Chicago P.D.’s skilled detectives are the heart of the show — but the complex romance between Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek is what keeps many fans coming back.
Viewers first saw sparks fly between Burgess (Marina Squerciati) and Ruzek (Patrick Flueger) during season 1, episode 8, when Ruzek was in another relationship.
This is complete horses—t,” Ruzek quipped in the episode while on crossing guard duty with Burgess, who insisted he was “doing it wrong.” Demonstrating the right way to navigate traffic, she told him, “You gotta get your hips into it … like this.”
Ruzek got a big grin on his face and responded, “You’re kind of full of it you know that?” Burgess smiled, “Am I? Or am I awesome at it.
By season 2, the coworkers dubbed “Burzek” by fans were in a serious relationship and Ruzek popped the question. Burgess later called off the engagement but their connection remained a constant ahead of Ruzek’s latest proposal in season 11.
Scroll down for a look back at Burzek’s ups and downs on Chicago P.D.:
Their First Kiss
The pair first locked lips during season 1, episode 10, two episodes after their funny interaction while working as crossing guards in front of a school. “I’m so sorry,” Burgess said in “At Least It’s Justice” after they got a beer together and made out by her car.
They Start Dating
Season 1, episode 15’s “A Beautiful Friendship” marked the official start of the pair’s romance. “I like you. I know you know that, and I miss you,” Ruzek told Burgess when he showed up at her door. The twosome then slept together for the first time.
Engaged!
Ruzek casually proposed to Burgess during season 2, episode 23. She quickly responded “yes” while the duo were standing in the locker room in “Born Into Bad News.”
She Calls Off Their Engagement
After Ruzek claimed that his father couldn't come to dinner with Burgess and her mom during season 3, episode 12, she broke off their engagement. “You were never going to meet my mom, were you? Because you’re afraid if you did, the wedding would become real,” she later alleged. “You don’t want to be on the hook. I am letting you off.”
Kim Joins Intelligence
Burgess was briefly part of the Intelligence Unit during season 2, but it wasn't until season 4, episode 8, that she officially joined the team. While the job change reunited her with Ruzek professionally, personally they remained just friends.
Kim Reveals She's Pregnant
Following an off-camera hookup during season 7, episode 4, fans learned that Burgess was pregnant. She told Ruzek the news during season 7, episode 8. “I know that you’re the father, but I’m the one having the baby, OK?” she said at one point. “This may not be what you want to hear, but we’re not together. So this isn’t going to fall on us the same. I get to do this part, this pregnancy part, my way on my terms.”
Adam Proposes Marriage Again
“I think maybe we should get married,” Ruzek revealed during season 7, episode 11, after the exes agreed to coparent their unborn child. “I mean, I know I screwed up last time, but things are different now. I’m different now.” Burgess, however, turned down the proposal. “I think it’s a really bad idea,” she admitted.
Credit: Youtube
Kim Suffers a Miscarriage
After rushing into a hotel to save a victim in season 7, episode 13, Burgess got beat up by a perp that ultimately resulted in her suffering a miscarriage. Ruzek picked her up during “I Was Here” and carried her to safety but it was too late for the baby. “I’ll be right here, Kim,” he said in the hospital room as Burgess stared off into space. “I’m still right here.”
Credit: NBC
A Work Shooting Tests Their Bond
During season 8, episode 10, tension grew between Burgess and Ruzek after she questioned whether he was justified in a shooting. While Ruzek claimed the assailant pulled a gun on him and therefore, he had to fire his weapon, Burgess wasn't convinced. A video of the area later proved that Ruzek was telling the truth, but Burgess’ skepticism left a bad taste in his mouth.
Credit: NBC
Kim Names Adam as Makayla’s Guardian After Adoption
“I’m naming you as my custodian in the adoption,” Burgess revealed during season 8, Episode, 13, referring to her adoption of daughter Makayla. The sentiment caught Ruzek off guard following their recent lows.
She explained that “because we were supposed to have a baby together, dummy” she still wanted him by her side raising Makayla. Burgess added: “Because we’re family.” Ruzek agreed and became the little girl’s pseudo-father.
Credit: NBC
They Come Together After Makayla Gets Kidnapped
During season 9, episode 15, Makayla got kidnapped causing both Ruzek and Burgess to put aside their issues and fight to bring her home. Once they got her back safely in “Gone,” they read their little one a bedtime story while holding hands.
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Making His House Their Home
Despite their own drama, Ruzek offered Burgess and daughter Makayla his dad’s house during season 9, episode 20. After Makayla’s traumatic abduction — and the murder of her babysitter — Ruzek told Burgess to move into the house, noting that he would continue to live elsewhere. She reluctantly agreed and Ruzek later joined the girls to live with them fulltime.
Credit: NBC
The Long-Awaited Hookup
Burgess struggled with PTSD throughout season 10 after being shot and left for dead during the season 8 finale. After weeks of therapy, she finally agreed to have Ruzek come along for a couple’s session during season 10, episode 17, although they were technically just coparents at the time.
During their session, Ruzek admitted that at times he felt like he wanted more from their relationship, and she didn't feel the same way. Back at home, Burgess confessed that she was scared to take things further, but she also wanted more. The pair retreated to their shared room and hooked up. The following morning Ruzek revealed it felt “different” between them this time and Burgess agreed.
Credit: Lori Allen/NBC
Third Times’ the Charm?
Burgess and Ruzek were fully back together when season 11 kicked off in January 2024. However, Ruzek wasn’t back on the job after getting injured during an undercover operation last season. When he found himself in a bind during episode 2, Burgess had his back and helped clear his name as he awaits reinstatement.
Ruzek returned to Intelligence during episode 3 and he celebrated by proposing to Burgess for a third time. "Promise me we'll keep fighting for this. Because I need this, Adam. I need this family,” Burgess told Ruzek, to which he replied, “Well, you know I will.”
He pulled out a ring in his tableside drawer, telling Burgess, "Yeah, yeah. I'll keep fighting for it for the rest of my life." Ruzek continued, "I was gonna do a whole thing here, but um … this seems better. Let's get married. Let’s make it forever."
Burgess teased, "Third time's a charm, huh?" and accepted his proposal. “It’s perfect,” she said while slipping the ring on her finger.
Credit: George Burns Jr/NBC
Three's Company
During season 12 of Chicago P.D., Burgess and Ruzek faced a few changes in their household, including Burgess’ promotion to detective. While Burgess initially thought she’d be separated from Ruzek after moving up the corporate ladder, during episode 6, which aired in November 2024, she was assigned back to the Intelligence Unit.
That same season, Ruzek’s dad moved in with them after revealing he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. While the living situation worked to start, as his dad’s health declined, their daughter, Makayla, was put in danger. As a response, Ruzek decided to move his dad to a facility nearby during a February 2025 episode so he could “protect” everyone involved.
