Chicago PD season 8: Lisseth Chavez will not return as series regular

Lisseth Chavez will not return as Vanessa Rojas in Chicago PD season 8

In a shocking twist, Lisseth Chavez is exiting Chicago PD after just one season and will not return as Vanessa Rojas in Chicago PD season 8.

Chavez’s character of Vanessa Rojas was introduced in the second episode of season 7, “Assets,” as an undercover cop working to bring down a drug syndicate. After her run-in with the Intelligence Unit, Rojas was recruited by Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) as the Intelligence Unit’s newest addition.

Although Rojas struggled to assimilate during her early days with the team, by the end of the season it looked as though she was finally starting to find her place with the unit. During the season, Rojas formed a particularly strong relationship with Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins) with many wondering whether the writers might look to pursue the dynamic further in season 8

Why is Lisseth Chavez leaving Chicago PD?

As reported by Deadline, the powers that be chose not to extend Chavez’s contract with the show for creative reasons with the creative team looking to instead wrap the character’s storyline.

It remains unclear at this time whether Chavez will appear in the Chicago PD season 8 premiere or pop up at any point in season 8 to wrap up her character’s storyline. Unfortunately, it’s unlikely the character will get a proper sendoff. Instead, it’s more likely Rojas’s exit will be addressed via a quick throwaway line which has been a popular way of addressing cast departures in the past.

The good news is fans won’t have to wait too long to see Chavez back on their screens!

As announced during  DC Comics and Warner Bros. Entertainment’s virtual DC FanDome event, Chavez has been cast in a series regular role of Esperanza “Spooner” Cruz on The CW’s Legends of Tomorrow.

For the latest Chicago PD season 8 spoilers and news, plus more on the entire series, follow the Chicago PD category at One Chicago Center.