After more than a decade of dedication, Marina Squerciati has become a cornerstone of Chicago P.D. through her raw and layered portrayal of Officer Kim Burgess. But as Season 12 unfolds, fans are starting to brace themselves for what might be the unthinkable: saying goodbye to one of the show’s most beloved characters. The speculation has intensified in recent weeks, following a series of behind-the-scenes images, subtle social media hints, and, most significantly, an emotionally charged episode that placed Burgess at a critical crossroads in her life.
From the moment Burgess first joined the Intelligence Unit, viewers were drawn to her resilience and vulnerability. She wasn’t just a cop in uniform—she was a woman trying to balance duty, heartbreak, personal trauma, and motherhood, all while fighting to earn her place in a world where survival often means shutting down emotionally. Marina Squerciati breathed life into Kim with a sincerity that resonated far beyond Chicago’s fictional precinct. That’s why the possibility of her departure feels so deeply personal to longtime fans.
In Season 12’s latest episode, Burgess found herself at a pivotal moment. The storyline centered around a high-stakes case that forced her to reevaluate her priorities—not just as an officer, but as a mother to Makayla and a woman seeking peace after years of chaos. It’s clear that Burgess is tired. Tired of nearly losing her life on the job, tired of the endless emotional toll, and perhaps, tired of holding it all together for everyone else. The writing subtly but powerfully underscored this shift. Her moments of silence spoke volumes. Her hesitation before answering Voight’s call wasn’t just dramatic tension—it was foreshadowing.
Adding to the growing speculation are Marina Squerciati’s own actions off-screen. Her recent social media posts have been cryptic, filled with nostalgic throwbacks, emotional thank-yous, and behind-the-scenes glimpses that fans are interpreting as parting words. “Some journeys change you forever,” she captioned one photo, standing alongside longtime castmates Patrick John Flueger and LaRoyce Hawkins. Though she hasn’t confirmed any departure officially, the tone feels like goodbye. Insiders from the production team have also hinted that the writers have been preparing her storyline for a potential soft exit since early in the season.
What’s especially heartbreaking is that Burgess’s exit—if it happens—won’t just be the end of a character. It will be the end of an era. Over the years, Kim Burgess has evolved from a beat cop to a core member of Intelligence, surviving everything from brutal assaults to harrowing shootouts. Fans have seen her fall in and out of love, most notably with Adam Ruzek, played by Flueger, whose on-and-off relationship with Kim has served as an emotional backbone for the series. Their shared custody of Makayla brought a new level of maturity and warmth to the show. In many ways, Burgess has grown up on our screens, and her character arc reflects the real-life struggles of balancing career ambition with personal healing.
Still, nothing is set in stone. In classic Chicago P.D. fashion, the showrunners remain tight-lipped, and Squerciati continues to keep fans guessing. NBC has not released an official statement regarding her status, and no finale preview has hinted directly at her departure. It’s possible that the writers are simply giving Burgess a storyline that allows her to step back temporarily, without permanently closing the door. After all, Chicago P.D. has been known to bring characters back—sometimes at the most unexpected moments.
Whether Marina Squerciati truly exits or not, one thing is certain: Kim Burgess has left a lasting impact on the One Chicago universe. Her strength, compassion, and emotional complexity have made her more than just another cop on a procedural drama. She represents the heart of the city she protects, and the woman behind the badge has inspired millions of fans around the world.
