Chicago Med season 8: Will S. Epatha Merkerson return as Sharon Goodwin?

Sharon Goodwin is the backbone of Chicago Med. She’s been leading the charge at Gaffney Medical Center since the show’s inception, and her ability to guide her staff towards the right decisions makes her invaluable.

The notion of Med without Goodwin seems absurd, but now that another season has ended and the anticipation for the next one begins, we’re forced to question who will return. Is Goodwin one of the characters who will exit the show?

Here’s what you need to know about Goodwin and the star who plays her, S. Epatha Merkerson.

Goodwin is not going anywhere. The character, who played an even more crucial role than usual in season 7, will be back in full force for season 8. She will no doubt factor into the aftermath of the cliffhanger finale that left two of her doctors, Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss) and Scott (Guy Lockard), fighting for their lives in a burning building.

Merkerseon is a seasoned veteran when it comes to Dick Wolf productions. She had a lengthy tenure as Anita Van Buren on Law & Order before she made the jump to Chicago Med, and when the former returned to the air waves, there was speculation that she would leave Med to rejoin the cast. Thankfully, for the One Chicago faithful, she decided to stay put.

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That said, the actor did poke fun at the notion of playing two different characters in the same TV universe. During a recent interview with Today, Merkerson suggested that Goodwin cross paths with Law & Order: SVU star Olivia Benson (Mariska Hargitay).

“I think it would be like really cool if at some point we do a crossover”, the actor said. “And Olivia Benson and I cross paths and we make a stop — a moment to say—” before Chicago Fire star Taylor Kinney quipped “Do I know you?”

On a more serious note, Goodwin’s return also means that the show will delve further into her health. Season 7 revealed that the character suffers from diabetes, and that she can become physically weak if she doesn’t properly care for herself. It’s an interesting wrinkle for a character who otherwise seems to have things under control.

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