It's almost time to return to Chicago for another season of NBC's One Chicago franchise, and as we get closer and closer to the new seasons of each show, fans are looking to prepare for the changes ahead. As we all know, characters come and go in these shows, and this season is no different.
Going into the new season, Chicago Med might have the least high-profile cast exits this time around, but it was a different story last season. Before season 11 began, fans were crushed to learn that Marlyne Barrett departed the series after 10 seasons. We still don't know where Maggie went.
Chicago Med season 12 will again see a sizable cast exit that fans might not have expected, while another character will be missing for a few episodes. In their absence, the show welcomes a couple new characters alongside the main cast. Let's recap all the major exits and additions!
Only one major character is leaving Chicago Med (technically)
A few weeks before the Chicago Med season 12 premiere, Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut confirmed that she won't be returning to the series as Dr. Naomi Howard. The actress announced her departure from the series on social media, though an offiical reason wasn't provided. Naomi's exit wasn't set up in the season 11 finale as she and Frost are still dating when we last left them.
However Naomi will be written out, her exit will almost certainly happen offscreen and be explained through dialogue. Well, let's hope that her exit will be addressed in a meaningful way, unlike Maggie's. Chicago Med season 12 will also be facing another glaring character absence, and that will be Dr. Caitlin Lenox. Sarah Ramos will be leaving the show, but don't worry, it's just temporary.
The actress announced her pregnany ahead of the season 11 finale, and the show won't be writing in the pregnancy for Lenox. Chicago Med showrunner Allen MacDonald confirmed that Ramos will be absent for the new season's first five episodes as she's away on maternity leave. The show will have to explain why Lenox has suddenly disappeared for Gaffney for well over a month.
Who's returning in the Chicago Med season 12 main cast?
While there will be on big cast shakeup in Chicago Med season 12 and another temporary absence, the main cast of series regulars once again remains unchanged. Apart from Barrett leaving the show after season 10, the show's main cast hasn't experienced any further official exits or additions, which should be a sigh of relief for fans... though a new main character wouldn't hurt.
Here's the full main cast for Chicago Med season 12:
- S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin
- Oliver Platt as Daniel Charles
- Steven Weber as Dean Archer
- Luke Mitchel as Mitch Ripley
- Jessy Schram as Hannah Asher
- Sarah Ramos as Caitlin Lenox
- Darren Barnet as John Frost
Speaking of new characters, the teaser trailer released by NBC hinted that we will be meeting a pair of newbies with the departure of Naomi and the temporary leave of Lenox. Archer appears to be working alongside a new doctor, while a new administrator seems to be stepping in for Goodwin as she continues to be ousted from her position and fights for her job.
Before the season premieres, it's unclear in what capacity these characters will take part in the show as character details and official casting reveals weren't announced. But we do know that Beverly Hills, 90210 alum Gabrielle Carteris will guest star in the season premiere in one of the case of the week medical storylines. From there, we can expect even more guest stars in season 12.
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