Fans of Chicago P.D. will never forget the electric chemistry between Detective Erin Lindsay and Detective Jay Halstead. On screen, Sophia Bush and Jesse Lee Soffer delivered a gripping, emotional storyline that had viewers rooting for their characters to succeed — in life and in love. But what made their connection even more fascinating was that, behind the scenes, the actors themselves were involved in a real-life romance. For a while, it seemed like the fictional love story had spilled into reality. However, just like Lindsay and Halstead eventually went their separate ways on screen, Bush and Soffer also broke up in real life. The question that fans have continued to ask: why?
Sophia Bush and Jesse Lee Soffer first met on the set of Chicago P.D. in 2013. From the very beginning, their characters shared a strong connection, and by Season 2, their on-screen relationship turned romantic. Around the same time, whispers started that Bush and Soffer were growing close off-screen as well. Though neither actor was quick to confirm the rumors, the chemistry between them — both in interviews and in paparazzi photos — was hard to ignore. By 2014, several outlets confirmed the two were dating. They never flaunted their romance, but it was an open secret among fans and castmates alike. Their relationship was low-key, private, and seemingly drama-free, which is perhaps what made their breakup in 2015 such a surprise.
While the couple never spoke publicly about the specific reasons for their breakup, sources close to them suggested that the intense schedule of working on a high-stakes drama like Chicago P.D., combined with media attention, may have played a role. Sophia Bush has been vocal in interviews about the pressures of being in the public eye, especially when it comes to her love life. In a later interview, Bush said: “If something ends, it’s not because it’s a failure, it’s because things evolve and people grow.” This sentiment, while not a direct reference to her relationship with Soffer, speaks to her belief in the importance of growth and change — both individually and within relationships.
After the breakup, both actors moved on in different ways. Sophia Bush eventually left Chicago P.D. in 2017, citing personal and professional reasons. Her departure came amid reports of dissatisfaction with the work environment, though she’s since found success in other TV projects and activism. Jesse Lee Soffer stayed with the show until 2022 and remained a fan favorite throughout his tenure. In his time post-Chicago P.D., he has expanded his work behind the camera and continued to connect with fans at events and conventions. Interestingly, Soffer was later rumored to be dating another Chicago Med star — Torrey DeVitto — adding a new chapter to the One Chicago dating history. Though that relationship also ended, it highlighted how intertwined the personal lives of the One Chicago cast members have been over the years.
One of the biggest challenges for any actor dating a co-star is balancing real feelings with fictional ones. Bush and Soffer had to portray a deep romantic connection on screen even after their real-life relationship ended — a task that could have been awkward or strained. Yet both handled it with grace. Their performances never faltered, and in many ways, their portrayal of Lindsay and Halstead remained one of the most beloved parts of Chicago P.D.’s early seasons.
