In a move that’s sending shockwaves through One Chicago fans and Netflix bingers alike, Chicago P.D. has made a bold casting decision for its upcoming Season 13. The gritty police procedural is welcoming one of the standout stars of The Night Agent, a breakout Netflix political thriller, for a major role that promises to shake things up inside Intelligence—and beyond.

NBC’s Chicago P.D. has consistently dominated Wednesday night ratings for years, thanks in large part to its gripping storylines, morally complex characters, and an unflinching portrayal of urban crime. Yet with recent cast exits, including Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton), and ongoing speculation about Marina Squerciati’s future (Kim Burgess), the show was in need of a narrative jolt. Enter The Night Agent star—whose performance as a covert government operative captivated millions and established them as a new face of action-thriller television. By bringing that kind of momentum into Chicago P.D., NBC is not just filling a gap—they’re injecting fresh blood into a show that’s preparing to redefine its tone for the post-Upton era.

While the studio hasn’t officially named the character or the actor just yet, sources close to the production confirm that the Night Agent alum will play a “former federal agent turned CPD liaison.” That’s right—a fed turned local cop. And not just any liaison: a character with deep political ties, a troubled past, and a style of justice that may make even Voight look soft by comparison. This new recruit is expected to clash early on with Intelligence’s more rogue tactics, potentially serving as both an ally and a thorn in Voight’s side. Think a battle of ideologies wrapped in gunmetal grey—federal protocol versus street instincts.

If you’re already drawing comparisons to Sean Ryan’s The Night Agent, that’s no accident. The casting builds a direct bridge between the shadowy world of high-stakes espionage and the gritty realism of Chicago’s streets. Season 13 is shaping up to be a transitional chapter for Chicago P.D., both narratively and thematically. With several long-running character arcs reaching natural conclusions, showrunners are clearly using this casting to refocus the show’s moral center.

This new federal recruit might very well be the “clean slate” Intelligence needs—but don’t expect an easy transition. Voight’s team has never been one to welcome outsiders, especially ones who operate by the book. The tension will be palpable from the very first scene, and with storylines rumored to involve political corruption, inter-agency turf wars, and a high-profile murder case, the stakes have never been higher.

What makes this casting even more brilliant is the actor’s ability to embody both intensity and vulnerability. Fans of The Night Agent know how effortlessly they balance explosive action with emotionally grounded performances. That exact duality is what Chicago P.D. thrives on. After all, every member of Intelligence carries emotional baggage, and adding someone who isn’t just another gun on the team—but a layered character with their own haunting past—will deepen the show’s already rich fabric. Unconfirmed leaks from the writers’ room suggest that the new character may even develop a complex connection with one of Intelligence’s remaining members—possibly Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) or Kim Burgess (if she stays). While nothing is certain, Chicago P.D. has a history of crafting slow-burn relationships that unfold organically, and this new dynamic could open fresh emotional arcs for Season 13.

Imagine a relationship built on shared trauma, conflicting duty, and mutual respect. In the high-stakes world of Chicago policing, it might be exactly the kind of subplot that keeps fans emotionally invested week after week. It’s clear that NBC and Wolf Entertainment are playing the long game. With streaming platforms like Netflix pulling in massive audiences and reshaping viewer expectations, traditional network TV must evolve. By blending star power from both spheres, Chicago P.D. isn’t just staying relevant—it’s asserting dominance.

More importantly, this crossover appeal introduces Chicago P.D. to new audiences. The Night Agent pulled in a younger, more global viewer base. With that fanbase now tuning in to see their favorite actor in a brand-new role, Chicago Wednesday just got a whole lot more crowded. As Chicago P.D. embarks on its 13th season, the show is proving that longevity doesn’t mean stagnation. By casting one of Netflix’s biggest rising stars, the series is showing a willingness to take creative risks—and those risks may be exactly what carry it through another thrilling decade.