It’s not easy to hold a spot on prime-time television for over a decade, but NBC’s Chicago P.D. has done just that. With action-packed cases, gritty street chases, and emotionally intense character arcs, the series has cemented itself as a police procedural powerhouse. But while fans remain fiercely loyal to the franchise, there’s one recurring complaint that simply won’t go away — and it’s all about a character who continues to drag the show down.
Twelve seasons in, and many viewers agree: Chicago P.D. still features what some are calling the “worst cop character on TV.” That’s a bold claim in a world full of flawed antiheroes, but the criticism isn’t new. It’s been building for years, and in Season 12, it seems louder than ever. So who is the lightning rod of controversy? Look no further than Detective Hailey Upton, whose polarizing storyline has continued to divide the One Chicago fandom.
A Character Out of Sync?
From her very first appearance, Hailey Upton (played by Tracy Spiridakos) brought a no-nonsense attitude and military precision to Intelligence. Initially transferred from robbery-homicide, Upton’s entry was meant to shake things up, bringing a new edge to the team. But what was meant to be a breath of fresh air quickly became a source of narrative stagnation for some.
Fans have long argued that Upton’s story arcs feel repetitive and overly dramatic, often dragging the pacing of the show. Critics point out that her constant emotional turmoil — including her traumatic past, rocky relationship with Ruzek, and moral struggles with Voight’s leadership — is often portrayed with heavy-handed writing that doesn’t evolve. Her internal battles are valid, but the show has failed to move the needle, leaving audiences stuck in a loop of the same conflicts season after season.
The Upton-Voight Dynamic: A Misfire?
One of the most frustrating aspects of Upton’s role is her complicated dynamic with Sergeant Hank Voight. While other characters have challenged Voight’s morally gray decisions in powerful ways, Upton’s loyalty often comes off as confusing or inconsistent. At times, she blindly follows orders, even when they cross the line; at other times, she lashes out in guilt and self-loathing, but never changes course. This whiplash in her behavior has made it difficult for fans to root for her.
Some argue that this isn’t the fault of Spiridakos — a talented actress working with what she’s been given — but rather a symptom of weak character development. Instead of allowing Upton to grow into her own as a leader, the writers seem stuck replaying the same emotional beats over and over again.
Cast Chemistry Concerns
While Chicago P.D. thrives on the camaraderie between its core cast members — Voight, Ruzek, Burgess, Atwater, and Trudy Platt — Upton often feels disconnected from the ensemble. Her scenes frequently feel isolated, either with Voight behind closed doors or in emotionally charged moments that don’t align with the show’s rhythm. Even her relationship with Jay Halstead, once a fan-favorite coupling, began to feel forced in later seasons, especially as Halstead’s exit loomed.
Fans on Reddit and X (formerly Twitter) have pointed out that the chemistry just isn’t there anymore. One post reads: “Every time Upton’s on screen, it feels like a detour. It’s like we hit pause on the real story just to dive back into her emotional spiral again.”
When Other Characters Shine Brighter
One of the major reasons Upton’s character sticks out like a sore thumb is the strength of the others around her. Season 12 has given Kim Burgess more emotional depth, as she continues to balance motherhood with the demands of policing. Atwater’s quiet integrity and growing leadership role have drawn praise, while Ruzek’s arc — particularly following his near-death experience — has added unexpected layers to his personality.
In comparison, Upton feels static. Instead of growth or revelation, we see the same cycle of regret, self-doubt, and emotional bottling. In a squad that’s evolving, her character feels stuck in the past — and viewers are starting to tune out when she takes center stage.
Fan Fatigue Hits Hard
The most telling sign that fans are fed up? Social media reactions. Comments range from “Upton is the weakest link” to “Every time she shows up, I fast-forward.” There are even fan petitions circulating, asking the writers to either rework her character or write her out entirely. This isn’t just idle chatter — viewer fatigue has real consequences for a long-running series. When a significant portion of the fanbase actively dislikes one of your main characters, it affects everything from ratings to merchandise sales. More importantly, it detracts from the show’s emotional impact, especially during high-stakes episodes.
