As Chicago P.D. prepares for its highly anticipated return in 2026, fans and critics are pointing to one persistent issue that Season 13 must address if the series hopes to recapture its earlier momentum: the show’s growing imbalance in character-focused storytelling.
In recent years, the NBC drama has leaned heavily into episodes centered almost exclusively on individual characters. While this structure has produced some standout installments, it has also created a recurring weakness — sidelining the rest of the Intelligence Unit and weakening the ensemble dynamic that once defined the series.
Season 13 highlighted this tension more clearly than ever. Episodes devoted to Hank Voight, Dante Torres, or Burgess and Ruzek delivered emotional depth, but often at the cost of team cohesion. Viewers have noted that too many episodes leave several characters with minimal dialogue or no meaningful involvement in the central case.
Industry analysts say this approach risks flattening the show’s emotional complexity. Chicago P.D. has always excelled when multiple storylines intersect, when personal conflicts collide with professional stakes, and when the Intelligence Unit functions as a tightly knit — sometimes volatile — team. The oversaturation of single-character episodes disrupts that chemistry.
Experts believe the solution is straightforward: restore the balance. Season 13’s return could benefit from more ensemble-driven investigations, interconnected subplots, and episodes where each member of the unit has a defined role. Such a shift would not only revive the show’s original energy but also strengthen long-term character development.
With several cast changes underway and storylines left unresolved, the 2026 comeback offers a rare opportunity for Chicago P.D. to reposition itself creatively. If the writers can recalibrate the ensemble dynamic, Season 13 could mark a revitalized chapter for one of NBC’s most enduring crime dramas.
