Jesse Lee Soffer Directed New Chicago P.D. Episode
The veteran actor returned to the series as a director for the latest installment.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Basketball
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Jesse Lee Soffer directed the Chicago P.D. episode titled Don't Blink, which marks his fourth time behind the camera for the program. The episode features the departure of character Kevin Atwater, portrayed by LaRoyce Hawkins.
Why it matters
The storyline follows Atwater deciding to leave the Intelligence Unit after the birth of his son with Tasha. This transition marks a significant shift for the series as it progresses through its fourteenth season.
Jesse Lee Soffer has now directed 4 episodes of Chicago P.D. during his tenure with the long-running procedural. The series is currently in its 14th season.
The players
Jesse Lee Soffer
An actor and director known for his work on television procedurals who is set to lead the upcoming CBS series Strike Force.
LaRoyce Hawkins
The actor who portrays Kevin Atwater, a central member of the Intelligence Unit on the long-running drama series.
The details
Soffer returned to the series specifically to helm the episode, focusing his efforts on production rather than his former onscreen role. The plot centers on Atwater choosing to exit the Intelligence Unit to prioritize his family life.
Timeline
The episode Don't Blink premiered on October 14, 2026.
The episode Reckoning aired during a 2026 crossover event.
Season Trajectory
The transition aligns with Jesse Lee Soffer taking on a lead role in the upcoming CBS series Strike Force. This shift marks a evolution for the creative team as they manage cast departures and expand their behind-the-camera talent.
The exit of Kevin Atwater permanently removes a key member from the Intelligence Unit's current roster. This change necessitates a reconfiguration of the series' core investigative team for the remainder of the season.
The takeaway
Transitions in long-running television series often involve cast members evolving into new creative roles behind the camera. Fans can expect future shifts in narrative focus as the production team balances these talent changes.
Further reading
Learn more about local team dynamics on the Basketball page.
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