One Chicago is navigating numerous cast exits, but could Jesse Lee Soffer return to Chicago P.D. after FBI: International‘s controversial cancellation?
Soffer, 42, got his start on CBS’ soap opera As the World Turns, which scored him three Emmy nominations for his work on the show. From there, Soffer played Jay Halstead on NBC’s Chicago P.D. He shocked viewers in 2022 when he announced his exit after 10 seasons on the hit show.
“I was ready for more. Eventually, you know the character so well, there’s not much that can shift or transform,” he told Variety in 2023. “I really wanted to grow and expand, and we’ve only got this one trip. If I signed up again, it would have been for another three years. I would have turned 40 on the show. I thought, ‘You know what? It’s time to take a risk.’”
At the time, Soffer hinted that he was ready to be more involved on a show.
“P.D. is an ensemble — Jason [Beghe]’s definitely the lead and the strong patriarch on that show,” he said of his former costar, who has played Sergeant Hank Voight since the NBC hit premiered. “I definitely think I’m ready to be a lead on a show and to have my own show. I’d put all of my heart and soul into it.”
Soffer subsequently moved on to FBI: International, where he played the new International Fly Team leader after the departure of Luke Kleintank. CBS ultimately canceled FBI: International in March after four seasons. Soffer, for his part, has since booked the lead role on Strike Force (working title). Soffer would also executive produce the drama series, which is currently in development at CBS.
On screen, Soffer would play a “battle-tested DEA agent” who “returns home to Kansas City to lead a multi-agency strike force targeting the violent criminals now trying to exploit America’s heartland,” according to the official synopsis.
If picked up to series, Strike Force is slated for a spot on the network’s 2027-28 lineup. It will also be a reunion for Soffer and Matt Olmstead, who cocreated NBC’s Chicago P.D and was an executive producer on CBS’ FBI: International.
As for his future on Chicago P.D., an official comeback is unclear. Soffer returned to One Chicago earlier this year for their crossover special, bringing him back together with onscreen love interest and rumored girlfriend Tracy Spiridakos.
Soffer has also remained a consistent presence behind the scenes, directing three episodes of the show so far. He was spotted directing a season 14 episode, which appeared to be LaRoyce Hawkins‘ last on the show. (Deadline previously confirmed that Hawkins is leaving Chicago P.D. after 13 seasons as a series regular. He will wrap up his character Kevin Atwater’s arc in the first few episodes of season 14, which premieres this fall.)
