Let’s be real—Chicago PD fans have been waiting forever to see Burzek finally tie the knot. And while the wedding gave us all the feels, something (or rather, someone) was missing: Hailey Upton and Jay Halstead. Fans couldn’t help but wonder—where were they? Why didn’t the iconic duo show up for one of the most emotional events in the One Chicago universe?
Well, we’ve got the answers straight from the Chicago PD showrunners themselves. Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes drama, creative choices, and fan theories surrounding this mysterious no-show.
Why Fans Were Shocked
It’s no secret—Burzek’s journey has been full of ups, downs, and everything in between. When Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek finally said “I do,” fans were expecting a reunion of the OG squad. But the noticeable absence of Hailey and Jay left a gaping hole in the celebration.
The History Between the Characters
Before we break down the why, let’s rewind a little.
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Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) has been a core member of the Intelligence Unit.
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Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) was a fan favorite from day one—his departure still stings.
Their relationships with both Kim and Adam were deeply rooted. So, not having them there felt… off.
The Official Reason Behind Their Absence
1. Creative Direction Took Priority
According to Chicago PD executive producers Gwen Sigan and Rick Eid, the decision wasn’t personal—it was all about narrative flow.
“We wanted the focus to remain on Burzek. This was their moment,” Sigan explained.
Essentially, bringing back Jay or Hailey could have overshadowed the emotional impact of the wedding scene. Think about it—Jay showing up would’ve opened a whole other can of worms, especially after his exit storyline.
2. Contractual Realities and Actor Availability
Let’s talk logistics.
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Jesse Lee Soffer left the show in Season 10 and has moved on to other projects.
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Tracy Spiridakos officially exited at the end of Season 11.
With busy schedules and other commitments, their return for one episode wasn’t feasible—no matter how iconic it would’ve been.
3. They Didn’t Want to “Force” a Cameo
The producers made it clear—they didn’t want to bring characters back just for fan service.
“If we bring someone back, it needs to feel authentic to the story,” Eid noted.
And honestly? That makes sense. A random cameo just to please the audience might’ve felt unnatural and distracting.
What About Off-Screen Mentions?
Some fans wondered: Why not at least mention them? Turns out, that was considered. But again, the team wanted the spotlight fully on Kim and Adam.
Still, Hailey and Jay weren’t forgotten—their emotional footprints linger in every scene.
Fan Reactions: A Mixed Bag
Predictably, fans had strong opinions. Some felt robbed. Others appreciated the clean focus.
Here’s what Twitter (okay, X) had to say:
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“How do you have a Burzek wedding without Jay and Hailey?! 🤯”
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“I get it, but still… my heart hurts. We needed them there.” 💔
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“Burzek deserved the undivided spotlight. Beautifully done. 🙌”
A Deeper Look at Hailey and Jay’s Arc
Hailey’s Final Moments
Her goodbye was emotional, raw, and beautifully written. She walked away from Intelligence not in defeat—but in growth.
Jay’s Disappearance
Jay left for Bolivia on a military mission and never truly returned. His absence was felt across multiple episodes, especially by Hailey.
Could they have returned for Burzek? Logistically, maybe. But narratively? It might’ve felt like an unnatural interruption to their journey.
Is There a Chance They’ll Ever Return?
Producers haven’t shut the door completely.
“Never say never,” Gwen Sigan teased.
That means hope still exists. Maybe not for a wedding, but for something else down the line—an emergency, a goodbye, or even a reunion.
The Bigger Picture: Letting Go and Moving Forward
Sometimes, characters don’t need to physically appear to still be felt. The ghost of Jay and Hailey still hangs over Chicago PD. Their legacy shapes the current team’s actions, relationships, and values.
And maybe that’s exactly how it should be.
The Real Stars of the Wedding: Burzek
Let’s not forget: this was Burzek’s big day. And they absolutely stole the show.
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The vows? Tear-jerking.
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The glances? Full of history.
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The dancing? Perfection.
This was a love story that took years to unfold—and it deserved every second of screen time.
Behind the Scenes: Cast and Crew Reactions
Even the actors weighed in.
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Marina Squerciati (Burgess) shared how emotional the wedding scenes were to film.
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Patrick John Flueger (Ruzek) admitted he felt the weight of the moment and the years of storytelling that led to it.
Could a Spinoff or Reunion Happen?
Honestly? It’s not impossible.
The One Chicago universe loves surprises. Maybe one day we’ll see a mini-reunion episode. Maybe Hailey shows up for a farewell scene. Or Jay returns when we least expect it.
What This Tells Us About Modern TV Writing
This choice reflects a broader trend—quality over quantity. Writers today are leaning into realism, emotional impact, and intentional character use.
Just because fans want a moment doesn’t mean it serves the story. And sometimes, restraint is what makes a show great.
Final Thoughts: Bitter or Beautiful? Maybe Both
Sure, we wanted Hailey and Jay at the wedding. Who didn’t? But in the end, the Burzek wedding still delivered. It honored the past while embracing the future.
So yeah—it might’ve felt incomplete to some. But to others? It was perfectly full-circle.
