When a show has been on the air for over a decade, fans naturally grow deeply attached to the characters who anchor its story. For Chicago P.D., one of NBC’s flagship dramas in the One Chicago franchise, that anchor has always been Hank Voight — the tough, morally complex Intelligence Unit chief played by Jason Beghe. Since the series’ premiere in 2014, Beghe’s Voight has been the beating heart of the show, often making decisions that blur the lines between justice and corruption, and forcing fans to question where the line really lies in law enforcement.
With Season 13 set to arrive this fall, rumors have been swirling across social media and fan forums: Is Jason Beghe leaving Chicago P.D.? The speculation has only grown louder after recent cast shake-ups, including Tracy Spiridakos’ confirmed departure as Hailey Upton in Season 12. Fans have been bracing themselves for the possibility that Voight’s time in the Intelligence Unit might also be nearing an end. But what’s the truth? Let’s dive into Jason Beghe’s future with the show and what it means for the beloved drama.
Jason Beghe’s Impact on Chicago P.D.
From the very beginning, Jason Beghe’s portrayal of Hank Voight has been both commanding and complicated. Unlike many TV police captains, Voight doesn’t stand behind a desk or spout clean-cut speeches about justice. Instead, he’s in the trenches with his team — sometimes breaking the rules, sometimes redefining them, but always fighting for Chicago in his own way.
Beghe’s gravelly voice and no-nonsense presence have become iconic. Voight is not just a character; he’s the symbol of the Chicago P.D. brand. His leadership has shaped the arcs of countless characters, from Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush) to Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) to Upton herself. The show’s DNA is inseparable from Voight’s.
This makes any hint of his departure feel seismic. Could Chicago P.D. truly survive without Hank Voight at its helm?
The Rumors About Jason Beghe’s Exit
The exit chatter picked up speed during Season 12, largely because of the number of cast changes in recent years. Jesse Lee Soffer’s departure as Jay Halstead left a major hole in the team, and Spiridakos’ Upton followed suit. When Beghe gave interviews reflecting on how long he had been with the show, some fans interpreted it as him subtly hinting at his own curtain call.
On Reddit and Twitter, discussions exploded. “If Voight goes, I go,” one fan wrote, summing up the sentiment of many longtime viewers. Others speculated that NBC might be looking to shift focus toward newer characters like Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar) or Dante (newly introduced in Season 12), in order to keep the franchise fresh.
Still, there’s a big difference between fan theories and actual facts. So, is there any truth to the rumors?
Jason Beghe’s Contract and Commitment
As of now, Jason Beghe is not leaving Chicago P.D.. Multiple industry insiders and entertainment outlets have confirmed that Beghe is set to return for Season 13, with no plans to step away from the role of Voight. In fact, Beghe’s current contract extends through Season 13, and there have been no credible reports of him exiting after this season.
Showrunner Gwen Sigan has also reassured fans in interviews that Voight remains a cornerstone of the narrative. “Voight is the heart of the unit,” she explained earlier this year. “He’s evolving with the city, with his team, and with the challenges they face. That’s not a story we’re done telling.”
Beghe himself has also expressed a deep sense of loyalty to the show. While he acknowledges the grind of producing network television — 22-episode seasons, night shoots, and heavy subject matter — he has repeatedly stated that Voight’s complexity keeps him engaged. “As long as there are stories to tell, I’m here,” Beghe has said in past press rounds.
What Season 13 Holds for Voight
While Beghe isn’t leaving, Voight’s journey in Season 13 is expected to be anything but smooth. Following the tumultuous events of Season 12, Voight will reportedly face new pressures both from within his unit and from outside forces. With Upton gone, his leadership dynamic shifts yet again, and the introduction of new characters could test how adaptable Voight is in an ever-changing team.
There’s also speculation that the show will explore Voight’s personal life more deeply. Over the years, fans have seen glimpses of his vulnerabilities — his grief over his son Justin’s death, his complicated relationships with protégés like Lindsay, and his struggle with balancing justice and morality. Season 13 could peel back even more layers, giving audiences a deeper understanding of what drives this complicated man.
