Even though it's hard when our favorite characters leave a show, the best part about long-running shows is their inevitable (or at least hopeful) return sometime in the future. Thankfully, Chicago Med gifted fans with the surprise comebacks of not one but two of the show's original stars.
In the Chicago Med season 11 premiere, we knew to expect Nick Gehlfuss back as the original star's guest appearance was heavily reported and teased by the network. But fans were completely shocked when Will Halstead's grand return to Gaffney turned into a two-part event that included the completely unexpected return of Torrey DeVitto as Natalie Manning.
Both Gehlfuss and DeVitto hadn't appeared on Chicago Med since season 8, making their homecomings an extra special celebration for long-time fans. And according to showrunner Allen MacDonald, we can expect to see more fan-favorite characters and stars from the past coming back to Gaffney just like Will and Natalie. He's already teasing guest appearances for season 12!
As MacDonald shared with TV Insider, "I have mentioned several times that I have an intention to bring back as much of the original cast as I can. Hopefully, we have plenty of years to be able to do that. But yeah, I’m planning to bring back probably a couple at least next season."
That's exciting! MacDonald didn't confirm that an original star, or multiple original stars, will definitely make an appearance in Chicago Med season 12, but he did confirm that it's part of the plan. Whether an original star kicks off the season premiere with a bang again remains to be seen, and if that were to happen each season, it would get predictable. They have to keep us on our toes!
MacDonald was specifically asked about the possibility of Colin Donnell coming back as Connor Rhodes or Maggie (Marlyne Barrett) returning after being name-checked in the penultimate episode of season 11. The showrunner didn't directly address the probability of either character being in the running for a comeback in season 12, but they are clearly two of fans' top choices.
Chicago Med has quite the roster of former main characters in contention for returning in season 12 even beyond Donnell and Barrett. The medical drama already brought back Rachel DiPillo as Sarah Reese for a recurring role in season 10 following her departure early in season 4. Yaya DaCosta recurred in season 8 as April Sexton after leaving the show in season 6 but hasn't been back since, and Brian Tee hasn't reprised his role as Ethan Choi after leaving in season 8.
But those aren't even the only stars that MacDonald has to choose from to bring back as their are plenty of other late additions to the main cast that aren't technically "original" stars that haven't been back to Chicago Med since their exits. Needless to say, there are lots of great possibilities and it will be exciting to see might turn up for a surprise visit in season 12.
There's definitely something in the water when it comes to One Chicago bringing back fan-favorite characters from the past. For the three-part crossover event, former Chicago PD stars Jesse Lee Soffer and Tracy Spiridakos reprised their beloved characters Jay Halstead and Hailey Upton. It was a big year for the Halstead boys returning to Chicago. Too bad they didn't cross paths!
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