long-running police procedural remains one of NBC’s most reliable performers, and its comeback solidifies the network’s commitment to the One Chicago franchise as a central pillar of its 2025–2026 primetime slate.
Season 13 is expected to pick up the narrative threads left hanging from last year’s emotional arcs, with fans eager to see how Hank Voight and his team navigate new challenges in the 21st District. The series continues to balance procedural intensity with character-driven storytelling, a formula that has kept it among NBC’s most-watched dramas for more than a decade.
However, one storyline is generating more buzz than any other: the temporary absence of Adam Ruzek. His limited presence in the early episodes has sparked widespread curiosity, with viewers speculating about how the show will explain his off-screen departure. As one of the unit’s most emotionally grounded characters, Ruzek’s dynamic with Burgess, Atwater, and Voight has long been a cornerstone of the series. His absence not only raises questions about his personal arc but also about how the Intelligence Unit will adapt without one of its most trusted members.
Fans are wondering whether new or underused characters will step into the void, potentially reshaping team chemistry. Others believe the writers may use this period to deepen ongoing tensions or escalate internal conflicts. And of course, many are hoping Ruzek’s eventual return—should it happen—will be dramatic, emotional, and worthy of the character’s legacy. The mystery of “when and how Ruzek will come back” has already become one of the most discussed topics among the Chicago P.D. fandom heading into the fall season.
NBC has also outlined the winter scheduling plan for the One Chicago lineup. Beginning in mid-November 2025, Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med will go on their annual holiday hiatus as the network transitions into its winter programming cycle. No new episodes will air during this period, as NBC pivots toward seasonal specials and year-end broadcasts. For fans worried about an extended break, the network has also confirmed that all three series will officially resume with new episodes on January 7, 2026.
Behind the scenes, executive producer Dick Wolf praised the cast and crew for maintaining the show’s emotional core and real-world resonance. With Chicago’s urban landscape continuing to inspire timely, high-stakes storylines, Season 13 is expected to deliver a blend of gripping investigations and deeply personal character moments.
As October 1 approaches, excitement continues to grow. Between the confirmed premiere, the mapped-out winter hiatus, and the intrigue surrounding Ruzek’s absence, Season 13 is shaping up to be one of the most talked-about chapters in the Chicago P.D. universe.
