While the Chicago P.D. marketing machine wants you to believe the 21st District is a brotherhood of steel, the real story coming out of the January 7, 2026 winter premiere is one of total isolation. Our sources on set have uncovered a massive “Friendship Fracture” between the show’s two biggest male leads—LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater) and Patrick John Flueger (Adam Ruzek)—that has turned the precinct into a silent zone.
1. THE ‘BETRAYAL’ OVER A BUSINESS DEAL
For years, LaRoyce and Patrick were inseparable, often posting “bro-mance” content that fueled the show’s popularity. But things soured in late 2025.
The Failed Investment: Rumors are swirling that Hawkins and Flueger attempted to launch a private Chicago lounge together using their One Chicago fame as leverage.
The Fallout: Sources claim the deal collapsed when a “major legal oversight” on Flueger’s side caused Hawkins to lose nearly $250,000 in seed money. Since then, the two have reportedly not spoken a word to each other unless the cameras are rolling.
2. LAROYCE’S ‘SECRET FATHERHOOD’ LEAK
LaRoyce Hawkins has always been a private man, but a “close friend” recently leaked information about his personal life that he wasn’t ready to share.
The Accusation: Insiders whisper that Hawkins believes the leak came from someone within Flueger’s inner circle to distract from Patrick’s own “Lyric Opera” PR mess.
The “Icy” Set: During the filming of the January 7 episode, “Impulse Control,” witnesses say the two actors refused to share a table in the breakroom. When a production assistant asked them to take a promotional “selfie” together, Hawkins reportedly walked off the set without saying a word.
3. THE ‘JASON BEGHE’ PARTIALITY: Why the Squad is Picking Sides
As the tension between the two younger stars grows, the veteran of the house, Jason Beghe (Sgt. Voight), has reportedly “picked a side.”
The “Mentor” Conflict: Beghe has been spotted spending extra time coaching LaRoyce Hawkins, leading to rumors that he supports Hawkins in the business dispute.
The “Cold Shoulder” for Ruzek: Flueger, already under fire from his real-life partner Reem Amara regarding his “on-screen intimacy” with Marina Squerciati, now finds himself alienated from the male bonding that used to define the set.
4. THE JANUARY 7 ‘CROSSFIRE’: A Scene That Went Too Far
In next Wednesday’s premiere, there is a high-tension scene where Atwater and Ruzek have to cover each other during a shootout.
The “Stunt” Sabotage: Rumors suggest that during the rehearsal, the timing was “off” because the two actors were refusing to communicate their cues.
The Resentment: One crew member claims Hawkins intentionally “missed a beat” to make Flueger look unprepared in front of the director. The final cut of the episode reportedly had to be heavily edited to hide the lack of coordination between the two former friends.
THE VERDICT: THE PARTNERSHIP IS DEAD
The 21st District isn’t a family anymore; it’s a divided house. Between lost investments, leaked secrets, and on-set sabotage, the bond between Atwater and Ruzek is purely fictional in 2026.
When you see them backing each other up on January 7, remember: it’s the best acting they’ve ever done, because, in reality, they wouldn’t even share an elevator.
