A formerChicago P.D.star is moving on to an exciting new crime drama that could have major implications for network television at large. TheOne Chicagouniverse— with series dedicated to police, firefighters, and medical professionals in one shared setting— has been one of the most iconic franchises of the modern age sinceChicago Firepremiered in 2012.
Dick Wolf’s collection of spinoffs hasn’t been without its losses, however. Plenty ofactors have leftOne Chicago, with many memorable characters either killed or written out of the Windy City. Fortunately,talented actors from theOne Chicagouniverse have been able to forge aheadwith new roles, and one former member ofChicago P.D.is next on deck.
Undeniably, one of themost memorableChicago P.D.characterswas Detective Hailey Upton, portrayed by Tracy Spiridakos. Upton first appeared inChicago P.D.season 4, wherein she recurred before being promoted to a main character in season 5. The detective became an integral member of the CPD Intelligence Unit, marrying (and later divorcing) Jesse Lee Soffer’s Jay Halstead.
Sadly,Tracy Spiridakos leftChicago P.D.after season 11to pursue other acting opportunities. After spending seven years playing Detective Upton, it’s understandable that Spiridakos was ready for a change. Thankfully,Tracy Spiridakos will soon have the chance to broaden her horizonsand play the titular role in an upcoming crime drama based on Nevada Barr’s best-selling novel series.
Tracy Spiridakos will play Anna Pigeonin the USA Network’s 2026 series. Just like the novels,Spiridakos’ Anna Pigeon has been teased as a park ranger with a tragic pastwho channels her pain into crime-solving sprees. Ironically, Pigeon bears some similarities to Upton, but Nevada Barr’s unique storylines ensure the series will remain markedly different fromChicago P.D.
Anna Pigeonfollows the USA Network’s recent trend of orderingbook-to-TV adaptations. Earlier this year, the network began promotingThe Rainmaker, a legal drama based on the John Grisham novel and 1997 film starring Matt Damon. WhileAnna PigeonandThe Rainmakerwill both follow well-known source material, the USA Network seems poised to offer fresh takes on familiar narratives.
The USA Network’s Focus On Original Series Suggests A Return To Blue Sky Programming
BothAnna PigeonandThe Rainmakerare brimming with potential for the USA Network, which was once a powerhouse producer of original content. Granted, both scripted series are based on existing properties, but in a world of endless spinoffs and reboots,the USA Network is bravely taking a chance on adapting lesser-known propertiesfor a modern audience.
The network’s change in focus indicates that anew golden age for the USA Networkmay be on the horizon. From the early 2000s to the mid 2010s, the USA Network championed the “blue sky” approach to programming, which was focused on creating character-driven titles which, despite drama and intrigue, maintained an underlying current of easy and breezy optimism.
Many ofthe USA Network’s biggest blue-sky hits are still regarded as masterpieces, from the genre-bending detective proceduralPsychto the suave, smart, and sexy world ofSuits. Some of theUSA Network’s main characters— like Gabriel Macht’s Harvey Specter— were trailblazers for brand-new archetypes that, decades later, can still merely be imitated.
Around 2016, the USA Network pivoted to grittier series, abandoning its blue-sky brand. Yet, based on descriptions ofAnna PigeonandThe Rainmaker’s promising trailer, it seems the USA Network has set itself up to have the best of both worlds. Within its new and upcoming series,USA can reincorporate blue sky elements into serious storylines.
Why Television Needs A Blue Sky Renaissance Now More Than Ever
If the USA Network is truly bringing back the heart of its blue sky era, it couldn’t be at a better time.The world needs the heady escapism that blue sky television provides, and the highly-anticipated return of character-first writing would give the USA Network a much-needed competitive edge. Furthermore, the return of blue-sky programs could benefit the entire industry.
In a landscape where every channel seems laden with melodrama, a blue-sky resurgence would offer actors and audience alike a reprieve from the seemingly constant onslaught of heavy, emotionally-taxing twists and turns. Tragedy has become so commonplace, it has infected even the most reliable series— like9-1-1’s first main character death, which led former fans to boycott the show altogether.
Similarly,blue-sky storylines could help the originality drought we have been stuck in. Franchise expansions have been abundant in recent years, but the 2024-25 cycle canceled many spinoffs, both beloved and loathed. Some endings, likeSuits LA’s failure, felt inevitable. Unfortunately, others were prematurely left on the chopping block, from Fox’s9-1-1: Lone Starto two of CBS’FBIinstallments.
Of course, the USA Network revisiting its blue-sky approach won’t magically fix all the disappointing trends in modern television— but it would surely be a step in the right direction. BothThe Rainmakerand theChicago P.D.alum’sAnna Pigeoncould usher in a new age of clever, comforting, and— above all else— creative programming.
