Chicago P.D. gears up for its much-anticipated Season 13, fans have been anxiously awaiting news about which beloved characters will be returning. With a history of jaw-dropping exits and shocking arrivals, the question of who stays and who goes is always part of the drama. But now, the first returning cast member has officially been confirmed—and to the surprise of absolutely no one, it’s none other than Jason Beghe, who will once again reprise his role as the unflinching and formidable Sergeant Hank Voight.
While fans may not be surprised, they’re definitely relieved.
Voight has been the heart—and sometimes the moral gray area—of Chicago P.D. since the show first premiered in 2014. Known for his gravelly voice, intense stare, and uncompromising leadership style, Voight has carried the weight of the Intelligence Unit through countless crises, personal losses, and department shakeups. Over the years, he’s been the character most closely associated with the franchise’s signature blend of grit and emotion.
For a time, speculation swirled online about whether Beghe might be stepping away. Rumors sparked after Season 12’s finale, which left Voight in one of the most vulnerable positions we’ve seen him in years—haunted by the fallout from his latest decision and facing questions about whether his time at the top is coming to an end. But insiders now confirm: Voight will be back, and he’s not slowing down.
NBC’s announcement comes with an air of inevitability. Despite ongoing cast turnovers and evolving storylines, Voight’s presence has always grounded the show. Without him, Chicago P.D. risks losing its moral compass—or perhaps more accurately, its antihero compass. He’s the unpredictable constant, the leader who bends the rules (and sometimes breaks them), but always with a warped sense of justice. It’s a dynamic that has resonated with viewers for over a decade.
Jason Beghe’s performance as Voight has earned both critical praise and audience loyalty. Through the years, he has peeled back the layers of a man deeply scarred by personal tragedy, while fiercely committed to his team. Whether navigating corruption within the department or trying to keep his detectives from spiraling out of control, Voight’s journey has always felt personal—and powerful.
With Season 13 on the horizon, the possibilities for Voight’s character are wide open. Following a rocky twelfth season filled with loss, deception, and shifting alliances, the next chapter will need a strong anchor. And Voight, in all his flawed complexity, is exactly that.
Of course, his return also prompts questions about what the Intelligence Unit will look like this time around. Season 12 ended with multiple threads left dangling, including the uncertain future of Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati), who was last seen grappling with a life-altering decision, and the continued recovery of Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) after a brutal incident earlier in the season. Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) remains a reliable presence, but the absence of Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), who exited the series in Season 12, has left a notable gap in the team’s dynamic.
Voight’s leadership will be tested like never before. With shifting loyalties and a potentially understaffed unit, the stakes are only getting higher. Will Voight finally consider stepping aside, grooming someone new to take over his legacy? Or will he double down, determined to lead Intelligence until his final breath?
