Jesse Lee Soffer’s Seamless Evolution: From Lead Actor to Director on Chicago P.D. — A Psychological and Creative Perspective

How a Decade as Detective Jay Halstead Prepared Soffer for a New Chapter Behind the Camera, and What His Journey Means for the Series’ Future

Introduction

For over a decade, Jesse Lee Soffer was the steady heartbeat of NBC’s Chicago P.D., embodying Detective Jay Halstead with a combination of stoic resilience and emotional nuance that earned him a loyal following and the respect of his peers. As the tenth season drew to a close, Soffer made the bold decision to step away from his iconic role and transition to directing, a move that not only marked a significant milestone in his career but also signaled a new creative era for the show itself. This journey, meticulously prepared and psychologically profound, offers a masterclass in personal growth, professional risk-taking, and the art of storytelling.

This blog explores Soffer’s transformation from lead actor to director, uncovers the psychological motivations behind his career shift, examines the impact of his presence behind the camera, and speculates on what his return as director could mean for Chicago P.D.’s upcoming thirteenth season.

Jesse Lee Soffer returns as director. Thank you, Brian Luce, for letting me use the photo!

The Motivation to Step Behind the Camera

• Desire for Creative Growth

• The Challenge of Evolution After a Decade in One Role

• The Psychology of Risk and Reinvention

Jesse Lee Soffer’s decision to leave the cast of Chicago P.D. in 2022 was not made lightly. After nearly ten years and approaching his 40th birthday, Soffer found himself at a crossroads familiar to many artists: the tension between comfort and challenge, tradition and transformation. In interviews with Variety and other outlets, Soffer candidly admitted that he had, by that point, mined every emotional and narrative vein available to Jay Halstead. The character’s arc—from his initial introduction as a rookie detective to his status as a seasoned and often conflicted leader—had been thoroughly explored.

“I felt like I’d played every facet of Jay Halstead,” Soffer shared. “It was time to take a risk.”

From a psychological standpoint, Soffer’s move is a textbook example of self-actualization, a concept popularized by Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. Once basic needs (security, belonging, esteem) were satisfied through his long tenure on the show, Soffer’s next drive was for creative fulfillment and personal growth. The risks inherent in leaving a beloved role were significant, but so was the potential reward: the chance to shape stories from a new vantage point and to challenge himself in ways acting alone could not provide.

Cultivating the Director’s Itch: Preparation and Transition

• Shadowing and On-Set Education

• Active Storytelling as an Actor

• Building Trust with Cast and Crew

Soffer’s transition from actor to director was anything but abrupt. Even during his tenure as Halstead, Soffer was known among producers and castmates for his collaborative spirit and narrative insight. He often called producers with suggestions for his character’s trajectory, demonstrating an innate understanding of the story’s bigger picture.

After wrapping his final acting scenes, Soffer did not simply fade into the background. Instead, he began shadowing veteran directors on set, absorbing the nuances of blocking, camera movement, and production logistics. This hands-on apprenticeship was essential—not only did it deepen his technical expertise, but it also cemented his relationships with the crew. Soffer described the experience as feeling like he “never really left,” a testament to his embeddedness in the show’s culture.

From a psychological lens, this methodical preparation speaks to Soffer’s growth mindset. Rather than being content with existing skills, he sought new challenges, embracing the discomfort and vulnerability of learning. This approach is consistent with Carol Dweck’s theory that those with a growth mindset view abilities as malleable and pursue opportunities for development, even when the outcome is uncertain.

Directorial Debut: “Deadlocked”

• Episode Details

• Collaboration with Jason Beghe

• Critical and Cast Response

Soffer’s directorial debut came with Season 10, Episode 16, titled “Deadlocked.” Far from a tentative first effort, this episode was a “throwback” to the show’s earlier years—a gritty, Voight-centric narrative that explored high-stakes morality and loyalty. Soffer’s long-standing rapport with Jason Beghe (Sergeant Hank Voight) proved invaluable. Beghe, a supporter of Soffer’s move behind the camera, described their collaboration as rooted in trust. “Jesse knows the show’s tone and my character inside out. He can give me notes more freely than almost anyone,” Beghe said.

The episode was praised for its classic P.D. energy and its tight pacing. Cast members noted Soffer’s attention to detail, his ability to communicate efficiently, and his clear vision. Benjamin Levy Aguilar (Torres) described Soffer as a mentor, remarking on his transition from guiding as an actor to leading as a director.

