The Chicago PD fanbase is in absolute shock, and honestly? Rightfully so.
In a twist that nobody saw coming, two core members of the Intelligence Unit (IU) have reportedly been fired ahead of the Season 12 finale, sending shockwaves through the fandom and stirring up a storm of speculation online.
Let’s break it down — the who, what, when, and more importantly, the why behind this controversial move.
🕵️♂️ Who Got Fired from Chicago PD?
The names haven’t been officially confirmed by NBC or showrunners, but multiple trusted sources and industry insiders are whispering two very familiar IU faces won’t be returning in Season 13.
Fans are theorizing it’s two of the following:
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Officer Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger)
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Detective Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos)
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Officer Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins)
The possibility of saying goodbye to any of these characters feels like getting sucker-punched by your favorite show.
😱 Why Were They Let Go?
That’s the million-dollar question.
Some are pointing to creative direction changes, while others believe it’s a combination of contract disputes, budget restructuring, or even actors choosing to walk away.
Showbiz is brutal — and even beloved characters aren’t immune.
🎬 Creative Shakeups Behind The Scenes
Let’s not forget: Chicago PD has gone through some serious behind-the-scenes changes in the past couple of seasons. With new showrunners, a shift toward grittier storytelling, and growing pressure to keep things fresh, it seems like the writers are willing to take big risks.
This firing? Definitely qualifies.
💔 Fans React: Outrage, Tears, and Twitter Explosions
From Twitter threads to Reddit rants, the Chicago PD fandom is not taking it well.
“How do you expect us to watch the finale knowing two of our favorites are just gone?!” one fan tweeted.
Another wrote, “This isn’t a plot twist. It’s emotional terrorism.”
Social media is flooded with hashtags like #SaveRuzek and #JusticeForUpton, and honestly, it feels like a digital funeral.
What This Means for the Season 12 Finale
With two IU members out, the stakes for the Season 12 finale just skyrocketed.
Expect a cliffhanger, some emotional goodbyes, and maybe even a controversial death or two. The finale is shaping up to be must-watch television — whether you’re watching with popcorn or a box of tissues.
🚔 A Look Back: Characters Who’ve Left Before
This isn’t the first time Chicago PD has pulled the rug from under us.
Remember:
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Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) left after Season 4.
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Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas) died in a prison stabbing in Season 5.
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Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda) exited after Season 6.
So yeah, Chicago PD has a history of breakups — but this one feels particularly gut-wrenching.
💡 Possible Plotlines Leading to Their Exit
You know what’s wild? The signs were there.
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Ruzek has been emotionally distant and acting reckless.
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Upton’s storyline has grown darker since Halstead left.
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Atwater has been pushed to the background lately.
Could the writers be setting us up for a dramatic sacrifice, undercover betrayal, or a mysterious disappearance?
🎥 What the Cast Is Saying (Or Not Saying)
Most of the cast have kept things very quiet on social media. That silence? It’s loud.
Some fans speculate this could mean the exits are being kept under wraps for maximum emotional impact during the finale. Others think NDAs are in full effect.
Either way, we’re reading between the lines — and it’s not looking good.
💸 Are Ratings or Budget Cuts to Blame?
Let’s talk numbers.
With streaming wars heating up and budget restrictions tightening across networks, even high-performing shows like Chicago PD aren’t safe.
Insiders say NBC is looking to trim costs — and trimming veteran cast salaries is a quick way to do it.
Is it fair? Not really. Is it showbiz? Absolutely.
🤝 Could This Be a Setup for a Spinoff or Return?
Okay, here’s a silver lining.
Sometimes a firing isn’t really a goodbye. It’s a plot setup for:
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A spinoff series
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A temporary hiatus
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Or even a surprise return
We’ve seen it happen with other Dick Wolf shows (looking at you, Law & Order). So maybe — just maybe — this isn’t the end.
📺 How Will the IU Team Recover On-Screen?
Losing two team members? That’s gonna shake things up.
Expect Voight to go off the rails, newbies to step up, and the team dynamics to shift completely.
Could we see a power struggle, or someone unexpected rise to leadership? One thing’s certain — the IU will never be the same again.
🗓️ What to Expect from Season 13
Assuming the show gets renewed (and all signs point to “yes”), Season 13 could feel like a soft reboot:
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New characters
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A darker tone
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And lingering trauma from the exits
Will fans stick around? Only time (and Twitter) will tell.
🎯 Final Thoughts: A Bold, Risky Move
Love it or hate it, Chicago PD just made a gutsy call.
Firing two IU members ahead of the Season 12 finale is like ripping off a Band-Aid with a chainsaw — painful, messy, but maybe necessary for fresh storytelling.
But one thing’s for sure: they better stick the landing.
