‘FBI: International’ Was a Great Time for Jesse Lee Soffer

Many viewers are familiar with the actor from his time on the NBC drama, Chicago P.D. FBI: International reunited Lee Soffer with some people he had worked with before, since Wolf’s production company worked on both shows. “When the opportunity came up, it was obviously Wolf and Matt Olmstead, who wrote the beginning of [Chicago] P.D., who was the showrunner originally for the first five seasons of Chicago P.D. And so I was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be awesome. I get to carve out a new character with Matt. I get to travel to Budapest.’ There’s so much cool in this gig,” he told Screen Rant why he took the role.

Jay Hayden joined the show later in the season, playing Special Agent Tyler Booth. This addition was exciting for Lee Soffer because he and Hayden have been friends for a long time. “I got one of my best friends in the world, Jay Hayden, who was on Station 19 most recently, coming to do a big, fun arc playing a character from Wes’ past… Jay and I have a really fun dynamic that I hope comes through on camera,” he told TV Insider. Booth and Wes got into some run-ins before the show ended, some fun, others not so fun.

Jesse Lee Soffer, best known for his long-standing role as Detective Jay Halstead on NBC’s Chicago P.D., embarked on an exciting new chapter in his acting career when he joined the cast of FBI: International. The experience turned out to be much more than just another television gig — it became a deeply personal and transformative journey. As he reflects on the past year, Soffer’s words carry a sense of gratitude, growth, and renewed purpose: “What a year. What a journey. 6000 miles away. Over 25,000 miles traveled. New friends. Old friends. Loss. Love… So much growth.”

For Soffer, FBI: International offered a rare opportunity — not only to step into a fresh character but also to reunite with creative minds he already trusted and admired. The show, part of the ever-expanding Dick Wolf universe, is produced under the same umbrella as Chicago P.D., and that connection provided an extra layer of familiarity and comfort.

“When the opportunity came up,” he shared in an interview with Screen Rant, “it was obviously Wolf and Matt Olmstead, who wrote the beginning of [Chicago] P.D., who was the showrunner originally for the first five seasons of Chicago P.D. And so I was like, ‘Oh, this is going to be awesome. I get to carve out a new character with Matt. I get to travel to Budapest.’ There’s so much cool in this gig.”

Budapest, with its rich history and stunning architecture, became more than a backdrop — it became part of the story, part of the energy that fueled Soffer’s creative spirit. Shooting on location so far from home — over 6000 miles away — allowed him to fully immerse himself in his character, Special Agent Scott Forrester’s world, without the usual distractions of a familiar environment. It was a test of focus and commitment, and according to Soffer, that challenge was welcome. “Immense focus. Deep appreciation for the lessons that come with putting all of your energy towards a project,” he wrote in a heartfelt social media post.

But what truly made the experience exceptional was the people — both new collaborators and longtime friends. One of the most exciting developments was the arrival of Jay Hayden, who played Special Agent Tyler Booth. Hayden and Soffer’s off-screen friendship brought a unique chemistry to the show that fans immediately noticed.

“I got one of my best friends in the world, Jay Hayden… coming to do a big, fun arc playing a character from Wes’ past,” Soffer told TV Insider. “Jay and I have a really fun dynamic that I hope comes through on camera.” Their scenes ranged from humorous to tense, giving audiences a glimpse of the layered bond between Wes and Booth — a relationship shaped by shared history, mutual respect, and occasional friction.

The camaraderie between cast members, the high-stakes narrative of international crime fighting, and the scenic, globe-trotting elements of the show all combined to create a truly memorable season. For fans who had missed Soffer’s intense yet grounded presence since his departure from Chicago P.D., FBI: International was a welcome return — one that showed a new side of the actor, both in performance and personality.

In many ways, this year was not just about a new role, but about rediscovery. After years of playing Jay Halstead, stepping into an entirely different FBI agent allowed Soffer to stretch his skills and reconnect with the essence of storytelling. Whether it was navigating emotionally complex scenes, absorbing the energy of foreign locations, or sharing the screen with friends, the project was filled with moments that pushed him to grow.

The journey also came with its share of emotional ups and downs. In his reflection, Soffer alluded to personal loss and love, without specifying details — a reminder that even as public figures, actors carry private lives behind their performances. These emotional layers often enrich their work, and viewers may have unknowingly witnessed some of that depth in Soffer’s portrayal of Wes.

As FBI: International continues to evolve, fans hope to see more of Soffer’s nuanced character work. Whether or not he returns for another season, the impact of his time on the show is undeniable. He carved a new path, deepened existing friendships, and embraced the discomfort that leads to growth.

In his own words: “So much growth. I’m very grateful. Thank you for going on the journey with me.” And for those who’ve followed his journey from Chicago P.D. to FBI: International, one thing is clear — wherever Jesse Lee Soffer goes next, his fans will be right there with him.