Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut will not return for Chicago Med Season 12. The actress, who played Dr. Naomi Howard since Season 9, confirmed her exit on TikTok after a fan asked if she was coming back to the NBC medical drama. Her departure comes as the show prepares for its October premiere with most of its core cast returning. Sarah Ramos will also miss several early episodes due to maternity leave. Marlyne Barrett is not expected back this season. The new season premieres on October 7, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.
Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut Confirms Exit on TikTok
A fan commented on one of Chestnut’s TikTok videos asking about her future on the show. The fan wrote: “I haven’t seen you in ages hope you’re doing well. Can I ask will you be returning to Chicago Med?” Chestnut replied simply: “Thank you! Hope you’re well too:) And no.”
Fans shared their disappointment in the comments. One TikTok user wrote, “So bummed to hear this—Naomi absolutely deserved better than that. Can’t wait to see what you do next.” Another said, “I’m actually sad rn. I really enjoyed your character on Med! I wish you all the best for future projects, hope to see you in something soon!”
Chestnut responded to one fan with her own feelings about the exit. She wrote, “Me too, would’ve loved to come back!”
Past Confusion About Naomi’s Future
Viewers first questioned Naomi’s future during Season 11. Her character had limited screen time, leading some to believe she had been written off. Executive producer Allen MacDonald addressed these concerns in October 2025.
“I understand the misunderstanding of that. We love Ashlei Sharpe Chestnut; she’s phenomenal. We never intended to write her out.”
He also told Deadline that the team always knew she would return that season. He explained that the storyline involving Dr. Hayes leaving the hospital made it easy for viewers to think Naomi was gone too.
MacDonald later hinted at plans to expand Naomi’s story. But Chestnut’s exit now ends that possibility. Her character’s relationship with Dr. John Frost was a key storyline in Season 11. The two finally became a couple after Frost shared his feelings for her.
Returning Cast Members for Season 12
Seven main cast members are set to return for the new season. The list includes S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin, Oliver Platt as Dr. Daniel Charles, Steven Weber as Dr. Dean Archer, Jessy Schram as Dr. Hannah Asher, Luke Mitchell as Dr. Mitch Ripley, Sarah Ramos as Dr. Caitlin Lenox, and Darren Barnet as Dr. John Frost.
Marlyne Barrett will not return as Maggie Lockwood. She stepped away from the series for personal reasons last year. Showrunner Allen MacDonald confirmed there are no plans for her to come back this season.
“There will be references made to Maggie, but there are no plans for Marlene to come back this season.”
Sarah Ramos to Miss Early Episodes
Sarah Ramos will not appear in the first several episodes of Season 12. The actress is on maternity leave after welcoming her first child with husband Matt Spicer. Showrunner Allen MacDonald confirmed this in a recent interview.
“Sarah, because of her pregnancy, will be taking the majority of the beginning of the season off.”
Ramos is not leaving the show. Her character, Dr. Caitlin Lenox, was diagnosed with Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker (GSS) disease in Season 11. The show will need to explain her absence during those early episodes. One possible path involves Lenox entering an experimental treatment trial that takes her away from Gaffney for a while.
One Chicago Franchise Sees Multiple Exits
Chestnut’s departure is part of a wider set of cast changes across the One Chicago franchise. Joe Miñoso is leaving Chicago Fire after 14 seasons as Joe Cruz. Dermot Mulroney is also exiting Chicago Fire after two seasons as Dom Pascal. LaRoyce Hawkins is leaving Chicago P.D. after 13 seasons as Kevin Atwater.
Andrea Newman, showrunner of Chicago Fire, also stepped down after more than a decade with the show. She confirmed her departure in April 2026. Co-executive producer Victor Teran has taken over the role.
What to Expect in Season 12
The new season picks up after several major storylines from Season 11. Hannah Asher and Dean Archer are now parents to a baby named Mabel. The two are living together, though their relationship remains complicated after Archer’s unreciprocated confession of love. The show will move forward with a three-month time jump when the season begins.
Sharon Goodwin faces a major threat to her job. Board member Miranda Lewis, played by Orlagh Cassidy, demanded Goodwin’s resignation over alleged ethical breaches in the Season 11 finale. Showrunner MacDonald has said the two will “get in the ring” in Season 12.
Dr. John Frost will move forward from his past. MacDonald said the character will “move on” after spending two seasons confronting his history.
Brian Tee is also expected to return as Dr. Ethan Choi for a guest arc. Executive producer Diane Frolov said Choi will be back “very shortly” and will face a “big, emotional curveball”.
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When and Where to Watch
Chicago Med Season 12 premieres on Wednesday, October 7, 2026 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC. New episodes will be available to stream the next day on Peacock. The show will continue to lead NBC’s One Chicago Wednesday block, followed by Chicago Fire at 9 p.m. and Chicago P.D. at 10 p.m. For viewers outside the USA, the show airs on local NBC-affiliated networks and streaming platforms in the UK, Canada, Australia, India, and other regions where NBC content is available.
Also Read: Chicago Med Season 11 Finale Recap: Hannah Goes Into Labor During Deadly Hospital Lockdown
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