‘Chicago P.D.’ Cast’s Tearful Goodbye to LaRoyce Hawkins After Final Episode
Chicago P.D. Season 14: Saying Goodbye to Officer Kevin Atwater
Important News Alert: After 13 seasons, one of the original Intelligence Unit members is leaving the show!
What’s Happening?
Chicago P.D. is coming back for its 14th season on Wednesday, October 7 (10/9c on NBC). But this season marks a big change — LaRoyce Hawkins, who plays Officer Kevin Atwater, is saying goodbye.
He’s been part of the show since the very first episode, so this is a pretty emotional moment for fans and the cast alike.
The Final Episodes
How Many Episodes Will He Be In?
- LaRoyce is only returning for 2–3 episodes at the start of Season 14
- These episodes are designed to wrap up Atwater’s storyline properly
When Did He Finish Filming?
- August 14: LaRoyce filmed his very last scene
- The cast and crew threw him a big celebration to honor his 13-year run
The Send-Off Celebration
From the Studio
Sheila R. Brown (Executive Director of the CineCares Foundation at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios) shared photos and videos of the celebration:
"Yesterday, @laroycehawkins filmed his final episode of #ChicagoPD. His hard work paid off with 13 seasons on the show. He was celebrated all day (and night). We will miss Kevin Atwater! However, I can’t wait to see what unfolds next for you, my friend. Bravo!"
From the Cast
Marina Squerciati (who plays Kim Burgess) posted a heartfelt tribute with photos of the cast gathering — including some familiar faces who’ve left the show!
Who Was There?
- Current cast: Marina Squerciati, Jason Beghe (Voight), Arienne Mandi, Benjamin Levy Aguilar
- Chicago Fire crossover: Miranda Rae Mayo
- Former Chicago P.D. stars: Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton), Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead)
Fun Fact: Seeing Soffer and Spiridakos back for the farewell shows how close this cast really is — they’re like a real family!
How Will Atwater Leave?
What We Know
- He won’t be killed off — the door stays open for future guest appearances
- His exit will likely connect to a major life change: becoming a father
- Atwater’s partner, Officer Tasha Fox (played by Karen Obilom), is pregnant with their baby
Why This Makes Sense
- It gives Atwater a happy, realistic reason to step back from the dangerous Intelligence Unit work
- It matches what happened with other characters (like Halstead and Upton) who left but returned for special events
- The show has proven former characters coming back works really well — last season’s three-show crossover with Soffer and Spiridakos was a huge hit!
Mark Your Calendar
| Event | Date/Time |
|---|---|
| Chicago P.D. Season 14 Premiere | Wednesday, October 7 |
| Time | 10/9c |
| Network | NBC |
Summary
- Chicago P.D. returns for Season 14 on October 7
- LaRoyce Hawkins (Officer Kevin Atwater) is leaving after 13 seasons
- He filmed his final episodes in mid-August (only 2–3 episodes this season)
- The cast celebrated him with a big send-off party — including former stars Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos
- Atwater will likely leave to focus on becoming a dad with Tasha Fox
- He won’t die — leaving the door open for future appearances
- The show has a great track record of bringing back beloved characters
FAQ
1. Is LaRoyce Hawkins leaving Chicago P.D. for good?
He’s leaving as a series regular, but since Atwater won’t be killed off, he could absolutely return for guest appearances or special crossovers in the future — just like Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos did last season.
2. How many episodes will LaRoyce be in this season?
Only 2–3 episodes at the beginning of Season 14, just to give Atwater a proper goodbye storyline.
3. Why is Atwater leaving the Intelligence Unit?
The most likely reason: he’s about to become a father! His partner Tasha Fox is pregnant, and stepping away from the dangerous undercover work to be present for his child makes perfect sense for the character.
4. When exactly did LaRoyce film his last scene?
August 14, 2024 — and the cast and crew gave him an all-day (and night!) celebration to honor his 13 seasons on the show.
5. Will the show be different without Atwater?
Definitely — he’s been there since Episode 1 of Season 1. But Chicago P.D. has handled major cast departures before (like Antonio, Olinsky, Halstead, and Upton) and the Intelligence Unit always evolves. New characters like Arienne Mandi and Benjamin Levy Aguilar are already part of the team.
What do YOU think? How should Chicago P.D. write out Atwater? A peaceful departure to be a dad? A dramatic final case? Share your theories in the comments!
Stay tuned to TV Insider for all the latest Chicago P.D. news, spoilers, and behind-the-scenes updates!