Jesse Lee Soffer, formerly a regular on Chicago P.D., has been cast as the lead in CBS’s developing drama Strike Force. The project reunites him with Chicago P.D. co-creator Matt Olmstead and makes an on-screen return as Jay Halstead less likely, despite fans’ hopes following his appearance in the 2026 One Chicago crossover.

Soffer will play a DEA agent who returns to Kansas City to lead a multi-agency unit targeting violent criminals exploiting America’s heartland. He will also executive produce alongside Jerry Bruckheimer and KristieAnne Reed; CBS has opened a development room, but has not yet ordered the programme to series.