When a show like Chicago P.D. has been on the air for over a decade, there are countless standout moments, storylines, and cases that fans debate as the very best. But according to Jesse Lee Soffer—who portrayed Detective Jay Halstead for nearly 200 episodes—there’s one episode that towers above the rest. In a recent conversation, Soffer reflected on an installment from nine years ago, calling it “the best episode we’ve ever done.”
Soffer’s declaration carries weight, considering his long tenure on the show and his unique perspective as both an actor and, later, a director on Chicago P.D.. The episode he highlighted is remembered by fans as a defining moment not only for Halstead’s character but also for the Intelligence Unit as a whole. It blended heart-pounding action with deep emotional resonance, showcasing why Chicago P.D. has become one of the most gripping police dramas on television.
For Soffer, this outing was about more than just the case of the week. It represented the perfect balance of intensity, character development, and moral complexity—the hallmarks of Dick Wolf’s storytelling. He praised how the episode peeled back layers of Halstead’s character, exposing his vulnerabilities while also emphasizing his fierce loyalty to his team and his pursuit of justice. It was, in many ways, the kind of television that reminded audiences why they tune in week after week.
Fans online have echoed Soffer’s sentiments, with many revisiting the episode after his comments. On social media, longtime viewers reminisced about how the story arc still stands out years later, cementing its legacy in Chicago P.D. history. For newer fans, Soffer’s statement has sparked curiosity, encouraging them to go back and watch an installment that even the star himself considers unbeatable.
What makes this reflection especially meaningful is that Soffer departed the series in Season 10, leaving fans still longing for Halstead’s return. His words not only celebrate the past but also underscore just how deeply his time on the show resonated with him. It’s rare for an actor to single out one chapter of such a long career, but when he does, it speaks volumes about the episode’s significance.
Nine years later, that outing remains a benchmark for what Chicago P.D. can achieve at its very best—raw, emotional storytelling that lingers long after the credits roll. And if Jesse Lee Soffer says it’s the “best episode ever,” fans have every reason to agree.
