NBC Reveals the Future of One Chicago Stars After Contract Expirations — Here’s Who’s Staying and Who Might Go

NBC has finally confirmed the fates of the leading stars across its hit One Chicago universe—Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.—following the expiration of several key contracts. The news brings both relief and reflection for loyal fans who have followed these characters for over a decade. While some familiar faces are officially returning, others have chosen to step away, marking the end of significant chapters in the One Chicago legacy.

At the center of this long-awaited update is Taylor Kinney, the charismatic heart of Chicago Fire who has portrayed Lieutenant Kelly Severide since the show’s inception in 2012. After a personal leave of absence in 2023 raised questions about his future, fans grew concerned about whether he would ever return full-time. NBC has now confirmed that Kinney has signed a new contract and is set to return as a series regular in the upcoming season. His agreement reportedly includes some flexibility to accommodate a healthier work-life balance, but the most important part for fans is clear: Severide is back, and Firehouse 51 won’t be the same without him.

Also staying in the One Chicago family is LaRoyce Hawkins, who continues to shine as Officer Kevin Atwater on Chicago P.D.. Known for bringing emotional depth and social relevance to the show, Hawkins’s renewed contract ensures that Atwater will remain a key figure in the Intelligence Unit. With the confirmed exit of Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton), Atwater is expected to take on a more prominent role in Season 12, possibly evolving into the show’s new emotional anchor.

Meanwhile, Miranda Rae Mayo, who plays the fiercely independent and emotionally resilient Stella Kidd on Chicago Fire, has been confirmed to return for the next season. While her contract was also set to expire, NBC has locked her in for at least another year, much to the relief of fans who adore the dynamic between Kidd and Severide. With both actors back on board, the emotional pulse of the firehouse couple is expected to remain strong.

Tracy Spiridakos’s exit, however, remains one of the most emotional developments this season. After joining Chicago P.D. in Season 4 and becoming a series regular in Season 5, Spiridakos brought grit, complexity, and vulnerability to the character of Hailey Upton. Her departure will leave a major void in the Intelligence Unit and in the hearts of long-time fans. According to NBC, her final episodes will be central to the early arc of the new season, offering closure to her storyline and likely opening a door for a fresh face to join the team.

So why the flurry of contract expirations now? Many of the franchise’s leading actors signed multi-year deals several seasons ago, and 2024 marked the natural endpoint for many of those agreements. As the entertainment industry adjusts to shorter seasons, evolving viewership trends, and tighter budgets, it’s becoming increasingly common for studios to renegotiate one- or two-year deals rather than multi-season commitments. Still, NBC’s ability to lock down key talent like Kinney and Hawkins signals strong confidence in the long-term viability of One Chicago.

It’s also worth noting that all three shows—Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.—have been renewed for full 18-episode seasons. This model, which became more common after the pandemic and 2023 strike delays, reflects a shift toward tighter, more efficient storytelling without filler. Fewer episodes allow for greater narrative focus and give production teams more time to deliver polished, high-stakes drama.