Chicago P.D.’s Jesse Lee Soffer Joins FBI: International Following Luke Kleintank’s Exit

Soffer will take on a new, yet-to-be-announced role on the series

Jesse Lee Soffer is coming back to our screens!

The As the World Turns alum, 40, is returning to CBS to take over Luke Kleintank’s spot on FBI: International after he left the franchise last season, PEOPLE can confirm. This news comes two years after Soffer exited Chicago P.D., marking his first time back in front of the cameras since his departure.

PEOPLE has reached out to Soffer’s rep for comment.

Since Kleintank’s character, Agent Scott Forrester, has led the series since season 1, news of his departure left fans wondering how the show will change without him.

“After much thought and consideration, I’ve made the difficult decision to leave FBI International,” he said in a statement to TheWrap at the time. “This decision is driven by my unwavering commitment to my family, whose love and well-being are paramount in my life.”

He continued, “I’m profoundly thankful for the extraordinary cast and crew of the show, who have not only been colleagues but also a family away from home. Their unwavering dedication and remarkable talents have made every moment on set an unforgettable journey that has enriched my life in countless ways. Lastly, I would also like to extend my thanks to the fans who have supported us through the first three seasons.”

‘Chicago P.D.’ : Jesse Lee Soffer’s Final Episode Sees Jay Halstead Turn in His Badge

Around that time, Soffer had returned twice to Chicago P.D. to make his directorial debut, but his longtime character on the series was missed.

When he stepped away from the hit show, Soffer explained his decision: “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.’”

He added, “It was one of the toughest decisions I’ve ever had to make in my life.”

Even though he is staying in the Dick Wolf universe, Soffer won’t be playing Agent Forrester or reprising his role as Detective Jay Halstead from Chicago P.D. In fact, Deadline reports that he is taking on an entirely new character that is yet to be announced.

The CBS series also stars Carter Redwood, Vinessa Vidotto, Eva-Jane Willis and Christina Wolfe, and follows a group of special agents as they “travel throughout Europe with the mission of tracking and neutralizing threats against American citizens wherever they may be, putting their lives on the line to protect the U.S. and its people,” per the synopsis.

FBI: International season 4 will air this fall, Tuesdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.