Why did Kiana Cook decide to leave Chicago PD? Details of the exit explored

Season 13 of Chicago PD, the NBC police procedural drama, premiered on October 1, 2025, and one character who was introduced in Season 12 won't be returning for Season 13. Chicago PD centres on the Intelligence Unit, a specialised team led by Sergeant Hank Voight.

Over the years, the series has introduced memorable characters, each adding something new to the show. In Season 12, one such character was Kiana Cook, portrayed by Toya Turner. Cook quickly became a popular character, but heading into Season 13, her storyline has come to an unexpected end. Turner has officially departed Chicago PD, making her time in the One Chicago franchise shorter than many expected.

Kiana Cook’s exit from Chicago PD

Kiana Cook made her debut in Season 12, episode 2, starting as a patrol officer before stepping in to help the Intelligence Unit solve Emily Martel’s murder. Her quick thinking and strong investigative skills impressed Voight, who invited her to join his team. Over the season, viewers got to know Cook better as more layers of her character were revealed. Thus, there were several ways in which Kiana Cook could be involved in Season 13.

However, Kiana Cook did not appear in the Season 13 premiere. The show revealed that Cook had accepted a permanent role in the 17th District. Though Voight mentioned her absence when he was pushing to reunite the Intelligence Unit, Cook was not brought back once the team officially re-formed at the end of the episode. In her place, Voight offered a position to Eva Imani, an ATF officer introduced during the premiere. Imani’s addition to the team made it clear that Kiana's journey within Intelligence had come to an end.

While the show told us why the character left the 21st District, it was unclear why Toya Turner left the Chicago PD after just one season. It came as a surprise, as Cook’s storyline still had potential to expand. It might be due to the budget cuts within the One Chicago franchise. Earlier in 2025, Chicago Fire parted ways with cast members Jake Lockett and Daniel Kyri; thus, it is clear that they are making major cast changes in the franchise.

While the reasons remain unclear, Turner shared her thoughts on her Instagram account, saying,

"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 continued,

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.

To the ChiHards: thank you for welcoming me, rooting for me, and showing Kiana love.

And to everyone who believes in me: your support means the world. I'm excited for the opportunities ahead."

Her statement expressed gratitude while also sounding final, suggesting that her exit from the series was definitive, and we will not see her return at any time. However, we cannot confirm that. Since Cook was not killed off and is still working within the Chicago Police Department, she could reappear in the show down the line. While technically possible, the show’s current storyline makes it unlikely. With Eva Imani now a part of Intelligence, there is no open slot for Cook to return to the team.

Chicago PD season 13 premiered on October 1, 2025, and future episodes will be released every Wednesday at 10 p.m. ET on NBC.

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