After twelve gripping seasons filled with high-stakes crime, emotional character arcs, and explosive drama, Chicago P.D. is once again being forced to say goodbye to one of its most cherished cast members. Just when fans thought the dust had settled after the departure of Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer), news broke that another main character will not be returning for Season 13 — and this time, it’s sending shockwaves through the fanbase.
NBC has confirmed the exit, and though longtime viewers of the series have experienced cast changes before, this one cuts deep. Let’s dive into everything we know about the latest exit, why it’s happening, and what it could mean for the future of Chicago P.D.
A Familiar Face Says Farewell
It’s now official: Tracy Spiridakos, who has played Detective Hailey Upton since Season 4, will be leaving the series. Her character has become a central figure in the Intelligence Unit — a fiercely loyal and morally grounded detective whose sharp instincts and emotional complexity made her a standout from the start.
Spiridakos was originally introduced in a recurring role before becoming a full-time cast member, and over the years, she earned her spot as a key player. With Upton’s journey encompassing everything from personal trauma and intense undercover operations to one of the show’s most compelling romantic storylines, this isn’t just any departure — it’s the end of a defining chapter.
The Weight of Upton’s Absence
What makes this loss particularly painful is the emotional journey Upton has taken fans on. Her deep partnership — and eventual marriage — with Detective Jay Halstead was one of the series’ most grounded and heartfelt subplots. With Halstead having left in Season 10, fans were already left reeling. Now, with Upton also saying goodbye, the Intelligence Unit is without both of its younger core members.
Hailey Upton was more than just a talented detective. She was the voice of reason in a unit often caught between justice and corruption. Her moral compass, empathy, and resilience helped humanize the darker aspects of Chicago P.D., especially in moments when Voight’s leadership teetered on the edge of lawfulness.
Now, her absence threatens to leave a significant emotional and ethical void.
Why Tracy Spiridakos Is Leaving
Though NBC has not released an in-depth explanation, inside sources and industry speculation suggest that Spiridakos made the personal decision to move on after nearly eight seasons. After dedicating years to one of television’s most demanding procedural dramas, the actress reportedly wants to explore new creative opportunities — possibly including film, comedy, or even a different genre entirely.
Fans may recall that Jesse Lee Soffer made a similar move when he exited in Season 10, citing his desire to expand professionally and even taking on directing roles within the One Chicago universe.
While it’s heartbreaking for fans, Tracy’s exit follows a natural trajectory for many long-running cast members on network television. Eight seasons is no small achievement — and she leaves behind an enduring legacy.
How Will Upton Leave?
This is the biggest mystery heading into Season 12’s final episodes. Will Upton be written off quietly, choosing to leave the force and start a new life? Will she reunite with Halstead off-screen? Or will she go out in a blaze of glory during a dangerous mission?
Showrunner Gwen Sigan has remained tight-lipped but did tease that Upton’s farewell would be “emotional and powerful.” That leaves fans with plenty of speculation — but also hope. Many are praying the writers won’t kill her off, especially after the heartbreak of losing characters like Alvin Olinsky and Antonio Dawson.
With Upton’s journey rooted in trauma, redemption, and fierce loyalty, fans are expecting a meaningful exit — one that respects everything she has endured and contributed.
What It Means for Season 13
Upton’s exit ahead of Season 13 means significant changes are on the horizon. The Intelligence Unit will have to adjust once again, and that likely includes introducing new characters or elevating existing ones to fill the gap.
Could Dante Torres (played by Benjamin Levy Aguilar) take on a more central role? Will another new detective be brought in to stir things up? Or could someone from Voight’s past return to offer support?
What’s clear is that Chicago P.D. will have to rebalance its ensemble cast — and fast. The chemistry of the team has always been crucial to the show’s success, and losing a key piece like Upton makes that even more important.
Fans React: “This One Hurts the Most”
Fan reaction to the news has been immediate and emotional. Social media platforms lit up with posts from longtime viewers, many expressing their disbelief and sadness. One fan tweeted, “Hailey Upton was the heart of the unit. I’m not ready to let her go.”
Others are angry that Chicago P.D. continues to lose major players. Some have even questioned how many more changes the show can withstand before it loses the essence of what made it great.
Still, others are choosing to focus on gratitude — for the years of compelling storytelling Spiridakos delivered and the evolution of a complex female character in a male-dominated environment.
Spiridakos’ Next Chapter
While her departure from Chicago P.D. marks the end of an era, it’s only the beginning of a new chapter for Tracy Spiridakos. The actress has earned praise not just for her performance on the show, but for her versatility, emotional depth, and quiet strength.
Though no new projects have been officially announced yet, it’s expected that Spiridakos will land high-profile roles in the near future. She’s proven she can carry weighty emotional material and handle physically demanding roles — making her a strong candidate for both television dramas and action films.
