Few procedural dramas manage to blend the emotional weight of character development with the relentless pace of crime-solving the way Chicago P.D. does. Now in its twelfth season, the NBC staple is not only holding its own but leveling up, especially with the recent promotion of Kim Burgess to Intelligence lieutenant—a move that fans didn’t even realize they needed until it hit them in one powerful scene.
One Chicago’s Police Drama Finds New Energy Through Burgess’ Leadership
After Detective Hailey Upton’s exit at the end of season 11, the question loomed: who could possibly fill her shoes in Voight’s hard-edged Intelligence Unit? The answer, it turns out, was right under our noses. Kim Burgess.
Burgess’s ascent from patrol officer to Voight’s second-in-command has been a slow burn across multiple seasons, and it’s paid off in a big way. Her promotion isn’t just a role change—it’s a narrative reinvention for the entire squad. In season 12, episode 18, we see Burgess not only take charge at a crime scene but also confront Voight himself with serious questions about team transparency. It’s a moment that echoes how she’s grown into a leader who isn’t afraid to challenge even the most entrenched authority when the job—and her team—demand it.
Her Leadership Contrast With Upton’s Highlights The Show’s Commitment To Real Growth
Burgess’s dynamic with Voight couldn’t be more different from Upton’s. While Upton often ended up isolated in her moral gray zones, convincing Voight to keep her in the loop but not the rest of the team, Burgess insists on inclusive teamwork. She pushes for honesty, not just efficiency. This subtle but significant shift changes the tone of the unit’s operations and gives the team a much-needed internal balance.
It's the kind of character evolution that Chicago P.D. has excelled at—grounded, realistic, and earned through years of storytelling. Burgess isn’t just filling a gap; she’s redefining what success looks like in Intelligence.
Chicago P.D.’s Season 12 Is Leaning Into Emotional Stakes Amid Lingering Series Uncertainty
Behind the scenes, the One Chicago franchise is facing the same uncertainty that plagues many long-running series: NBC hasn’t officially renewed the shows for another season. Yet, despite the looming question mark, Chicago P.D., along with Chicago Fire and Chicago Med, is pushing forward with some of its most emotionally charged storytelling in years.
This season, fans are getting closures and setups all at once. Burgess and Ruzek are moving toward a personal and professional intersection with their marriage—an arc that’s been teased and tested throughout the series. Meanwhile, Voight continues to walk the tightrope between his old-school instincts and the new era of policing represented by officers like Burgess.
Crossovers and Converging Storylines Keep the One Chicago Universe Thriving
The recent January 2025 crossover event, which tied together Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med through a gas explosion crisis, was more than just a spectacle—it was a reminder of how interconnected and alive the One Chicago universe remains. These high-stakes collisions of fire, medicine, and law enforcement don’t just thrill viewers; they deepen the emotional resonance across all three shows.
Fans of the franchise know how much these crossovers rely on continuity and character chemistry. Whether it’s Erin Lindsay’s past relationship with Severide or Burgess stepping up while Upton is long gone, the writers continue to weave a complex tapestry of inter-series storytelling that few TV universes match.
Budget Cuts May Threaten Cast Stability, But Storytelling Power Remains Unshaken
While Chicago Fire is bracing for the loss of two series regulars due to budgetary decisions, Chicago P.D. has so far avoided major cast shake-ups. Still, the truth is that the One Chicago shows are being stretched thin—not just in terms of budget, but in the weight of audience expectations. And yet, this is where Chicago P.D. shines brightest. Like a true hero from the Marvel or DC pantheon, it adapts. It perseveres. It crafts compelling arcs out of constraint.
Kim Burgess’s rise is emblematic of that resilience. She’s not a flashy replacement. She’s a character forged in the trenches. And now, she’s leading the charge.
Where to Watch Chicago P.D. and the Rest of One Chicago
New episodes of Chicago P.D. air Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET on NBC. The series is available to stream on Peacock, alongside Chicago Fire (Wednesdays at 9 p.m. ET) and Chicago Med (Wednesdays at 8 p.m. ET). Whether you’re catching up for the first time or diving back into the precinct’s gritty world, now’s the perfect time to witness Burgess’s transformation and the squad’s next chapter.
In a TV landscape obsessed with heroes and anti-heroes, Chicago P.D. reminds us that real heroism is gritty, patient, and sometimes, quietly powerful. Just look at Kim Burgess.