Fans of NBC’s hit medical drama Chicago Med will soon notice a major absence when Season 11 premieres this fall. Longtime cast member Marlyne Barrett, who has played ER nurse Maggie Lockwood since the show’s debut in 2015, is officially stepping away from the series.
Marlyne Barrett’s Exit Confirmed
According to TVLine, Barrett’s departure from Chicago Med is not permanent, leaving the door open for her to return in future seasons. This means fans may see Maggie Lockwood again down the line, depending on how writers choose to handle her storyline.
Barrett has been part of the ensemble since the beginning, appearing in every season over the last decade and becoming one of the series’ most recognizable and beloved characters.
How Will Chicago Med Handle Maggie’s Exit?
NBC has yet to confirm how the show will explain Maggie’s absence. However, in Season 10, Maggie played a central role in the ongoing nursing union negotiations—an arc that could easily serve as a natural pivot for her temporary exit.
Fans are already speculating that Maggie may step away for professional or personal reasons, giving the series flexibility to bring her back in the future.
A Balancing Act of Returns and Departures
Barrett’s exit comes at a time when Chicago Med is both losing and regaining familiar faces. Recently, it was confirmed that original star Nick Gehlfuss will return as Dr. Will Halstead in Season 11 as a guest star. Meanwhile, franchise veterans S. Epatha Merkerson and Oliver Platt are also set to reprise their roles.
The mix of exits and returns reflects the fluid nature of the One Chicago franchise, which often rotates cast members while keeping its core ensemble strong.
Chicago Med’s Legacy and Success
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First premiering in 2015, Chicago Med quickly cemented itself as one of NBC’s strongest performers. The series averaged over 9 million viewers in its debut season, peaking above 11 million during Seasons 4 and 5. Even in more recent years, the show consistently draws more than 8 million viewers per season.
As the third installment in Dick Wolf’s popular One Chicago franchise (alongside Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D.), the series has benefitted from frequent crossovers and shared storylines that continue to captivate audiences.
What’s Next for Chicago Med Season 11?
Season 11 will premiere on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT on NBC, with episodes also available to stream on Hulu. With new cases, returning favorites, and Maggie’s departure looming large, the season promises both emotional drama and plenty of surprises.
Maggie Lockwood’s exit marks the end of an era for Chicago Med, but with Marlyne Barrett’s possible return left open, fans may not have seen the last of her.
What are your thoughts on Maggie leaving Chicago Med? Will the show feel the same without her presence in the ER? Let us know in the comments and keep following TrendingNewsBuzz.com for the latest updates on NBC’s One Chicago universe.
