Tracy Spiridakos Opens Up About Departure from ‘Chicago P.D.’ Before Season Finale: Exploring New Paths

Tracy Spiridakos Sounds Off on Her Chicago PD Exit After Season 11

Maarten de Boer/NBCUniversal

Tracy Spiridakos has spoken about leaving Chicago P.D. for the first time. She made the decision after her sixth season on the show, which was also known as season 10. Spiridakos, who is 36 years old, shared with Variety on Tuesday, May 21, that she reached out to showrunner Gwen Sigan and the Wolf team to express her desire to do one more year before departing.

Spiridakos, who joined the cast in 2017 as Detective Haley Upton during season 4, shared with the team her desire to have one more season with the character.

She admitted that it was a tough decision to make because of the strong bond she has formed with her One Chicago family.

Spiridakos expressed her love for everyone involved in the show - from the cast to the crew, producers, and writers. She described them as an amazing team.

Despite her close relationships with her castmates, Spiridakos felt it was time for a change. She wanted to explore new opportunities and switch things up.

In October 2023, it was announced that Spiridakos would be leaving Chicago P.D. after season 11, which was set to premiere in February.

Fans were surprised by Spiridakos' departure, but it wasn't entirely unexpected, especially since her on-screen husband, Jesse Lee Soffer, who portrayed Detective Jay Halstead, had already left the show at the beginning of season 10.

Upton struggled to stay afloat without Halstead, leading to their ultimate divorce. Throughout season 11, fans have witnessed Upton's journey of rebuilding herself and dedicating herself fully to her work. This journey will culminate in the finale airing on Wednesday, May 22.

According to Spiridakos, the season 11 conclusion will keep viewers on the edge of their seats. She hinted at many vulnerable moments in the episode, showing a side of the characters that has not been seen before. Get ready for a rollercoaster of emotions!

Tracy Spiridakos Sounds Off on Her Chicago PD Exit After Season 11

LaRoyce Hawkins as Kevin Atwater and Tracy Spiridakos as Hailey Upton Lori Allen/NBC

Although viewers will miss Spiridakos on season 12 of the NBC drama, costar Jason Beghe exclusively told We that the show will live on.

Beghe, 64, shared in March that he prefers to think of the show as an organism rather than a family. He explained that when someone leaves, whether it's a child going off to college or a character exiting the show, the whole dynamic has to adjust and evolve. The show may not be the same, but it will continue to thrive.

Beghe, who portrays Sergeant Hank Voight, mentioned that while Spiridakos' departure will change their dynamic, it will not shatter their bond.

He expressed confidence in their ability to overcome this situation and emphasized the importance of evolving as a team. Beghe also assured that Spiridakos' character will continue to have a presence on the show, just like all the other characters who have left their mark before her.

Beghe pointed out that the team has been influenced by them and will always be changed because of their presence. This transformation will be a part of the team's growth and development moving forward.

You can catch Chicago P.D. on NBC every Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET.

Editor's P/S:

Tracy Spiridakos' departure from Chicago P.D. marks a significant change for the beloved police procedural. Having played Detective Hailey Upton for six seasons, Spiridakos' decision to leave the show after season 11 has left fans both surprised and saddened. However, her desire for new challenges and the show's ability to evolve and thrive despite cast changes suggest that Chicago P.D. will continue to captivate audiences in the years to come.

Spiridakos' departure follows that of Jesse Lee Soffer, who left the show at the beginning of season 10. The on-screen husband and wife duo's exit has left a void in the show's dynamic, but it has also created opportunities for other characters to step up and take on new responsibilities. As Jason Beghe suggests, the show's resilience and ability to adapt to change will ensure its continued success, even as beloved characters come and go.