50 Facts About Chicago P.D. (TV Series)

Creation and Development

Chicago P.D. has captivated audiences since its debut. Let's dive into the origins and development of this gripping series.

1. Chicago P.D. was created by Dick Wolf and Matt Olmstead, known for other hits like Law & Order and Chicago Fire.
2. The series is a spin-off of Chicago Fire, focusing on the uniformed patrol officers and the Intelligence Unit of the 21st District of the Chicago Police Department.
3. The show premiered on January 8, 2014, as a mid-season replacement on NBC.

Premise and Plot

The show’s premise revolves around the lives of officers and detectives in Chicago. Here’s what makes the storyline compelling.

4. The series follows the detectives and officers of District 21 as they investigate and solve crimes in Chicago.
5. It explores both the personal and professional lives of the characters, delving into their backstories and relationships.

Main Cast and Characters

The cast of Chicago P.D. brings the show to life. Here are some key players and interesting facts about them.

6. Jason Beghe stars as Detective Sergeant Hank Voight, a seasoned and sometimes unorthodox leader of the Intelligence Unit.
7. Patrick John Flueger plays Adam Ruzek, a young and ambitious officer.
8. Marina Squerciati portrays Officer Kim Burgess, a dedicated and sometimes quirky cop.
9. Jesse Lee Soffer is Detective Jay Halstead, a former undercover cop who joins the Intelligence Unit.

Behind the Scenes

The actors and their backgrounds add depth to the show. Here are some intriguing behind-the-scenes facts.

10. Jason Beghe was a member of the Church of Scientology before acting and has since become a vocal critic of the organization.
11. Patrick John Flueger almost became Captain America, auditioning for the role in 2011 but landing the role of Adam Ruzek instead.
12. John Seda, who plays Antonio Dawson, had a promising boxing career before turning to acting.
13. Sophia Bush, who portrayed Detective Erin Lindsay, is a dedicated activist focusing on environmental and women's rights.

Production and Filming

The production details add authenticity to the series. Here’s how the show is made.

14. Chicago P.D. is filmed in Chicago, Illinois, often using real locations.
15. Actors undergo extensive training with retired S.W.A.T. personnel and real Chicago Police officers to ensure accurate portrayals.
16. Each episode typically runs between 40 and 44 minutes, balancing action, drama, and character development.

Ratings and Reception

The show’s popularity is evident in its ratings and renewals. Here’s a look at its success.

17. Chicago P.D. has been renewed for three more seasons, ensuring a run up to Season 10.
18. The show’s highest same-day viewership was 9.3 million during the Season 7 finale.
19. Metacritic gives the show a rating of 50 based on 22 reviews, indicating "mixed or average reviews."
20. Rotten Tomatoes gives Season 1 a rating of 61%, showing a slightly more positive reception.

Broadcast and Streaming

Chicago P.D. is accessible to a wide audience through various platforms. Here’s where you can watch it.

21. The show airs new episodes on NBC and reruns on NBC's sister networks USA and Oxygen.
22. It is available through electronic sell-through platforms like iTunes, Amazon Video, and Vudu.
23. The series is also available for streaming on Peacock along with other Dick Wolf shows.

International Reach

The show’s popularity extends beyond the U.S. Here’s where it’s broadcast internationally.

24. In Canada, it airs on Global and CityTV.
25. The UK broadcasts it on 5USA and Sky Witness.
26. Australia viewers can watch it on the Universal Channel.
27. In Southeast Asia, it’s available on HITS Now.

Awards and Notable Episodes

Chicago P.D. has received recognition and produced memorable episodes. Here are some highlights.

28. The show has won five awards with 14 nominations on IMDb.
29. One notable episode involves a scene from Chicago Fire being mistaken for a real tragedy by a local TV news station.
30. Chicago's mayor, Rahm Emanuel, appeared in the first episode of Chicago Fire on the condition that the production donate to a charity for firefighters' widows and orphans.

Character Departures and Changes

The show has seen some significant character changes. Here are a few notable ones.

31. Brian Geraghty, who played Sean Roman, left the show after Season 3 due to a specific contract.
32. Laurie Holden, known for her role in The Walking Dead, was initially supposed to play a major character in Chicago Med but had to leave due to family reasons.

Real-Life Connections

Some actors have real-life connections that add depth to their roles. Here are a few examples.

33. Patti Murin and Colin Donnell, who play doctors in Chicago Med, got married in real life after meeting on set.
34. Jon Seda, who plays Antonio Dawson, has appeared in multiple shows within the Chicago franchise but never in an episode of Chicago Med.

Training and Authenticity

The show’s commitment to authenticity is evident in its training and filming locations. Here’s how they achieve it.

35. Actors undergo extensive training with retired S.W.A.T. personnel and real Chicago Police officers.
36. The show is filmed in various locations around Chicago, including real fire stations and police precincts.

Impact and Legacy

Chicago P.D. has left a lasting impact on viewers and the television landscape. Here’s why it stands out.

37. The show’s portrayal of police work and its characters’ personal struggles resonate with audiences.
38. Its ability to balance action and drama has made it a favorite among viewers.
39. Despite challenges in the TV landscape, the show has maintained high ratings and has been renewed for multiple seasons.
40. Chicago P.D. has become a cultural phenomenon, tackling complex issues with authenticity.

Character Backstories and Relationships

The characters’ backstories and relationships add depth to the show. Here are some key details.

41. The Halstead brothers, Jay and Will, come from a working-class Irish Catholic background.
42. Jay Halstead served in the military before joining the police force.
43. Jay’s undercover assignment in Chicago Fire sets the stage for his transfer to the Intelligence Unit in Chicago P.D.
44. Jay was friends with Antonio Dawson before joining the Intelligence Unit.
45. The Halstead brothers have a complex family dynamic, with Jay harboring resentment towards Will for not being present during their mother’s death.

Family and Upbringing

The characters’ upbringing and family background influence their actions and relationships. Here’s a closer look.

46. The Halsteads come from a working-class background, shaping their perspectives and actions.
47. Both Jay and Will attended Catholic school, reflecting in their characters’ moral compass and personal values.
48. Jay mentions their grandfather has a cabin in rural northern Wisconsin, adding to their family history.
49. Jay was ostracized by affluent counterparts at a private school, influencing his character.
50. Both Jay and Will were bullied at school, strengthening their bond and making them more empathetic towards others.

The Enduring Legacy of Chicago P.D.

Chicago P.D. has cemented itself as a staple in modern television. Its blend of action, drama, and character depth keeps viewers hooked. The show’s commitment to authenticity, from real-life training to filming in actual Chicago locations, adds a layer of realism that fans appreciate. Characters like Hank Voight, Adam Ruzek, and Kim Burgess have become household names, each bringing unique stories and complexities to the screen. The series doesn’t shy away from tackling tough issues, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. With high ratings and multiple renewals, Chicago P.D. shows no signs of slowing down. Its impact on viewers and its cultural significance are undeniable. As it continues to evolve, the show’s legacy will only grow, solidifying its place in TV history.