Why Did Sophia Bush Leave 'Chicago P.D.'?
"Chicago P.D." alum Sophia Bush opened up about her decision to exit the NBC cop drama after four seasons.
When Bush parted ways with the show, she offered no explanation to fans. And when asked about it, executive producer Dick Wolf has also kept details to a minimum. In August, he only said that she wanted to leave.
After so much speculation surrounding her exit, the actress confirmed that she left because she could and because she wanted to.
"Took me a long time and a lot of hard work to get out of that show," the actress said in a response to an inquiry regarding her departure. "I left because I wanted to. End of story."
Bush's character Erin Lindsay was offered a new post in the New York City FBI. The season premiere elaborated on the department's loss, with all the remaining characters reminiscing about their shared memories.
Lindsay's former partner and lover Det. Halstead (Jesse Lee Soffer) clung onto an old photo of them in the midst of his now-empty flat. Even the stern Sgt. Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) could not felt the loss of Lindsay, who sees her like a daughter.
Bush may have parted ways with the cop drama, the show also brought in familiar faces to fill in that spot. Former series regular Jon Seda has been transferred to "Chicago P.D." after the failed run of "Chicago Justice." Tracy Spiridakos has also been promoted to a series regular after last season's two-episode arc.
Executive producer Peter Janowski admitted that Bush was a crucial part of the series, but her leaving also helps the show "creatively" by giving the characters something to react to.
Bush seems to be pursuing other creative endeavors. She recently signed a talent and development deal with 20th Century Fox Television. She is slated to star in a pilot produced by the studio.
