Dick Wolf’s CBS procedural empire expanded with a new show, CIA, and it features some familiar faces from the past One Chicago shows, including Natalee Linez. While many fans may have failed to place her, she was once a part of Chicago P.D., and it seems now that she will have a bigger role in the new Dick Wolf show. Linez recalled how she was booted off the One Chicago show and how she eventually made it to the CIA in a new interview.
Natalee Linez talks leaving Chicago PD before CIA stint
Former Chicago Med star Nick Gehlfuss joined the CIA as one of the main characters. However, he was not the only cast member with a One Chicago past. Even though some fans may have missed it, CIA analyst Gina Gosian is portrayed by a familiar face. She is played by Natalee Linez.
Before this, fans have seen Linez on Chicago P.D. as Atwater’s psychologist love interest, Val. But working with Dick Wolf before did not ensure her a spot on the new show. Instead, she had to go through a tedious audition process to grab her spot. Linez spoke at length about this on the virtual Television Critics Association panel for the show.
“had no idea that I was going to be on this show after [Chicago P.D.]. It was definitely a proper auditioning process, multiple auditions, multiple Zooms,” she revealed.
Linez’s arc was cut short prematurely on the Chicago P.D. after Atwater stopped responding to her calls in season 12. “Honestly, I was kind of thinking I was going to come back in P.D., but there were other plans.”
She was disappointed about not being asked back into the show, but it was an opportunity in disguise. “I was like, ‘Wow, everything happens for a reason,’ because I’m so excited to be a part of [CIA] and to play Gina. So, yeah, it just kind of all conspired.”
And of course, her stint in Chicago P.D. did help with the auditions. “I’ve chatted with executives, and they’re like, ‘We loved you on P.D.,’ so I think it’s all kismet,” she recounted.
CIA premiered with its first episode on February 23, 2026.
