Season 12 of Chicago P.D. is finally underway, and although Tracy Spiridakos is no longer part of the cast, the star took to social media to celebrate the occasion! On September 25, the actress who brought Hailey Upton to life for so many years, shared an Instagram photo to celebrate the new season alongside a heartfelt message to the cast and crew of the show she used to call home.
"Happy Chicago PD premiere day! Mad love to the cast and crew and huge welcome to the new cast members. Love all of you. Tune in tonight everyone! #chicagopd," Spiridakos captioned.
Spiridakos's comfy-looking blue sweatshirt perfectly complemented her eyes, resulting in a picture-perfect selfie. While Spiridakos left the show after Season 11, we know that a big part of her will always be intrinsically connected to the One Chicago family. Of course, it helps when her former co-stars invade Spiridakos' Instagram comment section to let her know she is genuinely missed.
The Outpouring of Support
"Miss you Tracle✨ #StayUpton," commented LaRoyce Hawkins, who's portrayed Kevin Atwater for over a decade. Patrick John Flueger — sporting a new hair color in Season 12 as Detective Adam Ruzek — chimed in with an adorable compliment: "U look lovely as the day is new Tracil!" However, our favorite message came from none other than Marina Squerciati, who's fresh off her bridesmaid duties for Torrey DeVitto's wedding: "OMG I MISS YOU," she sweetly wrote.
Why Did Tracy Spiridakos Leave?
As any fan knows, all good things must come to an end — and Spiridakos' run as Hailey Upton came to a satisfying conclusion after Season 11. And as fans could imagine, the decision to leave the show after for eight seasons was not easy!
"It was a really hard decision, and I don't know that there's ever a right time," the 36-year-old told NBC Insider in May. "I think I've been on the show for just over seven years, like seven and a half-ish years, and I was just wanting to switch it up and kind of see what else was out there. That was really it. I'm so close with everybody. With our producers, [showrunner] Gwen, our writers, our cast, our crew. It was a really difficult and emotional time, for sure."
The Legacy of Hailey Upton
Judging by the kind words from her former co-stars, Spiridakos left a blue-eyed hole in the cast that won't ever be forgotten. Hailey Upton's journey on Chicago P.D. was marked by resilience, loyalty, and unwavering determination. From her early days as a young detective to her leadership role as a member of the Intelligence Unit, Upton's evolution as a character was a testament to Spiridakos' acting prowess. Spiridakos’ powerful portrayal of Hailey Upton left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans. She brought a unique blend of strength, vulnerability, and complexity to the role, making Upton a fan favorite and an integral part of the Chicago P.D. family. Even though Spiridakos is no longer part of the cast, her character's legacy will continue to resonate within the show and among its viewers for years to come.
Impact on the Show
While Upton's absence will be felt, the show's writers and producers have assured fans that they have exciting plans for the future. Season 12 promises to be packed with thrilling storylines and compelling new characters. However, the show's heart and soul, as exemplified by the close-knit bond between the cast and crew, will remain unchanged. Fans can expect to see the same level of intensity, emotional depth, and captivating storytelling that has defined Chicago P.D. for years.
The End of an Era?
The departure of Hailey Upton marks the end of an era for Chicago P.D. fans. The show will undoubtedly carry on without her, but the characters and their dynamic will always be forever altered by Upton's presence. It will be interesting to see how the writers and producers navigate this new chapter and how the remaining characters will adapt to Upton's absence.
Whether Spiridakos returns to the show one day remains to be seen, but for now, the fans can cherish the memories she created as Hailey Upton, a character that will undoubtedly remain etched in the history of Chicago P.D. As for Spiridakos herself, we eagerly await her next project and wish her all the best in her future endeavors. She might be gone from One Chicago, but her talent and charisma will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly on and off screen.
