The Chicago P.D. Season 12 finale had all the markings of a classic cliffhanger—intense action, raw emotion, and a jaw-dropping final scene. But despite the high-stakes drama, a large section of the fandom was left with a bitter taste. The reason? One major complaint that exploded across social media and online forums: the unresolved storylines. Now, for the first time since the finale aired, one of the show’s executive producers is responding—and the message is clear: “We heard you.”

Let’s dive into the heart of the backlash, what the producer had to say, and why this could change the course of Chicago P.D. Season 13. For a show that thrives on tension, the Season 12 finale delivered in spades. Between the growing threat from a mysterious new crime syndicate, the crumbling trust within Intelligence, and the unexpected betrayal by a trusted ally, fans had plenty to unpack. But what truly sparked frustration was the sheer number of unresolved arcs.

Ruzek and Burgess’s relationship hit another emotional wall—only for the episode to cut away before any real closure. Voight was left staring down a dark path with no moral anchor. And perhaps most frustrating of all, the newly introduced character with connections to Upton’s past vanished without explanation just as their storyline was gaining traction.

In an exclusive interview with TV Line, executive producer Gwen Sigan finally addressed the growing criticism. “We never want our fans to feel unsatisfied,” Sigan said. “There was a very deliberate choice in leaving certain threads open because we’re telling a multi-season story. That said, we understand the frustration. The pacing might have let us down in the finale.” Sigan emphasized that many of the open-ended moments were designed to bleed into Season 13. But she acknowledged that there’s a balance between suspense and leaving the audience hanging, and that in this case, they may have leaned too hard on the former.

One particularly sore point among fans was the lack of closure around Hailey Upton’s exit. While her final arc earlier in the season was emotionally satisfying, the finale’s failure to even mention her absence during a crucial team crisis felt, to many, like a narrative oversight. “She was such a pillar,” one fan wrote on Reddit. “To not even reference what her departure meant for the team in the finale was a slap in the face.” Sigan responded to that feedback directly: “That was a miss on our part. We thought we’d closed her chapter earlier, but in hindsight, the finale should’ve reflected more on what her absence means long-term.”

Season 12 spent a lot of time exploring internal conflict within Intelligence—Voight’s moral ambiguity, Atwater’s rising leadership, Torres struggling with his role, and Burgess grappling with motherhood and the dangers of the job. Many of these arcs were compelling, but fans were hoping the finale would unify the team in some way before tearing them apart again.

Instead, the episode ended with an ominous tone, suggesting the cracks in Intelligence might become full fractures in Season 13. “We’ve always said Intelligence is like a family—messy, loyal, sometimes broken,” Sigan said. “But yes, the finale showed a version of the team that looked a little too fragmented. Season 13 will very much be about rebuilding what’s been lost.” With the backlash acknowledged and lessons seemingly learned, the big question remains: what’s in store for Season 13?

Despite the criticism, fans haven’t given up on Chicago P.D.. In fact, the passion behind the backlash only confirms how deeply invested the audience is. Many viewers expressed appreciation that the producers are listening and willing to adjust. “I’m still here because I care,” one fan tweeted. “But they’ve got one more shot to fix this in Season 13.” Others are already speculating that the loose ends will result in a dramatic, well-constructed payoff if handled correctly. Some even praised the boldness of the finale, suggesting it might age better in hindsight—if the upcoming season delivers.

Every long-running show hits a point where the formula needs shaking up—and sometimes, the risks don’t pay off immediately. For Chicago P.D., the Season 12 finale was both a bold narrative swing and a reminder that fan trust must be earned with emotional honesty and satisfying storytelling. The producers have now acknowledged that missteps were made. The challenge ahead lies not just in fixing what went wrong, but in recapturing the tight storytelling and rich character work that made the series a primetime powerhouse in the first place.