NBC’s hard-hitting police drama “Chicago P.D.” continues to captivate audiences with its unflinching portrayal of law enforcement in the Windy City. As the Intelligence Unit prepares to tackle another season of high-stakes cases and personal challenges, fans are eagerly anticipating what Season 12 has in store for Sergeant Hank Voight and his dedicated team of detectives. Here’s everything we know so far about the upcoming season.
Following the explosive Season 11 finale that left viewers on the edge of their seats, Season 12 picks up in the aftermath of a devastating undercover operation gone wrong. The premiere episode, titled “Aftermath,” dives straight into the emotional and professional fallout, particularly focusing on Detective Hailey Upton’s struggle to reconcile her actions during the botched mission. The writers have promised that this season will explore the psychological toll of police work more deeply than ever before, examining how officers maintain their humanity while facing Chicago’s darkest criminal elements.
The core cast returns with Jason Beghe continuing his powerful portrayal of the morally complex Sergeant Hank Voight, whose leadership will be tested as never before when a case from his past resurfaces. Tracy Spiridakos returns as Detective Hailey Upton, now navigating a new chapter without her former partner and husband Jay Halstead. Sources close to production hint that Upton’s storyline this season will involve a potential new romance that divides fan opinion and creates tension within the unit.
Marina Squerciati and Patrick John Flueger reprise their roles as Officers Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek, with their relationship reaching a crucial turning point in the season’s early episodes. After years of on-again, off-again romance, showrunners have teased that “Burzek” fans will finally get some resolution, though whether it leads to lasting happiness remains to be seen.
LaRoyce Hawkins returns as Officer Kevin Atwater, who will take center stage in a powerful mid-season arc addressing systemic inequalities in policing. The storyline, described by producers as “ripped from the headlines,” will challenge Atwater’s loyalties and potentially put him at odds with other unit members. Amy Morton continues as Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt, bringing her trademark wit and wisdom to the precinct, while Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s Detective Dante Torres will explore his complicated relationship with his former neighborhood.
Season 12 also welcomes newcomer Alyssa Martinez (played by Daniela Ramírez) as an ambitious detective transferred from Vice, bringing fresh energy and perspective to the Intelligence Unit. Her mysterious background and unconventional methods quickly raise eyebrows, especially when her connection to a high-profile case becomes apparent. Executive producer Rick Eid describes her character as “someone who will challenge Voight in ways we haven’t seen before.”
The upcoming season promises to deliver the show’s signature blend of pulse-pounding action and character-driven drama while exploring timely themes around police reform, community relations, and the personal cost of wearing the badge. The writers’ room has reportedly consulted with law enforcement professionals and community activists to ensure sensitive storylines are handled with nuance and authenticity. Production has returned to Chicago’s iconic locations, with the city itself continuing to serve as a character in the show. Cinematographers are employing new techniques to capture the urban landscape, creating a more immersive viewing experience that highlights both Chicago’s grandeur and its grittier elements.
Cross-over events with sister shows “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago Med” are planned for sweeps week, with an ambitious three-hour narrative that will see the Intelligence Unit working alongside firefighters and medical personnel during a citywide crisis. As “Chicago P.D.” enters its twelfth season, the show continues to evolve while staying true to the character-driven storytelling that has made it a cornerstone of NBC’s Chicago franchise. With new challenges, relationships, and moral dilemmas on the horizon, Season 12 promises to be a compelling chapter in one of television’s most respected police dramas.
