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A Longtime Chicago P.D. Fixture Says Goodbye
After nearly a decade and a half of keeping the streets of Chicago safe on television, LaRoyce Hawkins is hanging up his badge. Sources have confirmed to Variety that Hawkins will be departing "Chicago P.D." during the upcoming 14th season. The actor has been a constant presence since the series premiered, portraying Officer Kevin Atwater with warmth and authenticity that resonated deeply with viewers. While network executives are keeping the exact circumstances of Atwater's exit tightly under wraps, insiders suggest the departure will occur early in the new season, giving fans one last chance to see their favorite officer in action.
From Crossovers to the Big Screen
Hawkins' tenure with the "One Chicago" franchise extended far beyond the confines of the 21st district. His character, Officer Atwater, made numerous appearances across "Chicago Fire" and "Chicago Med," seamlessly weaving Hawkins into the fabric of NBC's interconnected drama universe. But the actor's ambitions never stopped at Windy City storytelling. In recent years, Hawkins has expanded his portfolio considerably, landing roles in Marvel's "Ironheart" for Disney+, the crime drama "Power Book IV: Force," and HBO's "Ballers." This diverse resume suggests Hawkins is far from slowing down. instead, he's simply turning the page to new creative chapters.
The One Chicago Empire Persists
Despite Hawkins' departure, the "One Chicago" machine shows no signs of slowing down. NBC recently announced early renewals for all three shows in the franchise: "Chicago Fire" will return for an impressive 15th season, "Chicago P.D." for its 14th, and "Chicago Med" for its 12th. All three dramas are set to premiere on October 7th for the 2026-2027 broadcast season. The shows continue to dominate NBC's Wednesday night programming, airing in succession and consistently delivering solid ratings even after all these years. A recent crossover event on March 4th drew season-high viewership across all three series, proving that audiences still can't get enough of the interconnected Chicago crime drama world.
What's Next for the Cast
Hawkins' exit leaves some big shoes to fill in the Intelligence Unit. The series will continue to feature Jason Beghe, Patrick John Flueger, Marina Squerciati, Benjamin Levy Aguilar, Amy Morton, and Arienne Mandi. "Chicago P.D." is produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment, with Dick Wolf, Peter Jankowski, and Anastasia Puglisi serving as executive producers alongside Gwen Sigan, Chad Saxton, Gavin Harris, and Beghe. As for Hawkins, fans will undoubtedly follow his career with keen interest. his portrayal of Officer Atwater left an indelible mark on the franchise, and his next move is sure to be compelling viewing.
A Character Who Mattered
Officer Kevin Atwater wasn't just a character on a procedural drama. he represented something meaningful to many viewers. Over 13 seasons, Hawkins brought humanity, humor, and heart to the role, making Atwater one of the most beloved figures in the "One Chicago" universe. His departure marks the end of an era, but it also opens doors for Hawkins to explore new creative territory. Whether he returns for a proper farewell episode or simply fades into the Chicago night, there's no denying that LaRoyce Hawkins and Officer Kevin Atwater will be remembered as essential parts of television history.
