Marina Squerciati is stepping into one of the most meaningful roles of her life: motherhood. But if fans were worried that this personal milestone might signal a slowdown—or even an exit—for her long-running character on Chicago P.D., the show has made one thing abundantly clear. Detective Kim Burgess is not going anywhere.
In an era where television often sidelines female characters after major life changes, Chicago P.D. is choosing a different path. While Squerciati embraces life off-screen as a new mom, the series continues to double down on Burgess as one of its emotional and narrative pillars. Rather than quietly fading her into the background, the show is actively keeping her front and center—and fans are applauding the move.
Burgess has never been a character who takes the easy road. From her early days on patrol to becoming a seasoned detective in Intelligence, she has endured trauma, loss, moral conflict, and near-death experiences. Each challenge has added layers to her character instead of diminishing her. That resilience is exactly why audiences connect so deeply with her—and why removing her now would feel not just premature, but wrong.
Historically, television hasn’t always known what to do with female characters whose actresses experience real-life changes like pregnancy or motherhood. Too often, these moments lead to reduced screen time, off-screen explanations, or abrupt exits. Chicago P.D. seems determined to reject that outdated formula. Burgess isn’t being written out, softened, or sidelined. She’s still chasing leads, making tough calls, and standing shoulder to shoulder with the rest of Intelligence.
What makes this decision resonate even more is how closely it aligns with Burgess’ core identity. She has always been defined by perseverance. Whether facing professional setbacks or deeply personal pain, she keeps moving forward. The show’s commitment to keeping her active reinforces the idea that strength doesn’t disappear when life changes—it evolves.
For fans, this is more than just a casting or storyline decision. It feels like a statement. A reminder that women don’t have to choose between growth and relevance, between personal milestones and professional power. Burgess remaining a central figure sends a clear message: some characters are simply too strong, too essential, to fade away.
It also speaks to the trust the show has in Marina Squerciati as a performer. Over the years, she has brought nuance and emotional depth to Burgess, making her one of the most compelling figures in the Chicago universe. Keeping Burgess in play ensures that those stories—messy, complex, and human—can continue to unfold.
As Chicago P.D. moves forward, fans can look ahead knowing that Detective Kim Burgess’ casebook is still wide open. New challenges will come, old wounds may resurface, and the line between duty and personal life will remain complicated. But that’s exactly where Burgess thrives.
Marina Squerciati may be starting a beautiful new chapter off-screen, but on-screen, her character is standing firm—badge on, head high, ready for whatever comes next. And for viewers who have followed Burgess’ journey from the very beginning, that’s a promise worth celebrating.
