Summary
Jesse Lee Soffer’s Detective Jay Halstead exitedChicago P.D.at the beginning of season 10, and despite hope that the actor could reprise his role in the show one day, his return is now rather unlikely. The NBC police procedural TV series, created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead, premiered in January 2014 as the firstChicago Firespinoff and the second installment intheOne Chicagouniverse.Soffer was one of the original members oftheChicago P.D.cast,and Halstead quickly became a favorite among fans (including myself), which is why his exit was so heartbreaking.
Halstead was a fairly new addition to the Intelligence Unit whenChicago P.D.premiered. Over time, he became one of the team’s key members, making it difficult to ever replace Halstead. Unfortunately, not all things last forever, andSoffer decided to exitChicago P.D.in season 10, leaving a hole in the show’s cast. Since then, it’s been difficult to accept that Halstead is truly gone, especially after his dissatisfying goodbye. But now thatSoffer has officially moved on fromChicago P.D.,we as fans must acknowledge Halstead’s permanent absence and also move on as the series heads into season 12.
Soffer Plays Wes Mitchell In FBI: International
Jesse LeeSoffer joined theFBI: Internationalcast almost two years after Halstead’sChicago P.D.exit, indicating that he is officially done with the NBC police procedural series. Following his exit,Soffer returned to directChicago P.D.season 10, episode 16, and season 11, episode 12,giving me hope that Halstead could come back to Chicago and the Intelligence Unit one day. However, after the actor accepted his newFBI: Internationalrole, it seems as though Halstead is truly gone. So, viewers must look to a future that won’t feature Halstead.
Jesse Lee Soffer is expected to make his debut as Wes Mitchell in theFBI: Internationalseason 4 premiere on Tuesday, June 16, 2025, at 9 p.m. ET.
It would be difficult for Soffer to have time to focus on anything other than the CBS TV show, after all, given the importance of his new character’s role.FBI: Internationallost Luke Kleintank’s Scott Forrester ahead of season 4, and Soffer is taking his place in the cast. Forrester was the head of the Fly Team in the series, and Soffer is set to play Wesley “Wes” Mitchell, the new supervisory special agent in charge.The actor is seemingly the new face ofFBI: International,killing all hope of Halstead’s reinstatement in the Intelligence Unit inChicago P.D.
OnceTracy Spiridakos' Detective Hailey Upton leftChicago P.D.in season 11, Jesse Lee Soffer reprising his role as Halstead in future episodes already seemed like a slim possibility. Then, once theFBI: Internationalcasting news was announced, Halstead’s return became unfeasible. Nevertheless,it would have been frustrating if NBC brought Halstead back right after Upton (his now ex-wife) moved out of Chicago.It also would not have made sense if Halstead came back after Upton left, given that the distance between them led to their relationship ending — the couple would not have divorced if Halstead planned on returning.
Although [Halstead and Upton’s] relationship has ended, it wouldn’t feel right to have one character without the other inChicago P.D.because of the lack of closure.
After Halstead quit the Intelligence Unit and rejoined the Army, Upton struggled with the long distance and her husband’s lack of initiative to come home to her. So, Upton ultimately decided to divorce Halstead. Although their relationship has ended, it wouldn’t feel right to have one character without the other inChicago P.D.because of the lack of closure. Yes,Halstead and Upton got a divorce, but it all happened offscreen. For a relationship as long and complex as Halstead and Upton’s, onscreen closure was needed. So,it’s best that either both of them return or neither of them do.
Chicago PD Season 12’s Upton Replacement Is The Best Possible Outcome After Tracy Spiridakos' Exit
Chicago PD has confirmed who will replace Upton in season 12, and preliminary information about the character is a good sign of what’s to come.
Chicago P.D. Can Officially Move On Without Halstead
Although disappointing, it’s for the best that Jesse Lee Soffer won’t permanently return toChicago P.D.as Halstead. With Upton gone, the NBC police procedural series (and fans) can officially move on from both characters and their relationship. They can no longer be concerned about the “what ifs” and possibilities of what could happen regarding Halstead and Upton’s futures. Plus, now that Soffer has joinedthe cast ofFBI: Internationalseason 4, we know that Halstead won’t return toChicago P.D.and canfocus on other characters and storylines in season 12 and beyond.
Chicago P.D.
Cast
Chicago P.D.: This police drama, set in Chicago’s District 21, follows the distinct units within the Chicago Police Department—uniformed officers addressing street crimes and an Intelligence Unit tackling major offenses such as organized crime and drug trafficking, capturing the dedication of those who serve and protect their community.
