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The Intelligence Unit's Return: Everything We Know About Chicago PD's New Episode On January 7, 2026

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The Intelligence Unit is officially back! After a gripping fall finale that left fans of the long-running NBC procedural on the edge of their seats, the latest information confirms that *Chicago P.D.* Season 13 will return from its mid-season hiatus on Wednesday, January 7, 2026. The return is a highly anticipated event, not just because of the show's signature high-stakes drama, but also due to significant developments in the personal and professional lives of Sergeant Hank Voight's elite team, including a major cast shake-up and the continuation of complex character arcs. This mid-season premiere is set to air at its usual time, 10 PM ET/PT, following the return of its sister shows, *Chicago Med* and *Chicago Fire*, as part of the "One Chicago" lineup. Fans should prepare for a jolt back into the action, as the first new episode of 2026 is expected to deliver the intense, gritty storytelling that has made *Chicago P.D.* a cornerstone of primetime television for over a decade. The return of Officer Adam Ruzek is also a key storyline to watch, as he navigates his return to duty after his personal leave.

Chicago P.D. Season 13 Main Cast and Character Guide

The show’s strength lies in its core ensemble, the Intelligence Unit, led by the morally ambiguous but fiercely protective Sergeant Hank Voight. Season 13 sees the return of all key players, who continue to grapple with the emotional toll of their work and the ever-present threat of the city's criminal underworld.

Main Cast Members for Season 13:

  • Jason Beghe as Sergeant Hank Voight
  • Marina Squerciati as Detective Kim Burgess
  • Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek
  • LaRoyce Hawkins as Detective Kevin Atwater
  • Amy Morton as Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt
  • Benjamin Levy Aguilar as Officer Dante Torres

Major Cast Updates and Character Departures:

The Intelligence Unit will look slightly different upon its return. The season has seen the departure of one officer, Kiana Cook, whose exit will likely have ripple effects across the team. However, the biggest news is the introduction of a new series regular: Arienne Mandi, known for her work on *The Night Agent*, has joined the cast as Officer Naomi Kerr. Her character is a new cop joining the Intelligence Unit, and her integration into the close-knit team will be a central focus of the new episodes.

The Mid-Season Return: What to Expect from the New Episode

The new episode airing on January 7, 2026, is confirmed to be the eighth installment of Season 13, and is tentatively titled "Born Screaming." After the emotional and high-stakes fall finale, which was also the show's milestone 250th episode, the Intelligence Unit is poised to tackle a fresh, intense case that will challenge their dedication and ethical boundaries.

Key Storylines and Teasers:

  • The Return of Ruzek: Officer Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) is set to return to a more prominent role after his character took a personal leave. His reintegration into the field will be a major plot point, especially as he and Detective Burgess continue to navigate their complex relationship and co-parenting dynamic.
  • Voight's Continued Vigilance: Sergeant Voight (Jason Beghe) was central to the preceding episode, "Impulse Control," which focused on a deeply personal and challenging case. The mid-season premiere will likely see him dealing with the fallout of that intense storyline while immediately plunging into a new investigation.
  • The New Dynamic: Officer Naomi Kerr: The introduction of Officer Naomi Kerr (Arienne Mandi) will inevitably shake up the established team dynamic. Fans are eager to see how a new face and a new policing perspective will clash or align with Voight's unconventional methods and the unit's tight-knit, often secretive, operations. Her character's storyline is expected to cross paths with Voight's, suggesting a significant role from the start.
  • A Gritty New Case: While specific plot details for "Born Screaming" are tightly under wraps, the title itself suggests a case involving extreme distress, possibly a kidnapping, a horrific crime scene, or a scenario involving vulnerable victims. This aligns with *Chicago P.D.'s* reputation for tackling the most challenging and emotionally draining cases in the city.

The One Chicago Universe and Upcoming Episode Schedule

The return of *Chicago P.D.* is part of the highly anticipated "One Chicago" block of programming on NBC, which sees all three Dick Wolf-produced shows—*Chicago Med*, *Chicago Fire*, and *Chicago P.D.*—return on the same night. This unified return is a treat for fans of the interconnected universe, raising the perennial possibility of a crossover event later in the season.

Key Dates and Episode Titles (Season 13):

The first seven episodes of the season aired in the fall of 2025, leading up to the mid-season break. The schedule for the returning episodes is as follows:

  • Episode 1 ("Consequences"): Premiered October 1, 2025
  • Episode 5 ("Miami"): Aired October 29, 2025
  • Episode 6 ("Send Me"): Aired November 5, 2025
  • Episode 7 ("Impulse Control"): Fall Finale, Aired November 12, 2025
  • Episode 8 ("Born Screaming"): Mid-Season Premiere, Airs January 7, 2026
  • Episode 9 ("Heroes"): Expected January 2026
  • Episode 10 ("Faith"): Expected February 2026

This episode guide provides a roadmap for the continuing intensity of Season 13. The episodic titles themselves—"Consequences," "Impulse Control," and "Born Screaming"—suggest a season heavily focused on the repercussions of the Intelligence Unit's actions and the high-pressure situations they face daily. The recurring themes of police reform, ethical policing, and the personal sacrifices made by the officers of the 21st District are expected to remain central to the narrative.

The Topical Authority of Chicago P.D. and LSI Keywords

*Chicago P.D.* has maintained its topical authority by consistently exploring complex themes that resonate with current events, often delving into the grey areas of law enforcement and the emotional toll on its officers. The show’s narrative depth, often centered on Detective Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) and Officer Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar), ensures a multi-layered perspective on policing in the modern era.

Relevant Entities and LSI Keywords for Season 13:

To fully grasp the scope of the new episodes, fans should be aware of the key themes and entities driving the plot:

Hank Voight, Kim Burgess, Adam Ruzek, Kevin Atwater, Trudy Platt, Dante Torres, Arienne Mandi, Naomi Kerr, Kiana Cook, Intelligence Unit, 21st District, One Chicago, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, Mid-Season Premiere, Fall Finale, Consequences, Impulse Control, Born Screaming, Heroes, Faith, Police Reform, Ethical Policing, Personal Leave, Series Regular, NBC Procedural, Dick Wolf.

The mid-season premiere of *Chicago P.D.* on January 7, 2026, promises a powerful return to form, complete with new faces, familiar high-stakes drama, and the continued evolution of the Intelligence Unit's most beloved characters. Fans should mark their calendars for a night of intense, must-watch television as the new chapter of Season 13 unfolds.
The Intelligence Unit's Return: Everything We Know About Chicago PD's New Episode on January 7, 2026
chicago pd new episode
chicago pd new episode

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