There’s big news for Chicago PD fans: We not only know one big star returning for Season 13 but also how many episodes it will have.
Fans of Chicago PD knew the series would be returning for Season 13 as NBC had renewed all the One Chicago shows in early May of 2025. However, there were concerns amid reports NBC and Dick Wolf Entertainment might be cutting costs, which could have meant cutting some characters and actors from the shows.
Voight will definitely return in Chicago PD season 13
Thankfully, Chicago PD fans know at least one big star is coming back. Deadline confirms that Jason Beghe will return as Hank Voight, marking 14 years since he debuted as the character in Chicago Fire. Beghe reupped to a new deal, and so far, he’s the one main cast member confirmed as returning.
As noted, NBC is trying to cut costs for the One Chicago shows, which all utilize large ensemble casts and thus larger contracts. Both Chicago Fire and Chicago Med have set up storylines indicating budget cuts for the fire department and hospital could mean cutting some characters.
Chicago PD continues to act with guaranteed minimum appearances
Chicago PD has a smaller cast than those shows, so they might be spared any cutting of actors. However, it’s likely that not all the actors will appear in all the episodes. This has become a standard technique for Dick Wolf shows in the last couple of years, so actors don’t have to be used all the time.
Chicago PD used it a bit in season 12 with Burgess absent as being in New Orleans (which was an excuse for Marina Squerciati’s pregnancy) and other cops written out for an episode or two as on another assignment.
That’s probably going to continue with some episodes, putting the focus on one or two officers and the rest of the cast pushed to the side. Maybe the season premiere has Burgess and Ruzek still on their honeymoon to give them time off while other Unit members are on another job.
It at least sounds like we won’t lose any major cast members, which is better for the show. There’s always a chance of some sort of surprise exit and the cost-cutting may take its toll on production. For now, fans of Chicago PD can at least be sure that Hank Voight will continue on the job to make Chicago PD season 13 even better.
Chicago PD season 13 episode count confirmed
Also, Deadline confirms that Season 13 will consist of 21 episodes rather than the usual 22. Exceptions have been the first season (which debuted in January of 2014), which had 15 episodes, season 7 with 20, and season 8 with 16 (both due to the COVID-19 pandemic), and the strike-shortened Season 11 with just 13 installments.
It’s good news for fans, and no shock Voight is back as the controversial season 12 finale set the character in a dark new direction. However, there is a possibility we may not see all the Chicago PD cops in every episode this year!
Chicago PD Season 13 will air on Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC in fall 2025.
Stay tuned to Precinct TV for news and updates.