Psychological Dynamics of Leadership

Directing a cast with whom one has shared years of camaraderie requires a delicate balance of authority and empathy. Soffer, by virtue of his tenure, was uniquely positioned to foster both. In organizational psychology, such transitions are often fraught with challenges—former peers must now view the individual through a new lens. But Soffer’s move was described as “seamless,” owing to the built-in trust and mutual respect he had cultivated.

LaRoyce Hawkins (Atwater) noted that Soffer’s presence on the sidelines was akin to “coaching me up,” highlighting the continuity of collaborative energy. This blend of mentorship and leadership is emblematic of transformational leadership, where the leader inspires and motivates through vision, authenticity, and relationship.

The Art and Psychology of Storytelling: Micro vs. Macro Perspective

• From Character Motivation to Narrative Vision

• Ego Surrender and Team Dynamics

• Problem-Solving as Creative Praxis

Soffer described his shift from acting to directing as moving from a “micro” to a “macro” perspective. As an actor, his focus was on Halstead’s motivations, emotions, and actions. As a director, his purview expanded to include every aspect of the narrative—character arcs, thematic resonance, pacing, and visual style. This transformation required a surrender of ego; Soffer had to set aside his attachment to a single character to serve the broader vision.

From a psychological standpoint, this represents a maturity in creative identity. Erik Erikson’s stages of psychosocial development suggest that adulthood brings the challenge of generativity—contributing to the growth and development of others. Soffer’s work as a director exemplifies this, as he guided his former castmates not only in performance but in collaborative storytelling.

Furthermore, Soffer’s involvement in problem-solving on set, even as an actor, laid the foundation for his directorial acumen. On-the-fly troubleshooting—whether in blocking a scene or adjusting a script—honed his ability to think strategically and empathetically, two traits essential to successful directing.

A Second Directing Stint: “Inventory”

• Episode Details

• Cast Feedback

• Further Validation of Soffer’s Talent

Soffer’s return to the director’s chair for Season 11, Episode 12, “Inventory,” reaffirmed his prowess. This episode, once again centered on Voight, featured a tense cat-and-mouse pursuit of a serial killer. The complexity of the narrative, combined with the emotional stakes, provided Soffer an opportunity to showcase his growth as a storyteller.

Benjamin Levy Aguilar’s praise was unequivocal: “To see Jesse as a really good director is inspiring. He coached me, mentored me, and now he leads with vision and detail.”

The cast’s embrace of Soffer in his new capacity highlights the power of psychological safety on creative teams. Amy Edmondson’s research on team dynamics underscores that environments where individuals feel valued, heard, and respected yield better innovation and performance. Soffer’s ability to foster such an atmosphere is a testament to his emotional intelligence and adaptive leadership.

The Aftermath: Soffer’s Expanding Career

• New Acting Roles

• Directing Aspirations

• Personal and Professional Growth

Following his directorial success on Chicago P.D., Soffer continued to expand his career portfolio. In June 2024, he joined CBS’s FBI: International for its fourth season as Supervisory Special Agent Wesley “Wes” Mitchell, marking a return to acting but in a new context. Soffer has also expressed openness to directing more episodes of Chicago P.D., contingent on timing and opportunity.

This dual trajectory—acting and directing—reflects a multidimensional approach to professional growth. From a psychological perspective, Soffer’s capacity for risk-taking, learning, and adaptation embodies the principles of lifelong development. His journey serves as an inspiration not only for actors, but for anyone seeking reinvention after mastering a particular craft.

Implications for Chicago P.D. Season 13: The Value of Soffer’s Perspective

• Creative Evolution and Legacy

• Potential for New Storytelling Approaches

• Impact on Cast and Crew Dynamics

As speculation grows about Season 13, the prospect of Soffer returning as director carries significant psychological and creative implications. Here’s what his involvement could bring:

1. Narrative Depth and Authenticity

Having lived and breathed the world of Chicago P.D. for ten years, Soffer possesses an intimate knowledge of its ethos, its emotional currents, and its narrative DNA. His directorial vision is likely to infuse the show with greater authenticity, especially in episodes that revisit long-standing themes or character relationships. Season 13 could see a renewed focus on legacy characters, with Soffer’s touch ensuring that their journeys remain true to the show’s core.

2. Enhanced Collaboration and Cast Empowerment

Soffer’s leadership style—rooted in trust, mentorship, and psychological safety—could elevate the collaborative spirit among the cast. His unique position as former peer and now director allows him to navigate interpersonal dynamics with nuance. If Soffer directs in Season 13, the episodes may feature more organic performances, grounded in the actors' sense of ownership and comfort.

