Every Chicago P.D. fan knows the show doesn’t shy away from danger, but even diehards might be stunned to learn just how high the stakes have always been—especially behind the scenes.
Since its explosive launch as a spinoff of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D. has carved out its own identity in NBC’s beloved “One Chicago” universe, known for its gritty realism and willingness to say goodbye to fan-favorite characters. But what you may not know is that co-creator Dick Wolf once issued a bone-chilling reminder to two cast members over dinner—one that still echoes through the Intelligence Unit today.
A Franchise Built on High Stakes and Higher Losses
Death is never far from the action in the Chicago franchise. From paramedics and surgeons to firefighters and detectives, these shows don’t sugarcoat the dangers of first responders. Chicago P.D. stands out for its relentless portrayal of life in the line of duty—something fans painfully remember with the loss of Detective Alvin Olinsky (Elias Koteas). A core character for five seasons, Olinsky was wrongfully imprisoned and brutally killed before ever seeing a courtroom, proving once again that no one is ever truly safe.
But as it turns out, that uncertainty isn’t just for drama—it’s by design.
The Dinner That Set the Tone
In a revealing lie detector segment for NBC, longtime Chicago P.D. stars Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek) and Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess) shared a moment that sent shivers down fans’ spines. When Flueger asked if Burgess would survive until the end of the series, Squerciati confidently answered yes—until Flueger reminded her of something unforgettable.
Their first dinner with Dick Wolf, the legendary creator of the Law & Order and Chicago empires, included a warning served with the meal: “I can kill you at any time.”
It wasn’t a threat—it was a reminder. In Wolf’s storytelling universe, character longevity is never guaranteed, no matter how beloved.
Squerciati admitted the comment left her rattled—and for good reason. More than a decade into the show’s run, only a handful of original cast members remain. And with Season 10 in full swing, fans are bracing themselves for what could be another seismic shift.
Is Voight Next?
Jason Beghe’s Hank Voight has long been the commanding force behind Chicago P.D., the gravel-voiced moral compass in a world full of gray areas. But some fans wonder if his reign is nearing its end. Could the show survive losing its lead? Other iconic crime dramas have managed to reinvent themselves after major departures—The Wire, NYPD Blue, even Law & Order itself.
Would Chicago P.D. take that risk? If that dinner quote is any indication, no character is ever off the table.
For now, Flueger, Squerciati, and Beghe remain in the thick of it—but in Dick Wolf’s world, the end could come with a single script.
