We're getting closer and closer to the Chicago Med season 11 premiere on NBC in October, and we're surely going to have all of our questions answered in the season premiere. The season 10 finale ended with quite the cliffhanger involving Asher and the father of her baby, but there are plenty more shocking twists from the finale that season 11 without a doubt will address right away.
Obviously, Lenox's diagnosis will play a large part in her season 11 storyline, now that she believes she has limited time left in her life. She might reach a breaking point and have to be honest with the people around her, but the person at Gaffney who's best suited to help her through this difficult time won't around in season 11. There's a major cast and character shift happening this season.
As previously reported ahead of Chicago Med season 11, Marlyne Barrett departs the series after 10 years of playing charge nurse Maggie Lockwood. Barrett's exit has been explained as for personal reasons and suggested to be temporary, with the option of the original series star to return to the future. But based on season 11 photos, Maggie's replacement might have already stepped up.
Maggie won't be in Chicago Med season 11, but Doris could be taking over
NBC dropped a handful of photos from Chicago Med season 11 episode 1, and there were a number of takeaways to be made. First and foremost, Ripley wasn't the only character missing from the photos. (Don't worry, Ripley isn't leaving the show and will be back!) Maggie also isn't featured in any of the photos, as Barrett's departure appears to have taken place off-camera.
However, a certain character appears in multiple photos, which could mean that she's taking on a bigger role in the Gaffney ED. Nurse Doris (Lorean Diaz) can be seen in a number of the season 11 premiere photos, taking care of patients and speaking with Goodwin. Maybe Goodwin's walking her through a potential promotion to Maggie's position in the ED since she won't be around this season.
Doris has been a recurring character in Chicago Med since its first season, and Diaz has appeared in over 150 episodes according to IMDb. As a Senior ED nurse, Doris has often stepped into the role of charge nurse when Maggie isn't available or working. Being so, she's obviously the most qualified and the perfect choice to take over for Maggie in season 11 while she's away.
Before the season 11 premiere, it hasn't been confirmed that Doris is officially replacing Maggie, but it makes sense that she would rise to the occasion, especially as the staffing changes at Gaffney are so in flux. We'll surely learn in the season premiere what has taken Maggie away from Gaffney and whether Doris has actually stepped into her shoes. She definitely deserves the promotion!
Chicago Med season 11 premieres Wednesday, Oct. 1 at 8/7c on NBC.