Chicago PD fans have waited for what feels like a decade to see Kim Burgess and Adam Ruzek tie the knot. The emotional rollercoaster that is “Burzek” has finally found stability, and if the couple’s wedding is anything like their journey, we are in for an unforgettable episode. But as fans prepare the tissues and champagne, one big question remains: who should return for this long-awaited union?
NBC has a tradition of turning weddings into crossover goldmines, often reuniting fan-favorite characters. Chicago Fire pulled it off with Matt Casey showing up for Severide’s wedding, and now it’s time for Chicago PD to bring some familiar faces back into the frame. Here are four characters who should absolutely be on the guest list.
Hailey Upton: The Emotional Anchor
Tracy Spiridakos left fans heartbroken when Hailey Upton departed Chicago at the end of Season 11. Her character had a front-row seat to the evolution of Burgess and Ruzek’s relationship. She’s been Kim’s confidant and Ruzek’s teammate, a core member of the Intelligence Unit with deep emotional ties to both.
Speaking to Deadline in 2024, Spiridakos said, “I would love to reappear, that would be amazing. I love this whole group of people.” That affection alone should be enough to bring her back. And let’s be honest, what’s a wedding without the bestie who’s seen your worst moments? Her return would not only honor her arc but offer fans a sense of continuity.
Antonio Dawson: The Original Ally
It’s been years since Jon Seda’s Antonio Dawson walked the halls of District 21, but his influence lingers. As one of the original members of the Intelligence Unit, Dawson worked closely with both Ruzek and Burgess. His quiet strength and moral compass would add gravitas to the ceremony.
In an interview earlier this year, Seda expressed his openness to return, saying, “Antonio is still alive. If they called me and said, ‘Hey, we’d love to talk about you coming in for even just one scene or two’ or whatever, I totally would be down with it.” Bringing Dawson back could feel like a full-circle moment for longtime viewers.
Kenny Rixton: The Unexpected Guest
Nick Wechsler’s Kenny Rixton may not be the most iconic character in the show’s history, but he played a pivotal role during one of Ruzek’s most tumultuous periods. Filling in during Ruzek’s undercover assignment in Season 4, Rixton became a short-term brother-in-arms to the IU. He even revealed that his and Ruzek’s fathers served together in the CPD—a subtle thread that makes his presence at the wedding more than justified.
While Rixton’s run was brief, his arc ended on good terms. He left for another narcotics unit, showing respect for the role he temporarily held. Inviting him to the wedding would be a nod to the unsung contributors of the unit.
Jay Halstead: The Wild Card
Perhaps the most unlikely returnee is Jesse Lee Soffer’s Jay Halstead. Since leaving in Season 10, Halstead has been off the grid, reportedly working on operations in Bolivia. His absence has been keenly felt, particularly by fans of his romance with Hailey Upton.
Still, Soffer has stayed connected to the Chicago PD family, even directing episodes since his departure. While his return may be the hardest to justify plot-wise, emotionally it would be a triumph. Weddings in One Chicago are about unity and legacy, and Halstead is a key figure in both.
A Toast to the Past and Future
As Burzek prepares to walk down the aisle, the show has a golden opportunity to reunite characters who shaped their story. A wedding isn’t just a celebration of love—it’s a tribute to the people who stood by that love in the toughest times. Whether for nostalgia or narrative closure, these four characters deserve to raise a glass at the big event.
Will Chicago PD give fans the reunion they crave? Or will these familiar faces remain in the rearview mirror?
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