Nine years after it aired, Chicago P.D. fans are revisiting one unforgettable episode—thanks to none other than Jesse Lee Soffer himself. The former series lead, who portrayed Detective Jay Halstead for a decade, recently reflected on an iconic episode from early in the show’s run, calling it the “best episode we’ve ever done.” The comment sent fans into a frenzy, reigniting conversations about the show’s most powerful moments and what made that particular installment so enduring.
The episode Soffer was referring to is Season 1, Episode 12, titled “8:30 PM”—a tense, emotionally charged hour that aired back in 2014. Part of a two-night crossover with Chicago Fire, the episode begins with a devastating bombing at Chicago Med. The Intelligence Unit jumps into action as the city is thrown into chaos, and what unfolds is a masterclass in pacing, emotional storytelling, and gritty realism.
For Soffer, it wasn’t just about the action—it was the raw humanity of the episode that stood out. “We pushed boundaries with that one,” he said during a recent fan Q&A. “The emotion, the suspense, the ensemble—all of it came together in a way that just felt right. It was gritty, real, and heartbreaking.”
“8:30 PM” marked a major turning point for the series. It showcased how far Chicago P.D. was willing to go emotionally and structurally. The show had already proven it could deliver solid police drama, but this episode proved it could do something more—something deeper. Viewers saw the emotional toll the job takes on officers, especially through Halstead, who had a strong personal investment in the case. The plot also exposed the vulnerabilities of characters like Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush), Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), and Sgt. Voight (Jason Beghe). The stakes were personal and deeply felt—especially with children among the victims. Soffer’s performance was particularly praised for its restraint and quiet intensity.
When “8:30 PM” first aired, it received critical praise and high ratings, cementing Chicago P.D. as more than just a cop procedural. Fans called it “haunting,” “powerful,” and “unforgettable.” But in the nine years since, the episode’s reputation has only grown. After Soffer’s recent comments, fans took to Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) to rewatch the episode, posting screenshots and emotional tributes to the storyline. One user wrote, “I forgot how devastating thiswas. You feel every second of it. This is the kind of storytelling that made me fall in love with One Chicago.”
Jesse Lee Soffer exited Chicago P.D. in Season 10, leaving a massive void in the Intelligence Unit. His character, Jay Halstead, was the moral compass of the team—sharp, emotionally aware, and often caught between loyalty and conscience. Since his departure, fans have continued to express hope that he’ll return, even for a guest spot.
