Chicago Med is bringing back one of its original cast members. Colin Donnell will reprise his role as Dr. Connor Rhodes in Season 12, marking his first appearance on the Chicago-made NBC medical drama since departing in 2019.
Donnell is confirmed for a two-episode return, beginning with the fall finale on Wednesday, December 9, at 7 p.m. Central on NBC.
His return comes when Sharon Goodwin, played by S. Epatha Merkerson, calls on the accomplished cardiothoracic surgeon to help a young heart patient facing a complicated, high-risk operation.
A familiar face returns to Gaffney
Donnell was among the original cast members when Chicago Med premiered in November 2015. In fact, Dr. Connor Rhodes was the first character introduced in the series’ opening episode.
His character became a central figure at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center during the show’s first four seasons, developing professional relationships and complicated personal ties with fellow physicians.
Rhodes departed during the Season 5 premiere in September 2019, following a devastating storyline involving the murder of his father and the death of his former girlfriend, Dr. Ava Bekker, played by Norma Kuhling.
The character resigned from Gaffney, seeking a fresh start away from the personal tragedies he had experienced in Chicago.
ALSO READ:
Bringing back the original cast
Showrunner Allen MacDonald has made no secret of his interest in revisiting characters from the series’ earlier seasons.
Speaking with People, MacDonald described Rhodes as one of his favorite characters in the show’s history and said bringing Donnell back had been a priority since he joined the production.
“I’m so thrilled that Colin Donnell has agreed to return in his iconic role,” MacDonald told the publication.
Donnell’s return continues a pattern of appearances by former cast members. Season 10 brought back Rachel DiPillo as Dr. Sarah Reese, while Season 11 welcomed Nick Gehlfuss as Dr. Will Halstead and Torrey DeVitto as Dr. Natalie Manning.
Merkerson and Oliver Platt, who portrays Dr. Daniel Charles, are now the only remaining original series regulars.
Since leaving Chicago Med, Donnell has appeared in FBI: International and Netflix’s Zero Day, along with a Broadway production of Ragtime.
His upcoming appearance will reunite him with familiar colleagues while introducing Dr. Rhodes to a new generation of characters at Gaffney.
Additional details about his second episode have not yet been announced.
Chicago Med, produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment, airs Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Central on NBC, with episodes available the following day on Peacock.
IF YOU ENJOYED THIS STORY
PLEASE SUPPORT US!
Please make a donation, no matter how small, to help us continue publishing.
