As Chicago Med wrapped up its Season 10 with Episode 22, “…Don’t You Cry,” fans were left stunned by a series of dramatic turns that in a way predict huge character exits in 2025. The season 10 finale included a resignation, a medical discovery, and a twist in Dr. Hannah Asher’s pregnancy.
All of the above, if history is anything to go by, suggest that several key cast members may be on their way out when Chicago Med Season 11 premieres. Among the strongest contenders for exits are Dr. Dennis Washington, Dr. Caitlin Lenox, and possibly even Dr. Hannah Asher or Dr. Dean Archer.
Let’s discuss why.
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Dr. Washington’s Resignation
One of the clearest departures comes from Dr. Dennis Washington (portrayed by John Earl Jelks), who officially resigned after Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson) offered him a reduced title and pay to save his job amidst budget cuts.
Though she fought to retain him, his ego and the wounds from the fact that he didn’t tell his daughter about their relationship led to a bitter confrontation on Chicago Med. Washington handed in his resignation, ending both their professional and romantic ties.
Goodwin’s heartbreak deepens when she visits her ex-husband Bert, who no longer recognizes her due to his progressing cognitive decline. It left her doubly alone by episode’s end.
Lenox’s Diagnosis and Hannah’s Pregnancy
Another quiet but heartbreaking departure might be that of Dr. Caitlin Lenox (Sarah Ramos), who falsely claims she tested negative for Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker: a rare, fatal neurodegenerative disease.
In truth, she tested positive, a reveal that comes in this Chicago Med episode’s final moments as she cries alone at home. This stomach-churning secret indicates her character can be written off over time or abruptly next season, depending on where the storyline goes.
In the meantime, the biggest surprise could be from Dr. Hannah Asher (Jessy Schram), who tells the audience she’s pregnant but keeps the father a secret. While the fans thought it was Dr. Mitch Ripley (Luke Mitchell), the series finale showed she actually went to talk to Dr. Dean Archer (Steven Weber), not Ripley. This move leaves the paternity of her child in doubt.
As Chicago Med showrunner Allen MacDonald teased to Deadline, this “game-changing hookup reveal” is part of an ongoing romance arc, potentially shaking up the cast depending on how the pregnancy develops.
Chicago Med Season 10 is now streaming on Peacock.
New episodes return on NBC in Fall 2025.
