LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving Chicago PD after 13 seasons. While he will get a few episodes in season 14 to say his goodbyes, there hasn’t been any confirmation as to when Hawkins’ Chicago PD exit will take place. This is similar to how Chicago Fire handled Darren Ritter’s (Daniel Kyri) departure during its 14th season, where hints were dropped, but the exit was slightly more open-ended to allow him to return.
There’s definitely plenty of disappointment that Hawkins is leaving the show, especially as it wasn’t his decision. Yet, the news of Jesse Lee Soffer returning to Chicago PD to direct an episode has softened the blow. It could even be Hawkins’ final episode, adding a layer of respect and hope.
This isn’t the first time Soffer has returned to the series since he left in season 10, returning to direct that same season and then again in seasons 11 and 13. Each of his episodes has had an emotional touch that only someone who understands cop drama’s DNA could offer, and that creates a sense of calm and ease when it comes to Hawkins’ upcoming exit.
Those who are worried about the lack of closure, as there are so few episodes with Atwater, can breathe a sigh of relief. Maybe it also creates the opportunity for Halstead to make a small cameo since Soffer is already there.
Jesse Lee Soffer Returns In Time For Kevin Atwater’s Chicago PD Exit
Soffer will return to direct Chicago PD season 14, episode 2, which coincides with Hawkins’ likely last episode. This hasn’t been officially confirmed within the One Chicago franchise, but Hawkins shot his final episode in August 2026. The series had just returned to filming shortly before that, so it’s probable that the second hour will be Atwater’s last.
Bringing Soffer back for this monumental episode offers closure and respect to a character who has been part of the Chicago PD DNA from the very beginning. One of the biggest concerns was that Atwater wouldn’t get the goodbye he deserves, especially after being so underused throughout the last few seasons. Soffer has worked with Hawkins for years, as he played Jay Halstead from the start of the series, so he understands the importance of respecting the fans.
While Soffer won’t have had any say over the storyline, he could ensure that the scenes make Atwater a focal point in this episode. He would understand Atwater’s reasons for making certain decisions, honoring the legacy and reactions throughout. At the same time, Soffer can think about how other characters would react and experience the situation, especially Burgess (Marina Squerciati), Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger), and Voight (Jason Beghe). Through Soffer’s direction, the goodbyes will feel more raw and honest because he gets the deeper meaning within the Intelligence Unit.
If it turns out that Chicago PD season 14, episode 2 isn’t Atwater’s final episode, Soffer returning to direct helps add a meaningful layer to the exit’s buildup. In that case, Hawkins’ departure is likely to be the episode after that, and Soffer has the opportunity to highlight Atwater’s thought process even when the main focus isn’t on him.
Why Atwater Is Leaving Intelligence In Chicago PD Season 14
Cast shake-ups are a normal part of the One Chicago universe, and Chicago PD is no stranger to seeing characters come and go. While many of the decisions have been due to budget cuts, some actors have decided to leave to pursue other projects. Sadly, Hawkins’ exit is due to the former, but the series has made an effort to give this original character a departure storyline.
That storyline is expected to be linked to on-screen love interest Tasha Fox (Karen Obilom). In season 13, she shared that she is pregnant with Atwater’s child. By this point, she had moved to Miami, and she’d originally been open to the idea of Atwater moving with her.
He felt like his life was in Chicago, but there was a clear hint that he wanted something more. Plus, Atwater is an honorable man and wouldn’t walk away from his child. As there are a couple of episodes to set up Atwater’s departure, he has the time to think about his options and realize where his heart lies.
Chicago PD season 14 premieres on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 10/9c on NBC.
- Release Date
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October 7, 2026
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This story originally appeared on Screenrant
