There are certain TV moments that instantly spark joy, and seeing Patrick John Flueger back with the “Chicago P.D.” cast is absolutely one of them. Let’s be real: fans have been stressed ever since his sudden leave of absence in October due to a personal matter. The concern was real and the speculation was loud.
So when Marina Squerciati casually dropped a behind-the-scenes birthday photo featuring Flueger on set? Yep, you guessed it… the fandom basically broke out the confetti. And the comments section pretty much turned into one big group hug.
The actor looked happy, healthy, and surrounded by familiar faces, and honestly, that’s the kind of update everyone needed. It seems like the universe finally decided to give “Chicago P.D.” fans a win, and we’re very much here for it.
The Birthday Post That Broke the Fandom
Squerciati, one of the MVPs of cast updates, posted a group shot featuring herself, Patrick John Flueger, Benjamin Levy Aguilar, and LaRoyce Hawkins all gathered around a birthday cake with Flueger’s photo on it. Her caption? Short, cute, and exactly the level of chaotic friend-energy you want in a birthday moment: “HB PF. #wolfpack,” plus tags for all her cast-mates.
It’s the kind of cast photo that reminds you these people actually like each other off-screen, which always makes fans feel even more invested. And let’s not skip past the cake… because that thing deserves an award. A BTS-photo cake? Peak “Chicago P.D.” birthday energy.
And honestly, the best part is just seeing Paddy smiling with his people. After everything, seeing him back on set (even in a celebratory moment) feels hopeful. Viewers aren’t imagining things; the vibe really is that good.
Fans Flood the Comments With Love (and So Many Emojis)
Fans immediately jumped into the comments section with pure enthusiasm, starting with one who couldn’t get over the birthday setup. They wrote, “What a great cake!!!. Many congratulations to the birthday boy who has such nice friends.” It set the tone instantly: excited, warm, and clearly thrilled to see Flueger surrounded by love.
Another fan echoed the same hopeful energy, sharing just how much the photo meant to them. “So happy to see Paddy back on set. What a lovely picture ❤️. I hope you had an amazing birthday Paddy.” It seems like the image hit everyone right in the feelings, and honestly, same.
Then came the fans who didn’t hold back their excitement at all, cheering, “Happy Birthday! So happy you’re coming back! 🥳🎂🎉♥️” Their optimism matches exactly what the fandom has been hoping for; a sign that Paddy is on his way back where he belongs.
One of the most heartfelt responses came from a viewer who wrote, “Happiest of Birthdays to You Paddy!!!! So truly Grateful to see you back and looking Healthy!! One day at a time!!! God Bless 🙏🏼🩵🙏🏼🎂🎉🥳🎁🎈” You could practically feel the emotion through the screen. Supportive, sincere, and full of relief… it was a standout message among many.
Even the production company, Wolf Entertainment, slid into the comments with a perfectly on-brand note: “Squad always showing up.” And honestly? They nailed it. The vibe of the entire moment was squad energy through and through.
Whether this officially marks Flueger’s return to “Chicago P.D.” or is simply a happy moment during his birthday celebration, fans aren’t taking this post lightly. It seems like everyone is choosing hope. And judging by the smiles, the cake, and the overwhelming love in the comments, it feels exactly right.
