When Jesse Lee Soffer walked away from Chicago P.D. in Season 10, fans were left heartbroken. His departure marked the end of Detective Jay Halstead’s time with Intelligence, a character who had been part of the very fabric of the show since its 2014 debut. After Halstead’s emotional farewell—leaving his wife Hailey Upton behind to return to the Army—the door seemed firmly closed on his story. But now, the news fans have been craving has finally arrived: Soffer is coming back for Chicago P.D. Season 13. Yet, as with all things in One Chicago, there’s a twist.
The Return Fans Have Been Waiting For
Since his exit, viewers have flooded social media with pleas for Soffer to reprise his role. Campaigns, petitions, and countless Reddit threads have kept the hope alive. NBC finally confirmed that Jesse Lee Soffer will indeed return in Season 13, giving fans the reunion they’ve been dreaming of. However, before you start celebrating, it’s important to note that this won’t be a full-time homecoming.
The Catch: Not Quite the Jay Halstead You Remember
While Soffer’s return is real, sources reveal that he won’t be rejoining as a series regular. Instead, his appearance is slated as part of a multi-episode arc that could tie up loose ends from his sudden departure. This means Halstead’s presence will be felt, but the long-term future of the character remains uncertain. The big question is whether this is a temporary stop—or the first step toward a permanent return.
What It Means for Hailey Upton
Halstead’s wife, Detective Hailey Upton (played by Tracy Spiridakos), has struggled since his exit, both personally and professionally. Her heartbreak became a defining storyline in Season 11, ultimately leading to speculation about her own future on the show. With Soffer returning, fans are eager to see if the writers will give “Upstead” some closure—or perhaps even rekindle their relationship. This could be the emotional payoff that has eluded fans for over two seasons.
Soffer’s Love for the Show Never Faded
Jesse Lee Soffer hasn’t shied away from expressing his affection for Chicago P.D.. After leaving, he even stepped behind the camera to direct an episode in Season 10, showing that his connection to the One Chicago universe remains strong. His return, even if limited, feels like a natural extension of that bond.
A Strategic Move by NBC?
It’s hard to ignore the timing. With Season 13 on the horizon and long-running shows often facing challenges in keeping storylines fresh, bringing back a beloved original cast member is a surefire way to reignite excitement. NBC knows that Halstead’s absence has left a void, and Soffer’s return could be exactly what the show needs to stabilize its core fanbase.
What Comes Next
For now, all we know is that Jesse Lee Soffer will step back into Jay Halstead’s shoes in Season 13. The details are being kept tightly under wraps, but his return is already generating more buzz than any recent casting news. Will this be the closure fans have been longing for? Or will Halstead’s return open the door to even more heartbreak?
