One Chicago Stars Reveal Replacements After Shocking Cast Exits
OneChicago Shakeup: Your Favorite Shows Are Getting New Faces This Fall
What’s Happening in the Windy City?
If you watch Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, or Chicago P.D. (together called the "OneChicago" universe), you might want to sit down for this news. When these shows return this fall, things are going to look very different at the firehouse, hospital, and police station.
Important Callout: Major Cast Changes Alert!
Two longtime fan-favorite actors are leaving their shows after many seasons. This means new characters will be joining the teams very soon.
Who’s Leaving?
1. LaRoyce Hawkins — Chicago P.D.
- Character: Officer Kevin Atwater
- Time on show: 13 seasons (since the very beginning!)
- Status: Departing the series
2. Joe Miñoso — Chicago Fire
- Character: Firefighter Joe Cruz
- Status: Exiting during Season 15
Fun Fact: Both actors have been with their shows since the very first episodes. That’s over a decade of fighting fires and solving crimes!
How the Current Stars Feel
Even the actors staying on the shows are sad to see their friends go. Here’s what they told E! News:
Darren Barnet (Dr. John Frost on Chicago Med)
"They will be missed."
Short, sweet, and says it all.
Arienne Mandi (Officer Eva Imani on Chicago P.D.)
"One of our beloved is departing. He’s been very cherished for many years and will continue to be a foundation of the show. We love him a lot."
Talking about LaRoyce Hawkins’ surprise exit after 13 years.
What This Means for You (The Viewer)
The Good News: Fresh Faces Coming!
With these major departures, there’s plenty of room for new cast members. Think of it like when new kids join your class at school — new personalities, new storylines, new drama!
What to Expect:
- New doctors, firefighters, and cops joining the teams
- New dynamics as current characters adjust to new partners
- Fresh storylines that couldn’t happen with the old cast
- Crossover episodes where new characters meet across shows
Quick Timeline: How We Got Here
- 2012 — Chicago Fire premieres (Joe Miñoso joins as Cruz)
- 2014 — Chicago P.D. premieres (LaRoyce Hawkins joins as Atwater)
- 2015 — Chicago Med premieres (completing the trilogy)
- 2024 — Both Hawkins and Miñoso announce exits
- Fall 2024 — New seasons air with new cast members
Summary
| Show | Departing Actor | Character | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago P.D. | LaRoyce Hawkins | Kevin Atwater | 13 |
| Chicago Fire | Joe Miñoso | Joe Cruz | 15 (exiting mid-season) |
Bottom line: Your OneChicago shows are getting a major refresh this fall. While it’s sad to see beloved characters go, it also means exciting new stories and faces are on the way. The current cast misses their friends, but they’re ready to welcome the newbies — and you should be too!
FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered
Why are they leaving after so many years?
Actors sometimes want to try new projects after playing the same character for over a decade. It’s like wanting to play a different game after mastering one — totally normal!
Will their characters die or just move away?
The shows haven’t revealed exact exit stories yet. Usually, characters either transfer, retire, or get dramatic send-offs. You’ll have to watch to find out!
Who are the new cast members?
Not announced yet! Keep an eye on entertainment news over the summer — NBC usually reveals new hires before the fall premiere.
Will the shows still crossover with each other?
Absolutely! The OneChicago universe is famous for crossover events. New characters will likely meet counterparts on the other shows.
When do the new seasons start?
Traditionally, OneChicago shows premiere in late September or early October on NBC. Check your local listings as fall approaches!
Don’t Miss It: Set your DVRs for fall — the Windy City is getting a whole new crew!