Although the One Chicago franchise enjoys immense popularity, it faces significant challenges. A major issue is the frequent changes in its cast, with all three shows experiencing a rapid turnover of characters, making it hard for fans to connect with newcomers. This situation complicates fan engagement with new characters, especially given the likelihood that they may not remain for long. This is evident with Detective Martel (Victoria Cartagena) from Chicago P.D., who was introduced in the Season 12 premiere but didn’t even survive to the end of that episode.
The original characters are dwindling, and Chicago P.D. is no exception, featuring only five original cast members: Amy Morton‘s Trudy Platt, Jason Beghe‘s Hank Voight, Patrick John Flueger‘s Adam Ruzek, Marina Squerciati‘s Kim Burgess, and LaRoyce Hawkins‘ Kevin Atwater. The show has seen a consistent exit of beloved characters and those who barely made an impact. In the Season 13 episode "Miami," the possibility of another original character leaving was raised. Although Officer Kevin Atwater is not departing – at least for now – this notion remains unsettling, as the series cannot afford to lose another cherished character.
Kevin Atwater Reflects on Leaving Chicago in ‘Chicago P.D.’s “Miami”
In this episode, Atwater teams up with Officer Tasha Fox (Karen Obilom) for a one-day patrol detail. They catch up after years apart when Fox reveals her plans to leave Chicago for a new job in Miami. She expresses feelings of unfulfillment and disrespect in Chicago and her desire for more than just being a beat cop who endures abuse without making a difference. Fox questions Atwater about his potential future if he left Chicago, but before he can respond, an explosion occurs, launching an intense manhunt for the bomber that takes center stage throughout the episode.
After locating the bomber in an abandoned building, Fox suffers an injury when a bullet grazes her arm. This moment gives Atwater the opportunity he needs to apprehend the bomber. With the danger neutralized and no additional bombs found, they celebrate by enjoying some downtime at his apartment. The following morning, he finally provides her with an answer:
“Remember that question you asked about where would I go if I could leave Chicago? I honestly don’t know. I mean, I never really thought about leaving. Never really thought about what more that I want other than what I have. Because I haven’t really had the time, between my Pops, my little brother, my little sister. Everybody’s all good, but I haven’t really had the time to think about anything else.”
This response is not the definitive assurance fans hoped for – a firm “no way” would have been reassuring – yet it doesn’t fully embrace the idea either. If Atwater hasn’t considered it before, then it’s not a pressing concern for him, leaving things as they are. Fox does invite him to visit her in Miami anytime, but he has yet to take her up on that offer.
‘Chicago P.D.’ Must Retain Its Original Characters
If Atwater had left, he would have joined a long list of significant characters who have exited the show: Erin Lindsay (Sophia Bush); Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda); Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas); Jay Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer); Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos); and Kiana Cook (Toya Turner), who departed after just one season. This does not include characters like Martel, who were only around briefly. Recently, it was revealed that Patrick John Flueger is leaving the show, taking Ruzek with him but is anticipated to return.
‘Chicago P.D.’ Abruptly Loses Yet Another Intelligence Member
Season 13 scripts are currently being reworked to accommodate the sudden absence.
The presence of characters like Atwater, who have been there since day one, serves as a stabilizing force for fans amid constant character changes. Each time one of these anchors departs, it diminishes trust and reliance among viewers. They provide continuity and allow new characters time to gain viewer engagement. In this sense, they represent the audience’s perspective: if Atwater can accept a newcomer, so can we, creating a quicker connection with new characters than might otherwise occur. If we lose another anchor character like Atwater, it could spell trouble for the future of Chicago P.D..
