‘Chicago P.D.’ Star Tracy Spiridakos Reacts to Jesse Lee Soffer Exit
The news is out about Jesse Lee Soffer (Detective Jay Halstead) leaving Chicago P.D. in the upcoming 10th season. And that has some Team Upstead fans sad — including Soffer’s onscreen wife, Tracy Spiridakos, who plays Detective Hailey Upton.
Spiridakos took to Instagram on August 30 to react to her TV husband’s exit, writing: “I guess the word is out…Jesse, what can I say, you’re the absolute best. Thank you for your kindness, your guidance, and your friendship. You’re the greatest onscreen husband a girl could ask for. I’ll miss being on set with you every day. I can’t wait to see what the world has in store for you next. #upsteadforever.”
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Hailey and Jay came together romantically in Season 8, and eventually eloped to the courthouse on Season 9. The pairing was so beloved among fans that the hashtag #UpsteadForever quickly became popular. Soffer has been a series regular since 2014, so only time will tell how they navigate Halstead’s exit. A dramatic death scene is always good for ratings, but it seals the deal on possible guest appearances and closes the door on Upstead for good.
The actor is currently filming Season 10, and so far there’s been no word on exactly when his departure will come, but speculation places his final episode at some time this fall.
On his exit, Soffer told Variety:
“I want to thank the incredible fans for their unwavering support during the past 10 years and want to express my deepest gratitude to Dick Wolf and everyone at Wolf Entertainment, Peter Jankowski, Matt Olmstead, Derek Haas, Michael Brandt, Rick Eid, Gwen Sigan, NBC, Universal Television, my fellow castmates and our incredible crew. To create this hour drama week after week has been a labor of love by everyone who touches the show. I will always be proud of my time as Det. Jay Halstead.”
Chicago P.D., Season 10 Premiere, Wednesday, September 21, 10/9c, NBC
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First Sophia now Jesse what the heck is going on?? When main characters start leaving shows are never the same. This is so sad not happy about this! 🙁
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Crazy to get rid of Jay! I watch every week and reruns but that will come to an end real quick.
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Crazy to let Jay go the ratings will go down
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Do. Not. Like. This!!!
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It is like the death of a family member. I thank him for all the years he has helped to entertain me. Wishing Jesse continued sucess in future endeavors.
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Don’t understand what’s happening in Wolfe world. It seems like it may be a bit toxic and they’re waiting for the next shoe to drop
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Agreed. It feels like DW's trying to save his shows by cutting some of the higher paid regulars, hoping NBC will keep them. Especially, since NBC's cutting out the 10:00 PM hour next year (they'll go through with it). If he can replace Kelli and Jesse with cheaper actors, he might think that will reduce the budget enough to save SVU and Chicago P.D. Instead, he should have just just let them both serve out their current seasons. If NBC doesn't renew One Chicago, then end the franchise and go out on top. The same goes for SVU. However, I think Dick Wolf wants these shows to continue. And to do that, he had to cut fan favorites. However, those fan favorites are why people watch. Without them, ratings will decrease. The shows and NBC will lose money anyway, regardless of how much money they save paying cheaper salaries. The fact that Chicago P.D.'s show runner, writers and other cast members haven't said anything is so suspicious. Why are they so silent? SVU's showrunner assured Rollisi fans they'd get their happy ending. When Jesse Spencer left by choice, Derek Haas gave hints about how Casey would be written out. Kelli and Jesse were both fired, yet Chicago P.D. is completely silent about how Jay's being written out, what happens to Upstead, etc. It's weird.
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I think you got it a little backwards Dick Wolfe isn’t cutting actors to save costs. Both Jesse Spencer and Jesse Lee Sofer both chose to leave the series of their own accord. Each of them had other acting opportunities and I guess grew tired of doing the same roll for so many years. I will miss Jesse on PD as I miss Jesse Spencer on Fire but neither of their departures has anything to do whether NBC cuts the 10 pm shows. All networks are feeling the pinch from loss of viewership due to streaming services and the different shows they offer. I too hope that all the shows in Wolfe Enterprises continue to be the high quality that they are. And that NBC does not make the decision to cut out the 10 pm shows.
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The new rules
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I'm honestly going to Miss seeing Detective Jay Halstead being part of the Intelligence unit on Chicago P.D. he's been my Favorite Recurring Character since the beginning of the show and I think it probably will never be the same without him being there to Contain SGT. Voights Crazy Way of Policing.💯
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I'm very sad another detective is leaving, like many people say is never the same, when are watching your every week, I love the Chicago Shows every Wednesday🤨😔😪
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