8 Characters Missing From the 2025 One Chicago Crossover (& Why)
NBC’s One Chicago crossover events are some of the most highly anticipated nights in television. Bringing together characters from Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med, these episodes deliver high-stakes drama, emotional moments, and thrilling action. However, the 2025 crossover event has left fans shocked—eight major characters are missing!
From unexpected exits to behind-the-scenes reasons, let’s break down who’s missing and why they won’t be part of this year’s One Chicago crossover.
1. Kelly Severide (Chicago Fire)
Why He’s Missing:
Taylor Kinney’s absence from Chicago Fire in 2023 due to personal reasons left fans concerned about Severide’s future. While he made a return in 2024, sources indicate that Severide won’t be part of the 2025 crossover due to an ongoing undercover assignment.
What This Means for Firehouse 51:
- Chief Boden struggles to fill the leadership gap.
- Stella Kidd (his wife) faces emotional turmoil balancing work and their marriage.
- A new temp leader may take over Squad 3.
This absence shakes up Firehouse 51, leaving fans wondering when Severide will make a full-time comeback.
2. Kim Burgess (Chicago PD)
Why She’s Missing:
Burgess, played by Marina Squerciati, has been a central character in Intelligence, but she is reportedly taking a leave of absence due to an internal investigation regarding a previous case.
How This Affects Intelligence:
- Ruzek, her long-time partner (both professionally and romantically), struggles without her support.
- New tensions arise within the unit as Burgess’ case brings scrutiny on Voight’s leadership.
- The Intelligence Unit may need to rely on a temporary replacement during the crisis.
Fans hope Burgess’ absence is temporary and that she returns stronger than ever.
3. Dr. Will Halstead (Chicago Med)
Why He’s Missing:
Nick Gehlfuss’ character, Dr. Will Halstead, made a dramatic exit in 2023, choosing a fresh start outside Chicago. Though rumors suggested a possible return, producers confirmed that Halstead will not appear in the 2025 crossover.
What This Means for Chicago Med:
- His brother, Jay Halstead (formerly of Chicago PD), won’t be around either, breaking a major family dynamic.
- Dr. Marcel and Dr. Archer take over as leading figures in the ED.
- His absence might open doors for new doctors to step up.
While fans miss Halstead, his exit allows other characters to shine.
4. Hank Voight (Chicago PD)
Why He’s Missing:
This is perhaps the most shocking omission from the crossover. Jason Beghe’s Hank Voight is the backbone of Chicago PD’s Intelligence Unit, so why isn’t he appearing?
Rumors suggest that Voight’s tactics have come under federal scrutiny, forcing him into a suspension or possible temporary removal from his post.
What This Means for Intelligence:
- Deputy Superintendent Samantha Miller steps in as a temporary leader.
- Atwater, Halstead, or Upton may take on more responsibility.
- Without Voight, Intelligence operates differently—will they play by the rules or bend them?
Could this signal the beginning of the end for Voight? Fans are anxiously awaiting answers.
5. Sylvie Brett (Chicago Fire)
Why She’s Missing:
Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett made a life-changing decision last season—leaving Firehouse 51 to start a family with Casey in Oregon.
What This Means for Firehouse 51:
- Brett’s absence leaves a major gap in EMS leadership.
- New paramedics must step up, potentially causing tension.
- Could Violet Mikami become the new EMS leader?
While Brett’s love story with Casey got a happy ending, fans still miss her presence in Chicago.
6. Dr. Ethan Choi (Chicago Med)
Why He’s Missing:
Dr. Ethan Choi, played by Brian Tee, exited Chicago Med after deciding to focus on family and teaching rather than hospital politics.
How This Affects Chicago Med:
- Dr. Archer faces increased pressure as Chief of the ED.
- Newer doctors take on bigger roles, especially Dr. Hannah Asher.
- Maggie and Sharon Goodwin must navigate leadership changes.
Ethan Choi was a fan favorite, and while he may not be part of this crossover, many hope for guest appearances in the future.
7. Jay Halstead (Chicago PD)
Why He’s Missing:
Jesse Lee Soffer left Chicago PD in 2023, and while he has since expressed interest in directing episodes, there’s no confirmation of a return for the 2025 crossover.
What This Means for Intelligence:
- Upton continues struggling without him.
- Intelligence lacks one of its strongest detectives.
- His absence impacts Chicago’s larger law enforcement network.
Though fans hold onto hope, Halstead’s return seems unlikely—for now.
8. Joe Cruz (Chicago Fire)
Why He’s Missing:
Joe Cruz (played by Joe Minoso) has been a Firehouse 51 staple, but sources suggest that his absence from the crossover stems from a personal crisis that takes him out of Chicago temporarily.
How This Affects Firehouse 51:
- Squad 3 must adjust without one of its most experienced members.
- Could Cruz’s absence hint at a permanent departure?
- His family life might take priority, leading to difficult decisions.
Fans hope Cruz’s absence is only short-term and that he returns soon.
What This Means for One Chicago’s Future
The 2025 One Chicago crossover event is shaping up to be one of the most intense yet—but the absence of these eight characters will undoubtedly change the dynamics of the franchise.
Key Takeaways:
The crossover will be missing major fan favorites, including Voight, Severide, and Burgess.
Their absences will create power shifts across Firehouse 51, Intelligence, and Med’s ED.
New characters may step up in their place, leading to fresh dynamics.
Fans are left wondering if these absences are temporary—or signs of bigger departures.
While some characters might return later in the season, the 2025 crossover will feel very different without these iconic figures.
Are you disappointed by these absences? Which character do you hope returns soon? Let us know in the comments!