Chicago P.D.: Toya Turner exits Chicago P.D. after just one season

Fans of Chicago P.D. were in for a surprise when they learned that Toya Turner has exited from the hit NBC procedural drama series. Turner plays the role of Kiana Cook, an officer in Chicago Police Department’s Intelligence Unit. She had made her debut on the show in Season 12. The reason behind her departure from the show after just one season is not clear.

As per Deadline, Chicago P.D. is currently looking for a series regular to play an officer on the ATF Task Force. The character in question is a female officer with a military background.

Why did Toya Turner exit from Chicago P.D.?

Turner joined the cast of Chicago P.D. in Season 12 after Tracy Spiridakos, who played the role of Detective Hailey Upton, exited the show at the end of Season 11. Turner had previously appeared on Chicago Med and Chicago Fire in various roles.

On Chicago P.D., Officer Kiana Cook was a former tactical officer who gets demoted after she calls out her supervisor for his misdeeds. Chicago P.D. Intelligence take a note of her after she helps catch a killer.

She is recruited by Voight (played by Jason Beghe) after her impressive work with a high-profile murder case. She would go on to work closely with Detective Kim Burgess (played by Marina Squerciati) and the team of officers including Dante Torres (played by Benjamin Levy Aguilar) and Kevin Atwater (played LaRoyce Hawkins).

In Episode 9, titled Friends and Family, the audience learn more about Cook’s character as she navigates through a difficult case involving kidnapping of two kids. It is revealed that Cook’s mother does not approve of her career choice.

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Turner’s exit came as surprise to many, including the cast. As per Deadline, in May, Squerciati had shared,

“I didn’t get a relationship with Tracy (Spiridakos). I have talked about that in the press. That made me sad. I would love to see a female relationship blossom on this show. I really love Toya (Turner), and she’s a fresh voice on the show. I also feel like (Kim is) a bit of a mentor to Cook, and I’d love to see that grow as well”

Turner took to Instagram to share a message about her exit from Chicago P.D. She wrote,

"My time on Chicago P.D. has come to a close. This show challenged me, sharpened me, and revealed what I’m made of. I’ve evolved through this experience, both as an artist and in my craft, and I’m walking away with depth, clarity, and momentum for whatever comes next."

She added,

"To the cast and crew: thank you for the warmth, the laughter, and the generosity you brought every day. It was an honor to share the screen and the set with such talent."

The actress continued,