When fans think about Chicago P.D., one name has consistently stood the test of time: Kim Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati. Since the series premiered in 2014, Burgess has been at the heart of the show’s emotional core, embodying resilience, vulnerability, and strength in equal measure. Now, as the longest-standing female cast member on Chicago P.D., her journey is both a testament to Squerciati’s compelling performance and a reminder of the imbalance that continues to exist within the Intelligence Unit.
From her early days as a uniformed patrol officer to her current position as a dedicated detective in the Intelligence team, Burgess has undergone one of the most layered evolutions in the series. Fans have watched her triumph through grueling cases, endure personal heartbreak, and ultimately find her place as both a mother and a cop. Her perseverance has made her one of the most beloved characters in the One Chicago universe. Yet, despite her longevity, Burgess now stands out for a different reason: she is the only woman left at the center of a cast dominated by men.
Over the years, Chicago P.D. has introduced several strong female characters who enriched the storylines and provided balance to the show’s tough, morally gray themes. From Detective Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush), whose sharp instincts and emotional depth helped shape the early seasons, to Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos), who brought fire and determination to the team in later years, the presence of women in the Intelligence Unit has always elevated the storytelling. Their departures, however, have left a noticeable void.
While Burgess is more than capable of carrying complex storylines on her own, representation matters — both within the narrative and for viewers who look to these characters as reflections of strength and relatability. Intelligence thrives as a unit built on diversity of thought and experience, and Burgess shouldn’t have to shoulder the responsibility of being the show’s only leading female perspective.
Fans have expressed their concerns online, pointing out that the absence of multiple female leads narrows the dynamic of the show. The balance of personalities and perspectives is what once made Chicago P.D. feel vibrant and authentic. By leaving Burgess as the last woman standing, the series risks losing some of that emotional complexity.
Still, Marina Squerciati continues to shine in the role, offering performances that keep Burgess compelling season after season. Her on-screen chemistry with Patrick John Flueger’s Adam Ruzek, her fierce dedication to her daughter Makayla, and her willingness to go to extraordinary lengths for justice remind audiences why she has endured when others have left.
As Chicago P.D. looks toward future seasons, the question remains: will the writers and producers recognize the need to restore the balance within Intelligence? For a show that thrives on portraying the realities of police work — its challenges, its triumphs, and its humanity — it feels only fitting to give Burgess the support she deserves, both on-screen and in the squad room.
For now, Kim Burgess holds a place of honor as the longest-running female character in Chicago P.D. history. But for the sake of storytelling, representation, and the fans who have invested in these characters for over a decade, she shouldn’t be the only one.
