As Chicago PD dives into its thirteenth season, fans are tuning in to see how the gritty streets of the Windy City hold up under fresh pressures. Jason Beghe, the gravel-voiced anchor as Sergeant Hank Voight, remains the unyielding core of the Intelligence Unit. His portrayal, marked by that signature intensity born from real-life grit—a near-fatal car crash back in 1999 that left his voice forever changed—continues to draw viewers. Indeed, Beghe's commitment shines through, especially as whispers of his potential exit proved unfounded earlier this year.
The new season, which premiered on September 25, 2025, introduces a mix of continuity and upheaval. Core cast members like Patrick John Flueger as the steadfast Officer Adam Ruzek, Marina Squerciati's sharp Detective Kim Burgess, and LaRoyce Hawkins' reliable Officer Kevin Atwater are all back, bringing stability to the squad. However, the show isn't shying away from bold moves. Toya Turner's character, Kiana Cook, met a dramatic end in the opener, wrapping up her arc after two seasons of adding tactical edge. This exit, announced in June, feels like a calculated pivot, perhaps to inject new blood into the procedural formula that's kept the series alive since 2014.
Beghe himself has teased Voight's evolving mindset in recent interviews, hinting at a man teetering on the edge—pushing boundaries in ways that question the thin blue line. Moreover, the season welcomes intriguing additions, including new faces to challenge the unit's dynamics. Eva Imani steps in as Voight's latest partner, signaling a potential shift in leadership vibes that could redefine the sergeant's lone-wolf style. It's a reminder of how the show, now over a decade strong, adapts without losing its pulse-pounding essence.
Yet, these changes come as Chicago PD navigates broader industry tremors, from production halts in the past to ongoing cast negotiations. Beghe's enduring presence, at 65, underscores a resilience that's both admirable and, one might say, a touch predictable. However, with 22 episodes slated, the real test lies ahead.
In a landscape where cop dramas rise and fall, what does Voight's persistence say about our endless fascination with moral gray areas?