LaRoyce Hawkins Opens Up About His Final ‘Chicago P.D.’ Episode as Kevin Atwater

There was no indication LaRoyce Hawkins, better known to fans as Kevin Atwater, would be leaving Chicago P.D. when the 13th season concluded back in May. Then, over the Fourth of July holiday weekend came the news that he would be departing the series he has starred on since it launched, and now, that final episode has aired.

A fan-favorite and original series star ever since the show premiered with “Stepping Stone” on Jan. 8, 2014, news of Hawkins’ departure quickly became social media chatter. With no official explanation from Hawkins or NBC, speculation turned to money and cost-cutting measures across the industry. Not even until the preview of the episode that aired last week were fans made aware that the Oct. 14 episode (“Don’t Blink”) would be Atwater’s last. Related Stories TV Donna Lynne Champlin, Guest Star Extraordinaire: "I'm the Go-To Dick Wolf Middle-Aged Traumatized Woman" TV NBC Renews Three 'Chicago' Shows for 2026-27

The idea of Atwater leaving Chicago was floated and shot down when Karen Obilom’s Tasha Fox, a fellow officer who attended the police academy with Atwater, announced her intention to leave Chicago and join the police force in Miami in the episode of the same name last October. Fox and Atwater shared a night of passion that resulted in a pregnancy reveal in January episode “On the Way,” and an agreement that they would work on making their relationship real in “The Wicked River,” a few episodes before that season finale. At the start of season 14, the only thing that was clear in the premiere (“Demolition”) was that the baby was coming.

“Don’t Blink” starts in the hospital with the baby, a son, and Atwater and Tasha. As Atwater goes back to work dealing with a robbery, he is an attentive father, calling in during breaks and rushing to the hospital when the baby becomes sick. But he becomes deeply affected by a suspect, a father who had been absent from his son’s life. That gets Atwater thinking about what he wants not just for himself, but for his own son. His stance against the Blue Wall and systemic racism within the police force back in season eight blocked his options for promotion and a raise. In the end, he decides to relocate with Tasha and the baby from Chicago to Atlanta. And the finale in the bar, with colleagues and friends singing “He’s A Jolly Good Fellow” ends Atwater’s Chicago P.D. reign.

It was a bittersweet moment with many agreeing that the final episode was handled well.

Last year, the Chicago-area native from Harvey spoke with The Hollywood Reporter about Atwater’s evolution and expressed his gratitude, as well as discussing the pressure of representing his hometown. He also shared the honor and privilege he felt being part of the Dick Wolf universe.

Speaking with THR now , a day before his last episode aired, he said he planned to watch the hour in real time for the first time surrounded by family. Hawkins pondered Atwater’s significance and impact.

“Because I grew up watching reruns from shows that were over way before I was born, I wasn’t unaware of the impact that you can still have for generations that you’re not necessarily a part of,” he said.