After more than a decade on air, Chicago P.D. has cemented itself as one of television’s most gripping police dramas, blending action with the raw emotional struggles of its characters. But behind the tactical gear, high-stakes investigations, and unrelenting cases, the cast is peeling back the curtain on what life in the Intelligence Unit really looks like—and the truth isn’t pretty. According to the actors who bring these characters to life, “nobody is thriving.”
The comment, made during a recent press junket for Season 12, reflects the deliberate creative choice by the show’s writers and producers to depict the lasting effects of trauma and violence on Chicago’s elite officers. Rather than portraying them as untouchable heroes, Chicago P.D. has consistently shown how the job leaves scars—physical, psychological, and emotional.
Marina Squerciati, who plays Kim Burgess, explained that this realism is at the heart of the show’s appeal. “Burgess has endured kidnapping, shootings, near-death experiences, and the struggles of motherhood while trying to keep her badge. There’s no way someone could go through all that and come out unscathed. She’s surviving, but she’s not thriving—and that’s true for all of us on the show,” she said.
Patrick John Flueger, who portrays Adam Ruzek, echoed those sentiments. “We love these characters, but they’re deeply flawed and deeply human. Ruzek has had his fair share of heartbreak and close calls, and he carries that weight. The reality is that this job takes more than it gives, and that’s what makes the storytelling so compelling.”
For Jason Beghe, who leads the cast as Hank Voight, the line between strength and vulnerability has always been razor-thin. Voight’s journey, marked by grief, revenge, and difficult leadership choices, demonstrates how personal sacrifice can hollow out even the most formidable figures. “Voight has lost so much, and that loss shapes every decision he makes. It’s not about being okay—it’s about keeping going,” Beghe noted.
The acknowledgment that “nobody is thriving” is not meant to discourage fans but rather to highlight the authenticity that sets Chicago P.D. apart from other procedurals. By allowing its characters to falter, struggle, and sometimes break, the series resonates with audiences who recognize the cost of duty and sacrifice in real-world policing.
Showrunner Gwen Sigan has emphasized this creative approach in past interviews, pointing out that the strength of the show lies in its commitment to character-driven storytelling. “We don’t want to gloss over the toll this work takes,” she explained. “Our goal is to reflect the reality that police work is messy and often devastating, but also to show the resilience that keeps these characters moving forward.”
As Chicago P.D. enters its twelfth season, it’s clear that the Intelligence Unit will continue to walk the fine line between justice and survival. While none of its members may be thriving, their struggles are exactly what keep fans invested—and what makes the show one of television’s most enduring dramas.
