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When and Why Does Det. Antonio Dawson Leave Chicago P.D.?

Antonio Dawson, played by Jon Seda, had a harrowing arch on Chicago P.D.

By Jackie Manno

Antonio Dawson (Jon Seda), the former Intelligence Unit's second-in-command on Chicago P.D., was an OG favorite on the show.

How to Watch

Watch Chicago P.D. Wednesdays at 10/9c on NBC and next day on Peacock.

Not afraid to challenge authority, he was a fan favorite and also made crossover appearances on seven seasons of P.D. and 47 episodes of Chicago Fire as the brother of Firehouse 51 paramedic Gabby Dawson (Monica Raymund).

However, Antonio Dawson departed the unit in Season 6 of Chicago P.D. after it was revealed that the character had been struggling with substance abuse. Read all about his final moment on the show, below. 

RELATED: Check Out the Epic Trips One Chicago Actors Have Taken Together

When does Antonio Dawson leave Chicago P.D.

Antonio Dawson's last episode on Chicago P.D. was in Season 7, Episode 1's ''Doubt.'' In the episode, Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) decides to take Dawson to a rehabilitation center as the only one aware of his circumstances. 

Following his P.D. exit in 2019, Seda wrote a reflective farewell on his X (formerly known as Twitter) account. "It’s been an honor portraying Det. Antonio Dawson in the One Chicago world. To my cast family, I’ll always treasure the time and stories we shared. To all you Chi-Hards out there, THANK YOU for being the best of fans! We’ll always have CHICAGO."

Chicago Pd 603 Jay Halstead Antonio Dawson

In a January interview with Us Weekly, Seda opened up about what his run on Chicago P.D. as Antonio Dawson meant to him.  

“It’s always with me. It was a great time working on Chicago shows. It was incredible, amazing cast. That whole universe is incredible. It was so unique. But it was so unique and to be a part of it from the beginning was really something special,” he told the outlet. 

RELATED: Jon Seda Jokes With Fans About Antonio's Return to Chicago P.D.

Jon Seda on La Brea

Seda can't seem to stay away from the NBC universe, as he also played the role of Dr. Sam Velez on the sci-fi series La Brea. In a 2021 interview with Deadline, Seda gave insight as what playing Dawson taught him as an actor in an array of roles. 

Antonio Dawson on Chicago P.D. Episode 517

“I think the shows are so different,” he said. “Being part of something that is such an adventure, mystery, drama is exciting. I’m just glad to be a part of it. And yeah, maybe not in cop mode, but I think Dr. Sam will tend to want to help as many people as he can.”

Seda continued: “Playing a former Navy Seal, doctor, father, husband, plus action and adventure—sign me up. There are so many colors and layers that exist within this character. I’m still finding them all as we go along. That’s what attracted me as an actor, there was a lot of stuff to work with.”