As the dust settles from Chicago P.D.’s explosive Season 12 finale, fans are still reeling from the shocking developments that left Intelligence forever changed. Now, showrunner Gwen Sigan is pulling back the curtain on what really went down—and what viewers can expect when NBC’s long-running police drama returns for Season 13.
In a recent post-finale interview, Sigan didn’t hold back. From emotional exits to cryptic twists, she revealed the thought process behind the game-changing finale and dropped some tantalizing hints about what’s coming next for Voight and his fractured unit.
The Emotional Core of the Finale
Season 12 wrapped with a tense, high-stakes case that forced the team to face both external danger and internal reckoning. But perhaps the most gut-wrenching moment came in the form of a major character departure—one that’s been brewing all season long.
Gwen Sigan confirmed that the decision to write off Detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) was not taken lightly. “We’ve been building to this for a while,” she explained. “Upton has been in survival mode since Halstead left, and this season was about her realizing that she needs to stop living in crisis.”
In her final moments, Upton made a choice to prioritize herself, stepping away from Intelligence and the trauma that has haunted her for seasons. “It’s bittersweet,” Sigan said. “But it’s also empowering. She’s walking away not broken—but whole.”
A New Threat, a New Beginning
But the finale didn’t just say goodbye—it also set the stage for what may be one of Chicago P.D.’s most complex seasons yet. A mysterious new player emerged during the final minutes, hinting at an underground operation that could pose the greatest threat Intelligence has faced since the Escano drug ring.
Sigan teased that this new antagonist will be unlike any we’ve seen. “It’s not just about violence or power,” she said. “This is someone who knows how the system works—and how to manipulate it from within. That’s dangerous.”
Viewers also noticed the introduction of a potential new recruit—someone who seemed to be scouted by Voight during the season’s final scenes. Could this be the first step in rebuilding the team post-Upton? Sigan remained coy: “Let’s just say Voight knows when it’s time to evolve. And that time is now.”
Voight: Leader in Crisis?
Speaking of Voight, the finale ended with the sergeant staring out over the city skyline, alone—both physically and emotionally. With Upton gone, Ruzek and Burgess still grappling with the aftermath of past trauma, and Atwater carrying more responsibility than ever, Voight is at a crossroads.
“Voight’s always been the anchor,” Sigan said. “But he’s also a man out of time. The way he used to lead doesn’t always work anymore. Season 13 will explore what happens when a leader has to question himself—and how that affects the entire unit.”
Sigan hinted that Voight’s leadership will face unprecedented scrutiny, possibly from within the department or from the public. “There are no easy answers anymore,” she added. “That’s the beauty—and the burden—of Chicago.”
What’s Next for Ruzek, Burgess, and Atwater?
Though the finale centered heavily on Upton and Voight, the rest of Intelligence has their own unresolved arcs heading into next season.
Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) and Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) continue to navigate the challenges of co-parenting and rekindling their relationship after last season’s trauma. Sigan confirmed that fans can expect more of this dynamic. “They’ve earned this second chance,” she said. “But that doesn’t mean it’s going to be smooth.”
As for Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins), Season 13 could finally give him a larger spotlight. “He’s proven time and time again that he’s capable of leading,” Sigan said. “We’ll see him step up in ways that might surprise even him.”
A Grittier, Riskier Season Ahead
With longtime characters departing and new blood on the horizon, Sigan promised that Season 13 will be “grittier, riskier, and more personal” than anything we’ve seen before. “The cases will be big,” she confirmed, “but so will the emotional stakes. We’re digging deeper into who these people are when the badge comes off.”
She also hinted at at least one major storyline that will span the entire season, similar to the Sean O’Neal arc. “We love to tell stories that unravel slowly, where you can’t tell who the villain is right away,” Sigan teased. “This time, the danger might already be inside the department.”
After twelve gripping seasons, Chicago P.D. remains one of NBC’s most consistently compelling dramas—and with Gwen Sigan at the helm, its storytelling continues to evolve in bold, emotional directions.
With Season 13 set to begin production later this summer and a premiere likely in the fall, fans won’t have to wait long to see what’s next for Intelligence. And based on Sigan’s breakdown, it’s clear: this isn’t just another season. It’s a reinvention.
As Voight looks to rebuild, new faces emerge, and longtime bonds are tested, one thing is certain—Chicago’s most relentless unit isn’t backing down. And neither are the stories still left to tell.
