For nearly a decade, Tracy Spiridakos has been a fixture of NBC’s One Chicago universe, winning over millions of fans as Detective Hailey Upton on Chicago P.D. With her steely determination, layered vulnerability, and undeniable chemistry with her fellow cast members, Spiridakos has become one of the franchise’s most beloved faces. But in a shocking twist that has rocked the fandom and raised alarm bells inside NBC, multiple insiders are now claiming that Spiridakos is in advanced talks with Netflix — a potential move that could mean the end of her tenure on Chicago P.D. and a seismic shift for the future of the entire franchise.
The rumors first surfaced when an anonymous industry tipster dropped a cryptic hint online, suggesting that one of Chicago P.D.’s core stars was “entertaining offers from a major streaming platform.” Within hours, fan detectives pieced together the clues and landed on Tracy Spiridakos as the likely candidate. Now, several well-placed sources are confirming what had once seemed unthinkable: Spiridakos may indeed be weighing an exit from NBC in favor of an exclusive Netflix deal. “There have been conversations, that much is true,” one insider revealed. “Nothing is finalized yet, but Netflix has shown serious interest in making Tracy part of their slate, and she’s listening.”
If true, this would mark one of the biggest shake-ups in One Chicago history. Spiridakos joined Chicago P.D. in 2017, stepping into the role of Hailey Upton with such seamless intensity that fans quickly embraced her as an indispensable member of the team. Over the years, Upton has grown into one of the most compelling characters on the show, grappling with moral gray areas, personal trauma, and a turbulent romance with Jay Halstead (played by Jesse Lee Soffer). Spiridakos’ performance has consistently been hailed as a highlight of the series, making the idea of losing her almost unthinkable to die-hard fans.
NBC, according to insiders, is deeply concerned about the possibility of Spiridakos’ departure. With Chicago P.D. already navigating cast changes — including the exit of Jesse Lee Soffer last year — the loss of another major player could destabilize the series in ways that even its loyal audience may not be able to overlook. “NBC knows how valuable Tracy is,” another source explained. “They don’t want to lose her, especially not to a competitor as massive as Netflix. But Netflix can offer things NBC simply can’t — creative freedom, bigger budgets, and global reach.”
Indeed, Netflix’s reported pitch to Spiridakos is said to include not just a starring role in a new original drama, but also opportunities for her to expand into producing and behind-the-camera work. For an actor who has spent years locked into the rigorous schedule of a network procedural, the chance to branch out creatively could be highly appealing. One Hollywood analyst noted, “Network shows like Chicago P.D. are steady, but they’re also grueling. Thirteen to twenty-two episodes a year, nonstop shooting, limited flexibility. Netflix offers shorter seasons, more diverse storytelling, and potentially, a bigger international spotlight. That’s a hard offer to turn down.”
The fan reaction to the swirling rumors has been immediate and explosive. On Twitter, hashtags like #SaveHailey, #TracyStay, and #NetflixStealsNBC began trending within hours. Thousands of fans posted emotional pleas for Spiridakos to remain with Chicago P.D., citing her chemistry with the ensemble cast and the unfinished arcs of her character. “Losing Halstead was bad enough,” one fan wrote. “If we lose Upton too, I don’t know if I can keep watching.” Another countered, “Tracy deserves better. If Netflix gives her the spotlight she deserves, then I’m all in.”
The debate underscores a larger truth about the current state of television: the tug-of-war between traditional networks and streaming giants has never been more intense. With Netflix, Apple TV+, Amazon Prime, and others pouring billions into star-driven content, network actors like Spiridakos are prime targets for poaching. For NBC, retaining her would likely mean renegotiating contracts, offering higher pay, and potentially granting her greater creative input — concessions that may not align with the network’s established model.
Adding further intrigue is the fact that Spiridakos has not directly addressed the rumors. Her silence, while unsurprising, has only fueled speculation. On Instagram, fans have flooded her recent posts with comments begging for answers, while entertainment reporters have been relentless in seeking confirmation from her representatives. So far, all that’s been offered is a carefully worded “no comment.”
Behind the scenes, though, insiders claim that Spiridakos is torn. She is said to be deeply loyal to her Chicago P.D. castmates and to the fans who have supported her throughout her NBC journey. At the same time, she reportedly recognizes the unique opportunity Netflix represents. “She doesn’t take decisions like this lightly,” one source close to the actress revealed. “But this could be a career-defining move. It’s not just about leaving one show — it’s about charting a new path.”
Industry watchers are already speculating about how Chicago P.D. might handle Upton’s potential exit. Would the writers kill her off in a shocking twist? Write her out quietly as she transfers to another unit? Or leave the door open for a possible return down the line? Each option carries risks, particularly given the passionate fanbase invested in her character’s journey. “Hailey Upton isn’t just another character,” one critic wrote. “She’s a cornerstone of Chicago P.D.’s emotional core. Losing her could fundamentally alter the DNA of the show.”
Meanwhile, Netflix has declined to comment on the rumors, though their track record suggests the possibility is far from outlandish. The streamer has made a habit of snatching up established TV talent, offering them marquee projects and generous deals. If Spiridakos does sign on, she would join a growing list of network stars who have made the leap to streaming in pursuit of creative freedom and global exposure.
For NBC, the stakes could not be higher. The One Chicago universe remains one of the network’s crown jewels, consistently drawing strong ratings and commanding a fiercely loyal audience. The loss of another high-profile star could erode that foundation at a time when network television is already struggling to compete with streaming platforms. Some insiders have even suggested that NBC may rush to announce new spin-offs or crossover events in an attempt to keep fans engaged, regardless of Spiridakos’ decision.
As of now, everything hangs in the balance. Will Tracy Spiridakos stay loyal to NBC and the Chicago P.D. family that made her a household name? Or will she take the leap into the streaming world, trading the reliability of network television for the allure of creative freedom and international stardom? The only certainty is that whichever path she chooses, it will send shockwaves through the entertainment industry — and fans will be watching every move.
For now, NBC remains silent, Netflix refuses to confirm, and Spiridakos herself is keeping her cards close to the chest. But in Hollywood, silence often speaks volumes. And as the rumor mill continues to churn, one thing is clear: the future of Hailey Upton — and the future of Chicago P.D. — hangs by a thread.
