Chicago P.D. continues its high-octane twelfth season, fans have noticed something – or rather, someone – suspiciously absent from the action. Detective Hailey Upton, a fan-favorite character portrayed by Tracy Spiridakos since Season 4, has barely appeared in recent episodes. Her notable absence has sparked concern, confusion, and plenty of speculation among loyal viewers who are used to seeing the tough, emotionally complex detective in the thick of every major case.
The biggest piece of the puzzle is that Tracy Spiridakos is confirmed to be exiting Chicago P.D. during Season 12. While neither NBC nor Spiridakos has released an exact timeline for her departure, multiple sources have reported that the actress plans to leave sometime before the season concludes. This development casts her limited screen time in a new light — it’s likely a slow transition toward her eventual farewell. Writers often begin to phase out a character gradually before their full exit, especially in long-running shows like Chicago P.D., where the audience has built a deep emotional investment over the years. But for many fans, this slow fade feels more like a disservice than a dramatic buildup.
One of the more frustrating aspects of Upton’s absence is the lack of narrative explanation. The show has yet to provide a clear in-universe reason for why she’s been missing from team briefings, field investigations, and emotionally charged cases that would normally see her front and center. This silence is particularly noticeable given how integral she’s been in past seasons. After Halstead’s exit, Upton threw herself into her work, becoming a more complex and deeply driven detective. Her disappearance from key episodes — especially in moments where her perspective or skills would make a difference — feels odd and inconsistent.
On Reddit threads, fan forums, and X (formerly Twitter), viewers have speculated that the show is trying to write her out quietly to make room for new cast members or shift focus to other characters like Dante Torres or the newly introduced Detective Jo Martinez. Others have expressed concern that the show is trying to diminish her character’s importance ahead of her exit — a move that could dampen the emotional payoff of her eventual goodbye. Many fans are hoping that Upton’s farewell will be given the same weight and emotion that Jay Halstead’s exit received. Given how significant she’s been to the show’s emotional core, anything less would feel like a missed opportunity.
While no official reports have surfaced regarding behind-the-scenes drama, scheduling conflicts, or personal decisions, it’s not uncommon for actors in long-running series to seek new opportunities or scale back their commitments. Tracy Spiridakos has been with the One Chicago universe since 2017 and has carried several emotionally heavy storylines during her tenure. It’s possible her reduced role is simply the result of needing a break before her final sendoff — especially if that departure will include a major emotional payoff or significant plot twist.
Upton’s departure will leave a significant hole in the Intelligence Unit, both emotionally and operationally. As the show pivots toward newer characters like Torres and Martinez, it will need to work hard to maintain the emotional resonance and moral complexity that characters like Upton brought to the team. There’s no denying that Chicago P.D. is in the midst of a transitional era. With longtime cast members exiting and new faces stepping in, the show must strike a balance between honoring its past and embracing its future.
Hailey Upton’s absence in Season 12 has not gone unnoticed — and for good reason. Tracy Spiridakos brought grit, vulnerability, and fierce determination to Chicago P.D., making her one of the show’s most beloved characters. As fans brace for her inevitable farewell, they can only hope it’s a send-off worthy of everything she’s given to the series.
