After more than a decade of heart-pounding action, moral dilemmas, and gritty realism, Chicago P.D. continues to keep viewers on the edge of their seats. As the franchise marches into its 13th season, fans have been eagerly speculating how the Intelligence Unit would evolve following key cast exits and dramatic storylines. The wait is over. In a bold and exciting move, The Night Agent breakout star has officially joined the Chicago P.D. cast, stepping into the shoes of the Intelligence Unit’s newest recruit—and potentially changing the team dynamic in unexpected ways.
The addition of this fresh face isn’t just a casting decision; it’s a statement. With several longtime characters either taking a step back or exiting entirely, the show has found itself at a crossroads. Instead of playing it safe, showrunner Gwen Sigan has embraced the opportunity to shake things up. The inclusion of a rising star from another high-intensity series signals that Chicago P.D. is ready to evolve while staying true to its gritty roots.
The new recruit, portrayed by Gabriel Basso—best known for his performance as Peter Sutherland in Netflix’s The Night Agent—brings both name recognition and a proven ability to portray complex, emotionally layered characters under pressure. His character, Detective Jack Stratton, is described as a former military intelligence officer turned homicide detective, now transferring to Chicago’s elite unit. With a mysterious past and a no-nonsense demeanor, Stratton is poised to fill a gap left by recent departures while injecting the team with a new energy.
Stratton’s introduction comes at a time when the Intelligence Unit is still reeling from the loss of Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) and facing internal tension after Adam Ruzek’s near-death experience in Season 12. As Sergeant Voight (Jason Beghe) continues to walk the thin line between justice and vigilantism, the arrival of a newcomer like Stratton could challenge his leadership—or surprisingly reinforce it. Early reports from behind-the-scenes hint that Stratton and Voight may have more in common than expected, potentially forming an unshakable bond or, conversely, sparking a power struggle.
The creative team has remained tight-lipped about Stratton’s full backstory, but teasers suggest we’ll see elements of trauma, loss, and redemption in his arc. This aligns with Chicago P.D.’s hallmark storytelling: characters aren’t just cops; they’re human beings grappling with past wounds, ethical dilemmas, and the weight of justice in a broken system.
