If you are a diehard One Chicago fan, you might want to grab some tissues. NBC’s hit police procedural is about to look very different this fall. Breaking news has just confirmed the upcoming LaRoyce Hawkins Chicago PD exit, marking the end of an era for one of the show’s most beloved original cast members. After playing the steadfast and principled Officer Kevin Atwater for 13 gripping seasons, Hawkins is officially stepping away from his badge.
For viewers wondering how the show will handle his departure and what is next for the Intelligence Unit, here is everything we know about the major Season 14 shake-up.
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The Timeline of the LaRoyce Hawkins Chicago PD Exit
Fortunately for fans, Hawkins will not be vanishing entirely between seasons. According to reports from Deadline, the veteran actor is slated to return for the first few episodes of the upcoming Season 14. This brief return will allow the showrunners to properly wrap up Atwater’s storyline on screen and give audiences the emotional farewell they deserve.
While NBC has currently declined to officially comment on the departure, the news has already sent shockwaves through the dedicated fanbase. His exit marks the first loss of an original series regular cast member since Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead) left early in Season 10.
Why is Kevin Atwater Leaving the Intelligence Unit?
For those who tuned in closely to Season 13, the writing for Atwater’s departure was slowly appearing on the wall. A significant chunk of his recent storyline revolved around him quietly contemplating his future and his identity outside of the Chicago Police Department.
The turning point came when Atwater reconnected with an old friend and former police academy colleague, Officer Tasha Fox (guest star Karen Obilom). Their romance was intense but seemingly short-lived when Tasha accepted a job opportunity in Miami. However, Season 13 delivered a massive cliffhanger when Tasha reappeared at Kevin’s door with life-changing news: she was pregnant with their child.
Given Atwater’s deeply ingrained sense of responsibility and his selfless nature often prioritizing his family, his younger siblings, and his colleagues above his own happiness it seems highly likely that his character will finally choose to put himself and his new family first. Fans are heavily speculating that Atwater will trade the bitter winters of the Windy City for the Sunshine State, moving to Miami to co-parent and build a new life with Tasha.
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What Happens to the Show Now?
The loss of Hawkins is a massive blow to the dynamic of Captain Hank Voight’s team. Atwater has long been considered the moral compass and the glue that provides stability to his peers. With his departure, the list of remaining original series regulars dwindles to just four: Jason Beghe (Hank Voight), Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek), Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess), and Amy Morton (Trudy Platt).
To fill the massive void left by Atwater, the Chicago P.D. production team is already making moves. Reports indicate that the show is currently casting a brand-new series regular. The casting call describes the new addition as a “Black cop who is an agent of chaos” a stark contrast to Atwater’s usually steady, by-the-book demeanor.
While saying goodbye to original characters is never easy, 2026 is shaping up to be a year of major television transitions. Make sure you tune in to the Season 14 premiere to witness how the Intelligence Unit handles their latest heartbreaking farewell.
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Diana Luci is a U.S.-based financial news writer covering Social Security, IRS tax updates, SNAP benefits, Medicare, and government assistance programs. She focuses on simplifying complex financial and policy topics into clear, easy-to-understand information for everyday readers.