It's been over a decade since we first met Hank Voight in that messy crossover with Chicago Fire. Back then, nobody really knew if a show about a borderline-dirty cop and his hand-picked unit would actually stick. But here we are in 2026, and the tv show Chicago PD cast has become one of the most talked-about ensembles on network television.
The thing is, the roster looks a lot different now. If you haven’t tuned in for a couple of seasons, you might feel like you’re walking into a completely different police station. The revolving door at the 21st District has been spinning fast lately. If you found value in this article, you might want to read: this related article.
The Faces That Still Call Intelligence Home
Honestly, it’s a miracle anyone from Season 1 is still standing. Between the literal gunfights and the soul-crushing moral dilemmas, the "Intelligence" unit takes a toll. But a few heavy hitters remain the bedrock of the show.
Jason Beghe as Sergeant Hank Voight
He’s the sun that everything else orbits around. Period. Jason Beghe has played Voight with a raspy intensity that hasn't wavered since 2014. These days, though, we’re seeing a weirder, more vulnerable side of him. After the death of Deputy Chief Reid (played by Shawn Hatosy) in the Season 12 finale, Voight has been grappling with his own "old school" demons. The 2026 episodes have shown him trying to keep the unit together while Internal Affairs breathes down his neck. For another look on this story, refer to the latest update from E! News.
Marina Squerciati and Patrick John Flueger (Burgess and Ruzek)
The "Burzek" fans finally got what they wanted. After years of "will-they-won't-they" drama that quite frankly felt like it might never end, Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek are officially married. It happened in a montage at the end of Season 12, which some people hated, but it’s the reality now.
However, things aren't exactly domestic bliss. Patrick John Flueger actually took a brief leave of absence from the show in late 2025 to deal with some personal matters. His character, Ruzek, was written out temporarily, leaving Burgess to handle the heavy lifting. Marina Squerciati has really stepped up as the emotional core of the team lately.
LaRoyce Hawkins as Kevin Atwater
Atwater is the moral compass. He has to be. LaRoyce Hawkins brings this incredible weight to the role, especially as the show explores the intersection of being a Black man and a police officer in Chicago. He’s one of the few original tv show Chicago PD cast members left, and his presence feels more essential than ever as the unit's "steady hand."
The New Blood: Season 13 Shakeups
If you’re watching the current 2025–2026 season, you've probably noticed a new face that’s already causing a bit of a stir.
Arienne Mandi joined the squad as Officer Eva Imani (originally rumored to be named Naomi Kerr). She’s a former ATF agent and military contractor. She’s basically a loose cannon, which is exactly what the unit needed to spice things up. She fills the gap left by Toya Turner, who played Kiana Cook for just one season before making a surprise exit.
It’s kinda becoming a pattern, right? New characters come in, we start to like them, and then—poof—they’re gone. Turner’s departure was a shocker because Kiana Cook seemed like she was going to be a long-term fixture.
Why Do the Stars Keep Quitting?
Let’s be real: being on a Dick Wolf show is a grind. You're filming in the freezing Chicago winter for ten months a year.
We saw this most clearly with Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) and Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton). Jesse left after ten seasons because, basically, he wanted to see what else was out there. He’s since popped up in FBI: International, staying in the Wolf Entertainment family but getting a change of scenery.
Tracy’s exit at the end of Season 11 was even tougher for fans. She’d been the lead female protagonist for years. She mentioned in interviews that she just wanted to "switch it up" and see what other roles were available to her after seven years on the beat. It’s hard to blame them, but it definitely leaves a "Hailey-shaped" hole in the show.
Then you have the messy exits from years ago. Sophia Bush (Erin Lindsay) remains the biggest "what if." She was the original star, but she left after four seasons due to what she described as abusive behavior and poor working conditions on set. That was a huge turning point for the show, shifting the focus more toward the male-heavy leadership of Voight and Halstead.
The Supporting Players You Can’t Forget
You can't talk about the tv show Chicago PD cast without mentioning Amy Morton. As Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt, she is the glue. She’s the only one who can talk back to Voight without getting her head bitten off.
And then there's Benjamin Levy Aguilar as Dante Torres. He’s been the "rookie" for a while now, but in the 2026 episodes, he’s dealing with some massive neighborhood drama. The show is really leaning into his background as someone who knows the streets from a different perspective than Ruzek or Burgess.
The Current Season 13 Active Roster:
- Jason Beghe (Hank Voight)
- Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess)
- Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek - returning from hiatus)
- LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater)
- Amy Morton (Trudy Platt)
- Benjamin Levy Aguilar (Dante Torres)
- Arienne Mandi (Eva Imani)
What Most People Get Wrong About the Cast
A lot of people think the actors are leaving because the show is "dying." That’s just not true. The ratings for Season 13 are still pulling in over 4 million live viewers an episode, and it's a monster on Peacock.
The real reason for the turnover is often "cast rotation." To keep the budget under control, the producers sometimes have to limit how many series regulars appear in every single episode. You might notice an episode that focuses almost entirely on Atwater, while Burgess and Voight are barely in it. This helps the network save money on those massive salaries that come with being on a show for twelve years.
How to Keep Up With the Changes
If you're a die-hard fan, the best thing you can do is stay tuned to the official social media accounts. Marina Squerciati is notorious for posting "behind the scenes" photos that often leak new cast members before the official press releases even hit.
The tv show Chicago PD cast is a living, breathing thing. It changes, it bruises, and it evolves—much like the city it’s named after. Whether you’re here for the "Upstead" memories or the new "Imani" era, one thing is certain: as long as Jason Beghe is wearing that leather jacket, the 21st District isn't going anywhere.
Actionable Insights for Fans:
- Watch for Guest Stars: Many "departed" actors like Jesse Lee Soffer have returned to direct episodes. Look at the credits; you might see a familiar name behind the camera.
- Stream the Backlog: If the new cast isn't clicking for you, seasons 1-4 on Peacock offer the "classic" era with Sophia Bush and Jon Seda.
- Track the Schedule: With the show currently airing its 13th season in early 2026, keep an eye on Wednesday nights on NBC at 10/9c.
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