Dr. Connor Rhodes was a crucial part of Chicago Med‘s initial success. He was cocky, sure, but he was also fun to watch, and he genuinely took an interest in the well-being of his patients. He stood out from the rest of the Gaffney Medical team, but in a good way.
This is what made his season 5 departure so difficult to stomach. Not only did we lose Rhodes, but we lost the very specific personality and energy he brought to the (operating) table. There have been lots of speculation as to whether Rhodes would ever return to the show, but the more time passes, the less likely this seems.
Colin Donnell was open to returning to Med in 2022
Colin Donnell, the actor who plays Rhodes, is actually open to the idea. He told TV Line that he would never go out of his way to shut the door on the character or the show. “If it ever came a knockin’, let’s see if the schedules work out,” he explained. “It’d be fun to revisit that guy.”
Chicago Med showrunners Diane Frolov and Andrew Schneider were also into the idea of bringing Dr. Rhodes back, even if it was just for a cameo. Unfortunately, a lot has changed since these comments were made back in 2022.
For one, Frolov and Schneider are no longer showrunners. They decided to leave Chicago Med after the latest season, and the job has been handed over to Allen McDonald. Whatever story arcs they’d been considering are probably scrapped as a result.
Donnell was recently cast on FBI: International
Then there’s the availability of Colin Donnell. The actor may have been down to return two years ago, but he’s since filled up his schedule. He was actually cast in a show set within the same universe as Chicago Med, FBI: International.
He’s also had major developments in his personal life. Donnell and Med alum Patti Murin recently announced that they are expecting their first child together. The actors have been married since 2015, and actually met on the set of Chicago Med.