The wait is finally over. Fans of NBC’s long-running police drama have been asking the same burning question all summer: When does Chicago P.D. return? After months of speculation, NBC has confirmed the details, and the Intelligence Unit is back on duty this fall.
This article gives you everything you need to know about the Chicago P.D. Season 13 NBC premiere, including the official return date, cast changes, new storylines, and how you can watch every moment live or on streaming. We’ll also explore how the show fits into the One Chicago Wednesday lineup and why this season is set to be one of the most emotionally charged yet.
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Chicago P.D. Season 13 Premiere Date
NBC officially announced that Chicago P.D. Season 13 premieres Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT. This time slot remains unchanged, anchoring NBC’s One Chicago franchise return every Wednesday night.
The Chicago P.D. 2025 premiere closes out the three-hour drama block, following:
- Chicago Med (Season 11) at 8 p.m.
- Chicago Fire (Season 14) at 9 p.m.
- Chicago P.D. (Season 13) at 10 p.m.
This consistent lineup, known as the One Chicago Wednesday lineup, has become a staple for fans. NBC carefully protects this block, knowing viewers often watch all three shows back-to-back.
“One Chicago is more than just TV. It’s an appointment. Fans plan their week around Wednesday nights,” shared an NBC insider in an interview.
Quick Fact: Chicago P.D. has aired on NBC since 2014. By October 2025, the series will have crossed more than 250 episodes.
NBC Fall 2025 Schedule: Where Chicago P.D. Fits
The NBC fall 2025 schedule continues to build around its strongest franchises. Comedy still dominates Thursday, reality TV like The Voice anchors Mondays and Tuesdays, and One Chicago Wednesdays remain the network’s drama powerhouse.
NBC uses this lineup strategically. By leading with Chicago Med and Chicago Fire, the network funnels audiences into Chicago P.D.. That consistency has kept ratings stable for years.
Here’s a snapshot of the NBC fall primetime schedule for Wednesdays:
Time (ET) | Show | Season |
8:00 p.m. | Chicago Med | 11 |
9:00 p.m. | Chicago Fire | 14 |
10:00 p.m. | Chicago P.D. | 13 |
This reliable slot gives fans exactly what they expect—three straight hours of interconnected storytelling in the One Chicago franchise.
Chicago P.D. Renewal in May 2025
NBC renewed Chicago P.D. in May 2025, ensuring the show’s place on the fall schedule. The renewal wasn’t a surprise. Ratings for Season 12 remained strong, and the franchise as a whole continues to deliver big viewership numbers.
NBC’s decision in May locked in the Chicago P.D. return date, aligning it with Med and Fire. All three shows were green-lit simultaneously, signaling NBC’s confidence in the One Chicago franchise return.
Why the May renewal matters:
- It allowed writers to plan a cohesive arc across all three shows.
- It gave casting directors time to introduce new characters without rushing.
- It reassured fans that One Chicago crossover episodes would continue.
Cast Updates for Season 13
Returning Main Cast
Fans will be happy to see familiar faces leading the Chicago P.D. Season 13 NBC cast:
- Jason Beghe as Sergeant Hank Voight
- Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek
- Marina Squerciati as Officer Kim Burgess
- LaRoyce Hawkins as Officer Kevin Atwater
- Benjamin Levy Aguilar as Officer Dante Torres
- Amy Morton as Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt
These characters remain the backbone of the Intelligence Unit, ensuring continuity even as new characters enter the mix.
Cast Departures
- Toya Turner (Officer Kiana Cook) will not return for Season 13. Her exit marks the end of her short run, leaving space for new dynamics.
New Addition: Arienne Mandi
The biggest casting news is the arrival of Arienne Mandi, who joins as Officer Naomi Kerr.
- Kerr is described as a former soldier and military contractor.
- She enters the Intelligence Unit with a no-nonsense approach.
- Her presence immediately tests Voight’s leadership style.
Arienne Mandi Naomi Kerr has already sparked excitement among fans eager for fresh storylines. Her character promises to clash with Voight, introducing a new perspective in a unit already shaken by past losses.
New Chicago P.D. Storylines in Season 13
Writers have confirmed that Season 13 will explore emotional fallout from the Intelligence Unit disbanded arc at the end of Season 12. This theme sets the stage for dramatic new conflicts.
Key Themes to Expect
- Voight’s Leadership Under Fire
The unit’s near collapse weighs heavily on Voight. His bond with Kerr may become both a lifeline and a source of tension. - Roots and Connections
The showrunner teased that Season 13 emphasizes “roots.” For example, Burgess and Ruzek navigate married life, while Atwater reconnects with his community. - Torres’ Struggles
Torres continues to balance his role in the unit with unresolved personal challenges. His arc offers emotional depth alongside action sequences. - Character-Focused Episodes
Season 13 will balance ensemble episodes with deep dives into individual characters, mirroring strategies used in recent seasons of Chicago Fire and Chicago Med.
One Chicago Crossover Episodes
Fans often ask whether new seasons will include One Chicago crossover episodes. While NBC hasn’t officially confirmed any crossover plots for 2025, history suggests at least one major event tying together Med, Fire, and P.D.
Crossovers drive ratings, deepen character arcs, and keep fans invested in all three series. The NBC fall 2025 schedule makes room for this tradition by aligning premieres on the same night.
How to Watch the Chicago P.D. 2025 Premiere
Live on NBC
- Airs every Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT.
- Available via cable or antenna.
Peacock Streaming Chicago P.D.
- Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.
- Subscribers can also binge Seasons 1–12 to catch up before the October 1 premiere.
- Peacock has become the go-to hub for the One Chicago franchise return, making it simple for fans to keep up with all three shows.
Pro Tip: Peacock often releases bonus features and behind-the-scenes content that isn’t available on NBC.
Quick Reference: Chicago P.D. Season 13
Here’s a table with the most important details at a glance:
Detail | Info |
Chicago P.D. return date | Wednesday, October 1, 2025 |
Time slot | 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT |
Network | NBC (live broadcast) |
Streaming | Peacock (next-day availability) |
New cast member | Arienne Mandi as Officer Naomi Kerr |
Departing cast | Toya Turner (Officer Kiana Cook) |
Season focus | Emotional fallout, new partnerships, roots and personal growth |
Why Season 13 Matters
Season 13 isn’t just another year of procedural crime drama. It arrives at a pivotal moment in the show’s history:
- The Intelligence Unit disbanded arc redefined the team’s identity.
- A new character, Naomi Kerr, brings both hope and friction.
- Fans get continuity through familiar faces like Voight, Ruzek, and Burgess while exploring fresh dynamics.
Final Thoughts: Mark Your Calendar
The answer to “When does Chicago P.D. return?” is now crystal clear. The Chicago P.D. return date is Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 10 p.m. ET / 9 p.m. CT on NBC, with next-day streaming on Peacock.
With the One Chicago Wednesday lineup locked in, the franchise promises another season of action, emotion, and crossover potential. Whether you’ve been watching since Season 1 or you’re just diving in now, the Chicago P.D. 2025 premiere is set to deliver gripping television.
So grab your calendar, set your reminders, and get ready—because Chicago P.D. Season 13 NBC is about to hit harder than ever.
Tina Grey is an experienced blogger with a passion for uncovering the best in film. With years of writing and a keen eye for detail, Tina brings insightful reviews and engaging content to Parentzia. Her deep love for movies, combined with her expertise, helps readers discover must-watch films across genres. When she’s not reviewing, Tina enjoys exploring new cinematic trends and sharing her love of film with her audience.