Former 'Chicago P.D.' Stars Halstead and Upton to Return in Upcoming Crossover

Fans are excited to see the beloved characters back in action on the One Chicago franchise.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 9:55pm

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The upcoming three-part crossover event between Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med will feature the returns of former fan favorites Jay Halstead, played by Jesse Lee Soffer, and Hailey Upton, played by Tracy Spiridakos. Halstead left the Windy City in 2022 to work a drug mission in Bolivia, while Upton transitioned to an FBI Special Agent role in Detroit. The crossover will bring the two characters back together as Upton's drug enforcement task force case intersects with Halstead's undercover operation.

Why it matters

The returns of Halstead and Upton, a popular on-screen couple known as "Upstead" to fans, are highly anticipated. Their abrupt departures from the One Chicago universe left many viewers unsatisfied, so their reappearance in the crossover event is sure to generate a lot of excitement and discussion among the show's dedicated fanbase.

The details

In the crossover, Halstead will return to Chicago after going dark on his wife Upton for years, while Upton will be brought in from Detroit to assist with a drug case that connects to Halstead's undercover operation. The two former Chicago P.D. detectives will be reunited as part of the high-stakes storyline involving a passenger jet emergency.

  • Halstead left Chicago P.D. in the fall of 2022.
  • Upton exited the show at the end of Season 11.
  • The crossover event will air on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The players

Jay Halstead

A former detective on Chicago P.D. who left the Windy City in 2022 to work a drug mission in Bolivia, only to go dark on his wife Hailey Upton.

Hailey Upton

A former Chicago P.D. detective who transitioned to an FBI Special Agent role in the Detroit field office, and is now part of a drug enforcement task force that brings her back to Chicago.

Jesse Lee Soffer

The actor who portrays Jay Halstead and is returning to the One Chicago franchise for the first time since early Season 10.

Tracy Spiridakos

The actress who portrays Hailey Upton and is reprising her role for the first time since the character's exit at the end of Season 11.

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What they’re saying

“After recently going on about how I was missing Halstead and Upton on Chicago P.D., I initially thought the promo had just cut in footage from old episodes, but I'm happy to be wrong!”

— Laura Hurley (CinemaBlend)

“Kudos to the One Chicago team for keeping a lid on the news for this long; just as when Tracy Spiridakos' crossover to FBI wasn't announced way ahead of time, fans can enjoy the surprise while facing a mini hiatus.”

— Laura Hurley (CinemaBlend)

What’s next

The crossover event will kick off on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, with Chicago Fire airing at a special time, followed by Chicago Med and Chicago P.D.

The takeaway

The returns of beloved characters Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton are sure to delight One Chicago fans who have been missing the popular "Upstead" duo. The high-stakes crossover storyline promises an exciting reunion for the former partners and spouses.