Major spoilers are ahead for NBC’s latest One Chicago crossover, “Reckoning,” which aired in March 2026 and is currently streaming on Peacock. The annual crossover event, known for raising the stakes, this year involved a passenger jet carrying a deadly chemical and a race against time to prevent a catastrophe. But beyond the high-stakes plot, the return of former Chicago P.D. stars Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos as Jay and Hailey Halstead – known to fans as “Upstead” – proved to be a significant emotional draw.
The reunion wasn’t just a fan service moment; it was a carefully considered narrative choice. Chicago P.D. showrunner Gwen Sigan revealed that pitching the crossover ending to Soffer and Spiridakos was surprisingly straightforward. The storyline addressed the complicated fallout from Jay Halstead’s departure, a decision that divided viewers when Soffer exited the series in Season 10, and Hailey Upton’s subsequent struggles through Season 11. The crossover offered a chance to revisit unresolved feelings and provide a sense of closure for both characters and their dedicated fanbase.
The “Reckoning” crossover saw Jay attempting to reconnect with Hailey, acknowledging the pain his abrupt exit caused. While a full-blown romantic reconciliation wasn’t on the cards, the episode culminated in a heartfelt apology from Jay for leaving Chicago and for losing Hailey. Hailey, in turn, acknowledged his remorse. The scene ended with the former couple agreeing to grab a drink together, a gesture that felt fitting given their history.
Sigan explained the ease of securing Soffer and Spiridakos’ participation, stating, “In a way we basically said ‘You’re gonna love it,’ and they did. [laughs] We sort of knew what they would want too, and this is kind of what they would want.” She added that the goal was to deliver scenes that would have been “really cathartic” but weren’t possible when the actors left the show at different times, and the crossover provided a way to “feel like they were completing some sort of story they had together.”
The crossover didn’t definitively resolve Jay Halstead’s future, leaving the door open for potential future appearances. Soffer’s previous series, FBI: International, concluded last year, while Spiridakos has a new show slated to premiere later in 2026. This allows both actors flexibility to revisit their roles in the One Chicago universe should the opportunity arise.
The One Chicago franchise continues on Wednesdays on NBC, with Chicago Med at 8 p.m. ET, Chicago Fire at 9 p.m. ET, and Chicago P.D. at 10 p.m. ET. Viewers can likewise rewatch the “Reckoning” crossover event on Peacock.
The success of bringing back Upstead highlights the enduring connection fans have with these characters and the power of revisiting unresolved storylines. While the future remains uncertain, the crossover provided a satisfying, if bittersweet, chapter in their story, leaving fans to wonder what might come next.
What did you think of the Upstead reunion? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and be sure to share this article with other One Chicago fans!
