Chicago P.D. Showrunner Shares Hopes for Hailey Upton Post Season 11 Finale

Hailey Upton from Chicago P.D. has said goodbye to the city, but what's next for her is uncertain. Showrunner Gwen Sigan has some plans for the beloved character.

Warning: Spoilers ahead for season 11, episode 13 of Chicago P.D.

Sigan shared with TVLine that Upton's departure in the May 22 finale symbolized her newfound freedom and perspective on the world. She now realizes the abundance of choices available to her.

In the finale, Upton discovered that her boss, Sergeant Hank Voight, was rescued alive after being abducted by a serial killer. Grateful for his safe return, Upton admitted to needing a change in her life.

Upton considered working for different organizations such as the FBI (where Sophia Bush's Erin Lindsay moved to in the season 4 finale), FEMA, and the DEA. At the end of the episode, Upton left in a taxi bound for Chicago O'Hare International Airport. It was unclear where she was headed.

Chicago P.D. Boss Teases Haley Upton's Future After Season 11 Exit

Sigan wanted Upton’s story arc to conclude with a sense of "hope and possibility." Jason Beghe plays Hank Voight and Tracy Spiridakos portrays Hailey Upton in ‘Chicago P.D.’ Lori Allen/NBC.

The showrunner expressed her hope that fans would be able to imagine Upton's future in their own way because she has the potential to explore many different paths. She also mentioned that this open-endedness leaves the door open for Upton to potentially return to the One Chicago family in the future.

"I really like the concept that these characters still exist in the world and could make a comeback on the show," she elaborated. "They're all out there, so maybe one day."

Spiridakos, 36, didn't give a clear answer when asked about Upton's future plans. She mentioned in an interview with Variety on Wednesday that she hasn't decided yet on what the final destination should be or what the next step for Upton should entail. She expressed her admiration for the ending of the show, highlighting how it allowed Upton to finally experience happiness and discover herself by doing something just for her.

Chicago P.D. Boss Teases Haley Upton's Future After Season 11 Exit

Tracy Spiridakos as Hailey Upton and La Royce Hawkins as Kevin Atwater in ‘Chicago P.D.’ Lori Allen/NBC

Spiridakos, who joined the cast in 2017 during season 4, shared that the departure of her character is unlike anything seen before. She mentioned that her character has been through a lot and is now in a place where she can discover herself and explore new opportunities.

In a separate interview with Variety on Tuesday, May 21, Spiridakos explained that she decided to leave the series because she felt that it was the right time after season 10 concluded.

"It was a tough choice, really tough. I have so much love for everyone on the show - the cast, crew, producers, writers, everyone," she remembered. "They are such an amazing team. I just wanted to explore other opportunities and shake things up a bit, and that's all it was."

Chicago P.D. Boss Teases Haley Upton's Future After Season 11 Exit

Tracy Spiridakos, known for her role as Hailey Upton in 'Chicago P.D.', announced in October 2023 that she would be leaving the show after the upcoming season 11. This decision came after seven seasons of portraying the character on the popular series.

Her exit happened after Jesse Lee Soffer, who portrayed Hailey Upton's husband, Jay Halstead, left the show. Soffer, aged 40, was a member of the original Chicago P.D. cast. His departure led to Upton and Halstead getting divorced.

Chicago P.D. is set to come back for its twelfth season on NBC in the fall of 2024.

Editor's P/S:

Hailey Upton's departure from "Chicago P.D." marks a significant moment in the series, leaving fans with a mix of emotions and anticipation. Showrunner Gwen Sigan's intention to portray Upton's newfound freedom and potential for growth aligns with the character's journey throughout the seasons. The open-ended nature of her exit allows viewers to speculate on her future, whether she will pursue a different career path or return to the One Chicago universe.

Tracy Spiridakos' decision to leave the show after seven seasons reflects her desire for personal and professional growth. Her portrayal of Hailey Upton has been captivating, showcasing the character's resilience and complexities. While her absence will undoubtedly be felt, Spiridakos' departure opens up possibilities for the character to return in the future and for the series to explore new storylines and character dynamics. As "Chicago P.D." continues into its twelfth season, fans can eagerly await what lies ahead for both Upton and the beloved Intelligence Unit.