Chicago Med Welcomes Troubled New Doctor in Season 9: Cast Changes and Preparations Begin
Chicago Med, the popular medical drama series, is gearing up for its ninth season with some exciting changes in its cast lineup. The show is currently in the process of casting a new character who will join the staff at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
According to TVLine, the new addition to the Chicago Med cast will be an emergency department physician in his early 30s. What sets this character apart is his troubled past and his connection to Dr. Daniel Charles, portrayed by Olivia Platt. The character’s recurring role in Season 9 may potentially lead to a series regular status in Season 10.
The casting news comes after the departure of several key cast members in the previous season. Brian Tee, who played Dr. Ethan Choi, left the show midway through Season 8, while Nick Gehlfuss bid farewell to his character, Dr. Will Halstead, in the season finale. Other departures include Guy Lockard as Dr. Dylan Scott, Sarah Rafferty as Dr. Pamela Blake, and Asjha Cooper as resident Vanessa Taylor.
In an interview with Variety, Gehlfuss shared that leaving Chicago Med after appearing in 163 episodes was a difficult decision but the right one for his career. He felt that he had taken his character, Dr. Halstead, as far as he could creatively and wanted to explore new opportunities. Gehlfuss jokingly mentioned that his time on the show felt like earning a doctorate in television with its eight-year run.
As the show prepares for its ninth season, fans can expect to see familiar faces returning. Cast members such as Olivia Platt, S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin, Marlyne Barrett as Maggie Lockwood, Dominic Rains as Dr. Crockett Marcel, Steven Weber as Dr. Dean Archer, and Jessy Schram as Dr. Hannah Asher will all be back in action.
While NBC has yet to announce an official premiere date for Chicago Med Season 9, the wheels are already turning with filming scheduled to begin on November 29. The recent end of the Hollywood strikes has allowed production to resume smoothly. However, due to the strikes, all three shows in the One Chicago franchise, including Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., will have shortened seasons, likely consisting of 13 episodes each.
Chicago Med continues to captivate audiences with its gripping storylines and talented ensemble. With the addition of a troubled new doctor and the return of beloved characters, Season 9 promises to deliver more emotionally charged and thrilling medical drama.
Sources: TVLine, Reel Chicago, Deadline
