Chicago P.D. season 8 is on hiatus again after airing just two episodes this calendar year. No official return date has been set, but the police procedural drama is expected to come back in 2021. When it returns, fans will be meeting a new series regular.
In a new report from Variety, it was confirmed that Cleveland Berto has been cast as a series regular in Chicago P.D. season 8. The actor is set to play the character of Officer Jalen Walker, who could be an interesting addition to the department.
Officer Jalen Walker is described as "super idealistic" and a "golden boy." He was supposed to take a job on Wall Street but turned it down so he could join the Chicago Police Department. He's interested to be part of the team is because he wants to "make a difference and change the status quo."
Berto's promotion as a series regular in Chicago P.D. season 8 came following Lisseth Chavez's (Officer Vanessa Rojas) exit in season 7. Over the past years, the show saw significant departure including Jon Seda's Senior Detective Antonio Dawson and Sophia Bush's Detective Erin Lindsay.
The series is adding new characters to fill these characters' exit, though some appear in a recurring manner. For instance, Nicole Ari Parker plays the recurring character of Deputy Superintendent Samantha Miller. She is described as a progressive, ardent proponent of police reform.
As for what else lies ahead in Chicago P.D. season 8, Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger) and Kim Burgess' (Marina Squerciati) relationship will further be addressed. They do have feelings for each other, but they're still in a complicated situation at the moment.
Ruzek and Burgess were preparing to welcome their baby, but things fell apart after the latter suffered a miscarriage while saving a young woman. They both tried to process their loss, and it looks like they'll lean on each other for emotional support.
Previously, showrunner Rick Eid told TVLine that losing their baby is the biggest challenge for Ruzek and Burgess' relationship. This would hugely affect them in the current season, but he made it clear that their bond will "evolve and deepen."
Meanwhile, there's also an interesting storyline coming for LaRoyce Hawkins' Kevin Atwater. He is going to fight for what is right in order to ensure that justice will be served. Beyond that, his romantic life will be given a chance, as well.
Chicago P.D. season 8 is slated to return in January 2021.
