Chicago P.D. fans, get ready—Season 13 is shaping up to be a game-changer, and one of Intelligence’s most underrated heroes is finally getting his moment. LaRoyce Hawkins’ Officer Kevin Atwater has been confirmed to have storylines that will bring in “fun guest stars” throughout the season, and the buzz behind the scenes is that these additions will shake things up in a very exciting way.
For years, Atwater has been the heart of the unit—the steady, loyal cop who brings a moral compass to an often morally gray team. He’s carried some of the heaviest storylines, from racial profiling episodes that went viral for their raw honesty to gut-wrenching moments where he had to choose between loyalty to his badge and his community. Yet fans have long felt he hasn’t always gotten the spotlight he deserves compared to Voight, Halstead, or Upton. Season 13 looks ready to change that.
Showrunner Gwen Sigan has teased that the Atwater arcs this year will be “personal, surprising, and full of character growth.” That’s where the guest stars come in. While NBC hasn’t revealed names yet, rumors are swirling about possible casting choices—ranging from recognizable TV veterans to rising stars. Could we see a new love interest step into Atwater’s life? Or maybe a family member from his past who challenges his beliefs? Either way, insiders say fans should expect storylines that humanize Atwater while still delivering the intense action P.D. is known for.
The “fun” element is intriguing, because Chicago P.D. isn’t usually a show that leans lighthearted. Does that mean we’ll see a different side of Atwater this year—maybe more humor, more warmth, or a chance for him to breathe outside the constant darkness of Intelligence? Fans hope so.
On Twitter, reactions have been overwhelmingly positive since the announcement. One fan posted: “About time Atwater gets his shine! He deserves every bit of this.” Another wrote: “Fun guest stars? Give my man Kevin a love story already!” The energy proves that audiences are eager to see Hawkins stretch his range.
Behind the scenes, Hawkins himself has hinted at being thrilled with the scripts. In a recent interview, he said, “It’s been really exciting to explore different sides of Atwater. I think fans are going to see layers they’ve never seen before.” That alone was enough to set the fandom ablaze with theories.
Of course, Atwater’s storylines won’t happen in a vacuum. Season 13 is already being billed as one of the most ambitious yet, with Voight facing a leadership crisis, Upton rumored to be on her way out, and Torres navigating what it really means to be in Intelligence. Atwater’s new arcs could intertwine with all of these, especially if the guest stars connect to ongoing cases.
What’s undeniable is that this feels like Atwater’s time. After seasons of proving himself as the team’s moral anchor, he’s finally being centered in ways that will challenge him, reward him, and—judging by NBC’s hints—surprise fans at every turn.
Chicago P.D. has always been at its best when it dives into the personal lives of its officers as much as the crimes they solve. With Atwater stepping into the spotlight and “fun guest stars” set to add new dynamics, Season 13 promises to deliver the kind of storytelling that reminds fans why they’ve stuck with the show for over a decade.
Buckle up, Intelligence is about to get very interesting. And for Atwater fans, the wait for justice is finally over—Season 13 is his season