3. Creative Risk-Taking and Innovation

Having himself taken a career risk, Soffer is likely to encourage bold storytelling choices. Season 13, under his direction, may experiment with narrative structure, visual style, or thematic exploration. This openness to innovation could invigorate the series, attracting both long-time fans and new viewers.

4. Psychological Continuity and Growth

The psychological continuity provided by Soffer’s presence—first as actor, now as director—offers stability amid change. Fans who mourned Halstead’s exit can take comfort in knowing that Soffer’s influence endures behind the scenes. Moreover, his transition models personal growth for both viewers and cast members, demonstrating that reinvention is not only possible, but essential for sustained fulfillment.

Diving Deeper: The Psychological Approach to Soffer’s Transition

• Identity and Self-Concept

• Role Exit and Reentry

• Mentorship and Legacy

Identity and Self-Concept

Portraying a single character for a decade inevitably shapes an actor’s identity. The risk in extending such a tenure is the potential for role engulfment, where one's self-concept becomes inseparable from the character. Soffer’s conscious decision to step away before this occurred speaks to his self-awareness and psychological resilience. By choosing to evolve, he protected both his personal and professional identity.

Role Exit and Reentry

Sociologist Helen Ebaugh’s theory of “role exit” posits that leaving a long-held position requires renegotiation of identity and relationships. Soffer’s immediate return to the set as a director, shadowing and learning, facilitated a smoother reentry. He did not sever ties, but rather transformed them, retaining his connection to the show while adopting a new role. This strategy minimized loss and facilitated growth.

Mentorship and Legacy

As both actor and director, Soffer has embraced mentorship, guiding younger cast members through the rigors of production and performance. His legacy is not just in the episodes he starred in or directed, but in the culture of collaboration he helped foster. This investment in others ensures that his impact will be felt long after he moves on to new projects.

Leadership Lessons: What Creative Professionals Can Learn

• Embrace Vulnerability

• Pursue Lifelong Learning

• Foster Trust and Psychological Safety

• Balance Ego and Vision

Jesse Lee Soffer’s journey offers a blueprint for creative professionals seeking growth:

• Embrace Vulnerability: Leaving a successful role for uncharted territory requires courage and humility. Vulnerability, as researcher Brené Brown suggests, is the birthplace of innovation and creativity.

• Pursue Lifelong Learning: Soffer’s shadowing and active education demonstrate that mastery is an ongoing process. The willingness to learn, regardless of seniority, is essential for sustained relevance.

• Foster Trust and Psychological Safety: Collaborative environments thrive when individuals feel safe to contribute. Soffer’s rapport with cast and crew enabled seamless transitions and empowered others.

• Balance Ego and Vision: The shift from actor to director required Soffer to relinquish attachment to a single perspective and serve a broader narrative. Creative leaders must balance confidence with humility.

The Future: Soffer’s Lasting Impact on Chicago P.D. and Beyond

• A Series Poised for Renewal

• Opportunities for New Storytellers

• The Expanding Role of Actor-Directors in TV

As Chicago P.D. approaches its thirteenth season, the groundwork laid by Soffer’s directorial contributions positions the series for renewal and reinvention. His seamless transition signals to other cast members that career evolution is not only possible but encouraged. The series may see more actors crossing the divide, diversifying its creative leadership and broadening its narrative horizons.

Moreover, Soffer’s journey reflects a larger trend in television: the rise of actor-directors who bring unique insights to the storytelling process. Their dual perspective enriches the creative process, offering authenticity and depth that can only come from lived experience within the show’s universe.

Conclusion

Jesse Lee Soffer’s evolution from lead actor to director on Chicago P.D. exemplifies the power of preparation, psychological resilience, and creative vision. His journey is a testament to the value of risk-taking, continuous learning, and collaborative leadership. As the series looks ahead to Season 13, Soffer’s influence as both legacy cast member and director promises to enrich its storytelling, invigorate its culture, and inspire both fans and fellow creatives.

But what truly resonates—beyond his technical mastery or creative insights—is the feeling he inspires each time he returns. It doesn’t matter if Jesse graces our screens for a single episode or an entire season; to the Chicago P.D. fandom, his presence is always a cause for celebration. He is a welcome sight, a familiar heartbeat amid changing stories and faces, bringing with him the warmth of a homecoming.

In the words of Soffer himself, “It’s time to take a risk.” For Chicago P.D., for its cast and crew, and for audiences everywhere, that risk has yielded a richer, more dynamic future—one where evolution is celebrated, and the story is never truly finished. Welcome home, Jesse.