Since Chicago Med first arrived on NBC in 2015, Dr Natalie Manning has been a regular on the series, appearing in almost every single episode.
However, when the medical drama returned for season 7 in September 2021, the opening scenes showed Torrey DeVitto’s character packing up and leaving.
The character’s departure quickly became a talking point among fans, especially those who needed a refresher on season 6, with many asking what happened to Natalie and why Torrey DeVitto is leaving Chicago Med.
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Chicago Med season 7 episode 1 recap
Chicago Med returned to NBC for season 7 on September 22nd, 2021.
The new season begins by dealing with the fallout from the dramatic season 6 finale with Natalie Manning bidding farewell to Will Halstead and Chicago Med as she prepares to start afresh elsewhere.
Several storylines are weaved into the episode as Goodwin recruits Will to help with an investigation while Archer and Charles have to deal with a pair of twins who insist on being identical inside and out.
Meanwhile, Chicago Med welcomes several new additions in season 7, most notably Stevie Hammer and Dylan Scott who are tasked with treating a patient with sickle cell anaemia.
What happened to Natalie on Chicago Med?
Natalie Manning was forced into leaving Chicago Med after she admitted to stealing trial drugs in order to help her ailing mother.
At first, Will Halstead took the blame for the missing medicine and was fired from his job towards the end of season 6 but after Natalie came clean, Will was reinstated.
In the season 7 premiere, actress Torrey DeVitto made one last appearance on Chicago Med as we saw Natalie Manning bid farewell to Will as she and her son, Owen, prepared to move away.
When writing about her departure in an Instagram post back in May, Torrey DeVitto said: “I can’t wait to share what’s to come with all of you. New adventures await!”
Showrunners confirm Natalie’s future
Speaking to TVLine about the season 7 premiere, Chicago Med showrunners Andrew Schneider and Diane Frolov discussed Natalie’s fate now that she’s left the show.
Diane Frolov explained that: “She’s, right now, going back to Seattle, where she’s from, and being with her family. Her mom is from there, and she’s going to be getting a gig at a hospital there.”
Andrew Schneider added: “A good, really prominent hospital. Her career is not damaged. Goodwin did not make a big deal; she just let her go. So she goes on. She is going to be fine.”
Chicago Med continues on Wednesdays at 8/7c on NBC.