Chicago Med is no stranger to emotional gut punches. Still, showrunner Allen MacDonald’s latest tease for the Chicago Med Season 10 finale sounds like the kind of finale that will leave fans spiraling until fall. As MacDonald shared with TVLine’s Inside Line, this time around, fans will witness Dr. Charles confronting “a dark legacy in his family” while Goodwin grapples with personal and professional choices.
But it’s the following tease that has fans buzzing: “There will also be some unexpected faces returning.” He added ominously, “The final minutes of the hour will have some big shocks with lasting ripple effects. It’s going to be a very long summer for Chicago Med fans!”
MacDonald has already made good on his promise to bring back some familiar faces—Rachel DiPillo’s Sarah Reese appeared earlier this season. But as the show gears up for a potential Season 11 (renewal is still pending), speculation is swirling about who else could show up in those final minutes.
Could Chicago Med Season 10 finally see the return of fan favorites Will Halstead (Nick Gehlfuss) or Dr. Connor Rhodes (Colin Donnell)?
MORE: Check out our One Chicago crossover review!
Could Will Halstead’s return rock Chicago Med Season 10?
Will Halstead’s exit in Season 8 was one of the most heartbreaking in recent Chicago Med memory. After leaving Gaffney to reunite with Natalie Manning in Seattle, fans felt closure—but not quite completion.
Halstead was always the emotional glue of the ED, and his return—whether for a cameo or more—would bring emotional weight, especially if it involves Goodwin or Charles confronting something life-altering. Given the finale promises “lasting ripple effects,” a surprise Halstead return could be the linchpin for a cliffhanger or perhaps even Season 11’s launchpad.
That said, Screen Rant recently reported that one major fan-favorite is officially not returning—and that’s April Sexton (Yaya DaCosta), whose actress shared that she feels her story ended perfectly with her exit in Season 8. So, while April’s not an option, Will remains firmly in the maybe column.
MORE: Stellaride worked really well in the crossover. Here’s why!
Could Connor Rhodes walk back in from Chicago Med history?
Let’s be real—if Chicago Med wants to pull a jaw-dropping twist, bringing back Connor Rhodes would be it. Last seen in Season 5, the trauma surgeon’s exit after a messy storyline involving his father’s suspicious death was abrupt and unsatisfying.
Connor’s return would be nothing short of explosive, especially if the finale digs into hospital politics, surgical crises, or personal redemption arcs. Colin Donnell’s return would also thrill long-time fans who’ve held out hope since 2019.
While no official word confirms Donnell’s participation, MacDonald’s use of “unexpected faces” rather than “face” has fueled theories that more than one alum could appear. A double cameo—say, Will and Connor—would be a mic-drop moment worthy of the hype.
With the season guaranteeing high stakes for Charles and Goodwin, the returning characters can be integrated into their arcs. Would Charles’s dark legacy include someone from his mentoring days, such as Connor? Or would Halstead return when Goodwin needs him most? Here’s to hoping.
A Manstead wedding would bring multiple characters back. Unfortunately, with Burzek getting married on PD, I’m not sure One Chicago would do 2 weddings.
A MANSTEAD WEDDING. I hadn’t thought of that as a possibility, and now even thought you’re right that it’s unlikely, I kinda need it.