Few shows have mastered the balance of action, drama, and heartfelt storytelling like Chicago P.D.. Across its twelve seasons, the NBC police drama has not only delivered gripping cases but also invested in the emotional journeys of its characters. Among those journeys, certain romances have become anchors for the audience—sources of both comfort and conflict. Now, as Season 13 looms, reports suggest the series is stepping away from one of its cornerstone relationships, and many fans see this as a major misstep.
The couple in question appears to be Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger), whose turbulent relationship has been central to the series since its earliest years. From professional clashes to personal heartbreaks, the pair has weathered more storms than most television couples. Their enduring connection, reinforced by the shared responsibility of raising Makayla, has kept viewers invested even through countless setbacks. For many fans, “Burzek” represents not just a romantic subplot but the emotional heart of the show.
However, recent comments from the creative team hint at a dramatic pivot. Season 13 may see the show moving away from Burgess and Ruzek’s romance, opting instead to focus on their professional partnership and individual growth. While such a move could open fresh narrative possibilities, it risks alienating a loyal fan base that has been rooting for their reunion and stability for nearly a decade.
Part of Chicago P.D.’s success lies in its willingness to embrace emotional realism. Relationships on the show have never been neat or fairy-tale perfect. Yet, completely dismantling a romance that has been carefully built—and rebuilt—over the years may feel less like realism and more like narrative whiplash. Fans argue that after so many seasons of heartbreak, these characters deserve resolution, not abandonment.
Complicating matters is the broader landscape of the One Chicago franchise. With Chicago Fire and Chicago Med often leaning into long-term relationships as emotional anchors, Chicago P.D.’s refusal to do the same risks making it feel disconnected from its sister shows. Instead of strengthening audience investment, the choice to walk away from Burgess and Ruzek may create frustration at a time when loyalty is more important than ever for broadcast dramas competing with streaming giants.
Critics also point out that sidelining this relationship could undermine one of the show’s strongest storytelling assets: the personal stakes that make the cases matter. Burgess and Ruzek’s struggles, both inside and outside the precinct, have long provided that layer of depth. Without it, Chicago P.D. may lean too heavily on procedural elements, risking a loss of the emotional core that distinguishes it from countless other crime dramas.
As Season 13 approaches, fans will be watching closely to see how the writers handle this pivotal storyline. Whether Burgess and Ruzek are truly finished or merely entering another chapter in their rocky saga, the decision will have lasting consequences—not just for the characters, but for the audience’s trust in the show’s long-term storytelling.
