The Ultimate Guide To Chicago P.D.'s Winter Hiatus: Was A New Episode On Last Night? (December 12, 2025)

The short answer is no: a new episode of Chicago P.D. was not on last night, December 11, 2025, or any night this week. The Intelligence Unit is currently on its annual winter hiatus, taking a break after an explosive fall finale that left fans reeling.

The highly popular NBC drama, which is part of Dick Wolf’s successful One Chicago franchise, traditionally airs new episodes on Wednesday nights. Since the show is currently off-air for the holidays, now is the perfect time for viewers to catch up on the dramatic events of Season 13, which has delivered some of the most intense storylines in the series' history.

Chicago P.D. Season 13: The Intelligence Unit Roster and Character Profiles

The success of Chicago P.D. rests on the shoulders of its compelling characters, who make up the elite Intelligence Unit. Season 13 has continued to explore the complex personal lives and moral gray areas of these dedicated officers. To understand the current plot, it’s essential to know who’s who and where their story stands.

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• Jason Beghe as Sergeant Hank Voight: The grizzled, morally ambiguous leader of the Intelligence Unit. Voight remains the show's anchor, constantly blurring the lines between justice and the law. Season 13 has seen him grappling with new administrative oversight while trying to protect his team from internal and external threats, often relying on his signature 'old-school' methods.
• Marina Squerciati as Detective Kim Burgess: Burgess has evolved from a patrol officer to a seasoned detective and a single mother. Her Season 13 arc has focused on balancing her demanding career with raising her adopted daughter, Makayla, and navigating her complicated relationship with Adam Ruzek.
• Patrick John Flueger as Officer Adam Ruzek: Ruzek’s storyline has been one of the most emotionally charged in recent seasons. After his near-fatal shooting, Ruzek's return to the job in Season 13 has been tentative, with the character dealing with the long-term physical and psychological toll of his injuries. The fall finale left his status in a precarious position, adding to the dramatic tension.
• LaRoyce Hawkins as Detective Kevin Atwater: Atwater continues to be the unit’s moral compass, committed to community-focused policing. His Season 13 journey has involved deeper dives into systemic issues in the Chicago Police Department, forcing him to make difficult choices about his career and personal ethics.

When Does Chicago P.D. Return? The Mid-Season Premiere Date

For fans wondering exactly when they can tune in for a new episode, the wait is almost over. The good news is that the show has a confirmed return date.

The Chicago P.D. Season 13 mid-season premiere will air on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at 10 PM ET/9c on NBC. This date marks the end of the seven-week-long winter break that began after the dramatic fall finale on November 12, 2025.

The return of the One Chicago block is a major event for NBC, with Chicago Med and Chicago Fire also resuming their new episodes on the same night, leading up to P.D. at 10 PM. The show’s return will pick up immediately after the high-stakes cliffhanger that concluded the first half of the season, promising an intense start to 2026.

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The Fall Finale Cliffhanger: What You Missed and What's Next

The last new episode to air was the Season 13 fall finale, Episode 7, titled "Impulse Control," which aired on November 12, 2025. This episode delivered a shocking conclusion that has dominated fan discussions during the break.

The Imani Cliffhanger Follow-Up

One of the central threads leading into the hiatus was the ongoing "Imani cliffhanger." The Intelligence Unit was deeply involved in a complex case that had significant ramifications for several characters, particularly Voight. The fall finale provided a major reveal in this storyline, forcing Voight to confront the consequences of his actions and the compromises he made to protect the unit.

Ruzek's Precarious Status

The biggest question mark left by the final moments of "Impulse Control" revolves around Adam Ruzek. Having recently returned to duty after his recovery, Ruzek has been walking a fine line. The cliffhanger saw him in a vulnerable position, leading to speculation about his immediate future with the unit. Fans are desperate to know if he will face disciplinary action, if his physical recovery is truly complete, or if he will once again step away from the force.

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The mid-season premiere on January 7, 2026, is expected to immediately address these unresolved issues, putting Ruzek and Burgess's relationship under immense pressure as they deal with the fallout.

How to Watch All Chicago P.D. Episodes During the Hiatus

Just because new episodes aren't airing doesn't mean you can't get your fix of the Intelligence Unit. The winter hiatus is the perfect opportunity to rewatch classic episodes or catch up on the entire Season 13 so far. This will help you fully appreciate the dramatic stakes when the show returns.

Streaming Chicago P.D.

• Peacock: The official streaming home for the One Chicago shows is Peacock. New episodes of Chicago P.D. are available to stream the day after they air on NBC. You can also find all previous seasons of the series on the platform, making it the best option for a complete series rewatch.
• NBC.com and NBC App: Recent episodes from Season 13 are also typically available for a limited time on the NBC website and the NBC App.

What to Watch Instead of New Episodes

If you've already rewatched the latest season, consider diving into the other two shows in the franchise to fully immerse yourself in the One Chicago universe. Both Chicago Fire and Chicago Med are also on hiatus and will return on the same night, January 7, 2026. Watching all three shows provides a richer experience, as they frequently feature crossover events and shared characters, deepening the topical authority of the entire franchise.

The current break is a temporary pause in the action. While Chicago P.D. was not on last night, fans can rest assured that Detective Sergeant Hank Voight and the Intelligence Unit will be back soon to tackle the next wave of crime in the Windy City, starting with the resolution of the intense fall finale cliffhanger. Mark your calendars for January 7, 2026, for the highly anticipated return.