Could Chicago PD’s new cop be sparking with Kevin Atwater? The showrunner has chimed in!
The procedural is preparing for season 12 and welcoming a new face. The season 11 finale had Tracy Spirdakos depart as Hailey Upton to take on a new federal job. It’s already been announced that Toya Turner will be joining as Kiana Cook, a new officer assigned to the Intelligence Unit.
This is the first female addition to the team since Vanessa Rojas (Lisseth Chavez) joined back in season 7. That rookie cop was a good addition to the team and there were even hints at a growing romance with Kevin Atwater (LaRocye Hawkins).
Before that could happen, however, season 7 was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic and then Chavez left the show. Season 8 had Rojas gone without even a mention of her, and Atwater has been bouncing around various storylines since.
So there’s a question among fans if Kiana and Atwater might hit it off and maybe grow into a romance not unlike Burgess and Ruzek. Can that happen?
Why there may not be a romance for Atwater and Cook on Chicago PD just yet
Speaking to TVLine, showrunner Gwen Sigan had some good words for Cook, describing her as “very cool,” “very different,” and a “very action-oriented cop.” However, she said a romance with Atwater wouldn’t be happening, “not off the bat.”
That would make sense as Kiana is new to the unit and will already have a struggle trying to fit in with her teammates. Hank will no doubt also be wary of seeing some of his cops hooking up as he knows that can be a distraction and the last thing he wants is a replay of Upton’s downward spiral when she and Jay Halstead divorced.
However, Sigan hinted Atwater may get a romance after all:
"Atwater might get a little romance this season, somebody who can see him and can understand who he is."
It would be nice to see Atwater get some romance going. His last one was in season 9, as he hit it off nicely with Celeste (Amanda Payton), a social justice advocate. Sadly, it was ruined because Atwater took too long to reveal he was a cop, and Celeste had major issues with the police.
Thus, seeing Atwater landing a new love interest can be a good thing for the character. It might be better for him to try dating outside the CPD, although it’s hinted that he can find some sort of kindred spirit. If nothing else, seeing Atwater outside the job is a good thing and hopefully sparks Chicago PD in its new season.
