LaRoyce Hawkins departed from the long-running police procedural ‘Chicago PD’ after more than a decade on the series. The actor, who has been a series regular since the show premiered in 2014, will be leaving in the upcoming 14th season.According to Deadline, Hawkins will return to the show for the first two or three episodes of Season 14 to finish the story of his character Kevin Atwater before he leaves. The exact way in which his character will exit the series remains under wraps, though sources indicate it will happen early in the season. Hawkins has also featured Atwater in various crossover events with other police procedurals in the same network franchise.
Recent developments in the character of Kevin Atwater
As part of the Intelligence Unit under Hank Voight, Atwater served alongside elite officers most recently including Adam Ruzek, Kim Burgess, Dante Torres, and other team members. The character is described as handsome, honest, and loyal, with fans constantly discussing his personal life and hoping that he will find romantic fulfillment.While Atwater was previously close to serious relationships, none developed until Season 13 Episode 5, when he reunited with Officer Tasha Fox, a platonic friend from his past who became a romantic interest. However, the potential love connection faces immediate challenges when Tasha reveals that night that she is moving to Miami for a new job within a week. Before Atwater wakes up the next morning, he leaves, leaving an orange as a nod to his new home in the Sunshine State, with an open invitation for Atwater to join him.
The wider television work of LaRoyce Hawkins
Beyond his role in the police procedural, Hawkins has appeared in various series including a Marvel series for a streaming platform, “Power Book IV: Force” and “Ballers,” among other products in his career.
The actor is expected to return for the opening episode of Season 14 before exiting. Image credit (Instagram)
Franchise renewal: and continued success
All three police procedurals in the same franchise received early renewals from the network this year, with the franchise’s shows set to return on October 7 for the 2026-2027 broadcast season. The shows continued to perform as key ratings performers in the network’s primetime lineup, maintaining their position as the anchors of the network’s Wednesday night schedule, where they air back-to-back.The franchise aired another crossover event on March 4, where all three movies hit season highs in total viewers as a result of the combined storytelling event. The three franchise shows have remained strong for the network despite their long runs, continuing to attract large audiences and maintaining strong ratings for their combined episodes.