For more than a decade, Chicago P.D. has been one of NBC’s most reliable crime dramas, a cornerstone of the One Chicago franchise. At the heart of the show lies one of television’s most complex and compelling characters: Sergeant Hank Voight, played with raw intensity by Jason Beghe. Fans can now breathe a sigh of relief — Beghe has officially signed a multi-year deal to remain with the series, ensuring that Voight will not only return for Season 13 but continue to be the backbone of the Intelligence Unit for years to come.
This news arrives at a critical time for the show. With questions swirling about the direction of the upcoming 2025–2026 season and uncertainty surrounding the rest of the cast, NBC’s confirmation that Voight will remain front and center reassures fans who consider him the moral compass — and sometimes the moral dilemma — of the entire series.
The Man Behind the Badge: Hank Voight’s Enduring Appeal
Since Chicago P.D. first premiered in 2014, Hank Voight has stood apart from traditional TV police captains. He isn’t the straight-laced leader who plays everything by the book. Instead, Voight is a deeply flawed man, driven by loyalty, justice, and his own complicated moral code. Over the years, viewers have watched him make impossible choices — sometimes bending the law, sometimes breaking it — but always with the goal of protecting his city and his team.
Jason Beghe’s gravel-voiced delivery, steely presence, and emotional depth have made Voight one of the most recognizable characters on network television. He’s not just another tough cop; he’s a man haunted by tragedy, shaped by loss, and defined by his willingness to cross lines others won’t. That combination of vulnerability and ruthlessness has given the character staying power — and explains why NBC is eager to lock in Beghe for the long run.
Why Voight Matters to Chicago P.D.
The Intelligence Unit has always been the heart of Chicago P.D., but Voight is undeniably its pulse. His leadership style sets the tone for the entire squad, influencing everything from the cases they take on to the way they handle justice. Without Voight, the show risks losing its identity.
Over the years, several beloved cast members have exited — from Sophia Bush (Erin Lindsay) to Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead). Yet through every departure, Voight has remained constant, anchoring the story and ensuring continuity. His dynamic relationships with his team members, especially Detective Hailey Upton and Officer Adam Ruzek, have provided much of the show’s emotional resonance in recent seasons.
By committing to Jason Beghe for multiple years, NBC is sending a clear message: Voight isn’t just a character. He is the foundation upon which Chicago P.D. continues to thrive.
A Multi-Year Deal in a Time of Transition
The announcement of Beghe’s new contract comes as Chicago P.D. prepares for Season 13, slated for the 2025–2026 television season. While details about returning cast members remain uncertain, locking in the series’ lead gives the production team stability and direction.
Multi-year deals are rare in an era where network television faces constant challenges from streaming competitors and shifting viewer habits. The fact that NBC made such a commitment underscores their confidence in Beghe and in Voight’s central role in keeping fans invested. It also signals that the network is not ready to say goodbye to one of its most successful dramas anytime soon.
What to Expect from Season 13
Though the full cast list for Season 13 has yet to be confirmed, the promise of Voight’s return opens the door to countless narrative possibilities. After twelve seasons of hard-fought battles — against criminals, against the system, and even against his own demons — Voight is at a fascinating point in his character arc.
Will Season 13 explore an older, perhaps wearier Voight struggling to adapt to a changing city and a younger police force? Could we see him mentoring new recruits, passing down his unorthodox wisdom while clashing with those who believe the old ways no longer work? Or will the writers double down on his darker impulses, reminding fans that Voight has always been a man willing to do whatever it takes?
One thing is certain: the return of Voight ensures the show will keep its edge. Fans can expect the same mix of gritty storytelling, morally complex cases, and emotional stakes that have defined the series since day one.
Fan Reactions: Relief and Excitement
The news of Beghe’s multi-year deal has already sparked a wave of excitement across social media. Loyal viewers who feared that Voight might be written out are celebrating the announcement as a victory for the show’s future. For many fans, Voight is the reason they continue to tune in week after week.
“He IS Chicago P.D.,” one fan wrote on Twitter. “You can’t have the show without Hank Voight.”
Another commented, “I was so worried after Halstead left, but knowing Voight is sticking around gives me hope for Season 13.”
The fan community’s reaction underscores just how integral Beghe is to the series’ identity — and why NBC was wise to secure him long-term.
The Legacy of Jason Beghe in One Chicago
Beghe’s work on Chicago P.D. has not only shaped the show itself but has also influenced the larger One Chicago universe. Voight has appeared in crossovers with Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and even Law & Order: SVU, cementing him as one of the most recognizable figures in NBC’s interconnected storytelling. His presence bridges the shows together, giving viewers a sense of continuity across the sprawling franchise. Without Voight, the One Chicago world would feel incomplete. With him locked in for the foreseeable future, fans can look forward to more crossover possibilities and more of the shared universe moments that have made the franchise so successful.
As Chicago P.D. gears up for its 13th season, one thing is crystal clear: Hank Voight isn’t going anywhere. Jason Beghe’s multi-year deal ensures that fans will continue to see the gravel-voiced sergeant leading his team, wrestling with moral dilemmas, and fighting for justice in the city he refuses to give up on. In an ever-changing television landscape, Voight’s return offers something rare: stability. It’s a promise that the heart of Chicago P.D. will remain intact, no matter what surprises lie ahead. So as the squad prepares for new cases, new threats, and possibly new faces, fans can rest easy knowing that Hank Voight — the flawed, fierce, unforgettable leader of the Intelligence Unit — is here to stay. And with Jason Beghe’s commitment, the best of Chicago P.D. may still be yet to come.
