On Tuesday, Deadline exclusively reported that Empire alumna Nicole Ari Parker will be joining NBC's Chicago PD for a major recurring role in the upcoming eighth season. She'll be playing Deputy Superintendent Samatha Miller.
Miller, originally from Atlanta, is a progressive, ardent proponent of police reform. She wants to help Voight and the Intelligence adapt to the new reality but will not tolerate breaches of the new police guidelines and protocols.
This past year cop shows have come under fire for their depiction of police work in the aftermath of George Floyd's death, which had triggered a nationwide protest against police brutality. The topic is expected to be addressed by most, if not all, cop shows in their upcoming seasons.
Chicago PD's central character Detective Sergeant Hank Voight has been amazing those that have been singled out for his violent methods that include breaking fingers with pliers and putting guns in the mouths of criminals.
Parker's character is expected to rein in that behavior and hold Voight and his team accountable by imposing to the highly professional standards.
I'm looking forward to Parker joining the Chicago PD family and see where this will be going. PD has done police reform storyline before in Season Five but that turned out to be more of Voight's old friend getting back at him that sent Alvin Olinsky to his death at the end of the fifth season.
Chicago PD is set to begin production next week and the season premiere date is slated for Wednesday, Novemeber 11th.
What are your thoughts on the casting news? Excited? Leave your comments below and tell us your thoughts.
