Marlyne Barrett is stepping away from Chicago Med as the show marks a historic milestone. The 10-year anniversary of the series premiere arrives on November 17, 2025. She exits just as the show celebrates its 200th episode in Season 11. This marks a major shift for the beloved NBC medical drama.
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🔥 Quick Facts:
- Marlyne Barrett departs Chicago Med after 10 seasons of portraying Charge Nurse Maggie Lockwood since 2015
- She’s stepping back for personal reasons, with a possible temporary leave status
- Only 2 original cast members remain: S. Epatha Merkerson and Oliver Platt
- Season 11 premiered on Oct. 1, 2025 on NBC and Peacock
- The series celebrates its 10-year milestone on Nov. 17, 2025 with the 200th episode
What Happened: Barrett’s Unexpected Exit
Marlyne Barrett announced in late August 2025 that she won’t continue with the show. She’s stepping back for personal reasons, which remains unrelated to her health. Barrett previously battled uterine and ovarian cancer. She entered complete remission in July 2024</ after undergoing multiple rounds of chemotherapy and surgery.
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The Chicago Med premiere aired on October 1 without her character present. Showrunner Allen MacDonald left room for a possible return.
“Marlyne has portrayed Maggie Lockwood since the show’s 2015 launch, working as both a charge nurse and close friend to the staff.” — Variety Report
Her departure comes just one day after Nick Gehlfuss announced his return to the series. He’ll appear as a guest star, reprising his role as Dr. Will Halstead for the show’s milestone 200th episode.
Why This Matters: The End of an Era
Barrett’s exit marks the end of an important era at Gaffney Medical Center. She was one of only three original cast members remaining. The show loses a pillar of the medical team who shaped its identity for a full decade.
Her character Maggie served as a heart of the ED team. She worked closely with Sharon Goodwin, played by S. Epatha Merkerson, providing stability through countless crises. The show now faces new challenges without her steady presence.
For fans, this departure hits differently as the series nears its 10-year milestone. The timing feels bittersweet, marking both legacy and transition. Chicago Med has already cycled through numerous cast changes. This represents another significant shift for viewers invested in original storylines.
Cast Changes: A Changing Landscape
The original ensemble has largely moved on. Colin Donnell, Yaya DaCosta, and Torrey DeVitto left in earlier seasons. Brian Tee departed after eight seasons. Nick Gehlfuss left after eight seasons but now returns as a guest. Kristen Hager also exited midway through Season 7.
| Cast Member | Character | Status for Season 11 |
|---|---|---|
| Marlyne Barrett | Maggie Lockwood (Charge Nurse) | Stepping Back (Personal Reasons) |
| S. Epatha Merkerson | Sharon Goodwin (ED Chief) | Returning Series Regular |
| Oliver Platt | Dr. Daniel Charles (Psychiatrist) | Returning Series Regular |
| Nick Gehlfuss | Dr. Will Halstead | Guest Star (200th Episode) |
These departures show how medical dramas constantly evolve. Oliver Platt and Merkerson now represent the show’s original foundation. They anchor the series through all its transformations and new faces.
What To Watch For: The Road Ahead
- Will Marlyne Barrett return mid-season or later in Season 11?
- How will showrunner Allen MacDonald handle Maggie’s absence?
- What happens when Nick Gehlfuss returns to the 200th episode?
- Can Merkerson and Platt continue anchoring the show solo?
- Will new cast members step up to fill the void she leaves?
Marking a Decade: What Does This Mean?
November 17, 2025 marks an incredible milestone. The show celebrates 10 years since its debut in 2015. That’s 200 episodes of medical decisions, staff drama, and saving lives.
Yet Barrett’s absence casts a shadow. She was integral to those ten years. Her departure happens during the show’s most celebratory season. This moment feels like an end and a beginning simultaneously.
The bounce-back appearance of Nick Gehlfuss helps soften the blow. Fans will see familiar faces returning. New stories will unfold. The ED at Gaffney continues despite the changes.
Will Chicago Med maintain its audience through this transition? How will longtime viewers respond to Maggie’s empty chair? The coming weeks will tell whether the show can sustain its momentum without one of its most beloved original cast members.
Sources
- Variety – Marlyne Barrett’s official exit announcement and career background
- Deadline – Season 11 premiere details and cast information
- NBC Official – Chicago Med Season 11 premiere date and platform availability
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.