‘Why Would They Be On The Fence?’: Jesse Lee Soffer Has A Fun Message For Chicago P.D. Fans About Watching FBI: International

'Why Would They Be On The Fence?': Jesse Lee Soffer Has A Fun Message For Chicago P.D. Fans About Watching FBI: International

As a seasoned gamer of the TV world, I’ve seen my fair share of cop dramas, and Jesse Lee Soffer has been a staple in that realm with his ten seasons on Chicago P.D. But now, he’s taking flight as the new Fly Team leader in FBI: International, and let me tell you, it’s a whole new ball game!


Jesse Lee Soffer boasts an extensive TV background even before his starring role in the 2024 lineup of CBS’ FBI: International, where he takes on the lead as the new Fly Team commander. Much of this small-screen experience is owed to NBC’s Chicago P.D., set within the nine-series universe created by Dick Wolf. While he gained a following on the One Chicago cop drama, fans might wonder why they should watch International when Season 4 airs on CBS and is available for streaming via Paramount+. I spoke to the actor about what message he’d like to share, and he presented some compelling reasons.

Following a decade portraying Detective Jay Halstead on “Chicago P.D.” (streamable with Peacock subscription), Jesse Lee Soffer will display a fresh aspect in his acting career through his role in “FBI: International,” airing on CBS. Rest assured, fans of “P.D.” still have much to anticipate in his new series. When I posed the question of what he would say to One Chicago fans who were hesitant about watching “International” on October 15, he replied:

“What might make them hesitate about it? [laughs] This series is full of action, it’s entertaining, and it has a cinematic feel. Wes is a charismatic leader who’s lighthearted, easygoing, and impulsive. There are also compelling relationship aspects to the show. It’s an exhilarating watch.

Reflecting on how Halstead departed from Chicago P.D., it’s clear that the character wouldn’t have been labeled as “jovial” or “relaxed” anymore! Transitioning to Wes Mitchell, a Supervisory Special Agent, on FBI: International, Soffer won’t shoulder the same heavy emotional weight, but there will still be plenty of thrilling moments. Intriguingly, he mentioned that the action abilities he honed in One Chicago have proven “crucial” for his role on International, citing:

The time I spent collaborating with Brian Luce on action sequences and tactical maneuvers for Chicago P.D. was priceless and has been instrumental in my current work with the FBI’s Airborne Response Team. Essentially, he provided me with an extensive training ground, and I am making full use of that knowledge here.

Previously serving as a police officer, Brian Luce, the executive producer of Chicago P.D., brings his real-life experiences to the show’s cast members. Contrastingly, while investigating crimes in Budapest for FBI: International seems a world away from the Windy City, an exhilarating chase sequence remains the same thrill regardless of the continent it takes place on!

Following his departure from “One Chicago” in 2022, Soffer’s first acting role has been on “FBI: International.” However, during the intervening years, he delved into directing episodes of his previous series. When asked if transitioning to directing influenced his acting methods, he revealed:

As a gamer, let me tell you, my methodology remains the same. I understand that being a director is no walk in the park; it’s a massive undertaking filled with pressure from all sides – time constraints, financial pressures, and the creative burden to make something unique, fun, and your own. It’s a challenging role, but one I relish, having been yearning for the opportunity for quite some time. However, improving my approach? Not really. But what I can assure you is that I strive to be an even better support system for directors in the future, aiming to make their journey as smooth and rewarding as possible.

According to Soffer and CBS’s latest updates before the Season 4 premiere on October 15, the direction of FBI: International may deviate from what viewers are accustomed to, but it promises an exciting new twist that will make for a thrilling viewing experience. Here’s a sneak peek below:

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In the opening of Season 4, reminiscent of a pilot episode according to Jesse Lee Soffer, is titled “A Leader, Not a Tourist.” SSA Wes Mitchell, traveling abroad to Budapest due to his partner’s shooting back in LA, encounters the Fly Team. The plot thickens as the action intensifies from this point onward. Given that he is a regular cast member on FBI: International, it can be assumed that Mitchell will continue to feature prominently in the subsequent episodes.

Don’t forget to catch CBS on October 15, Tuesday, at 9 p.m. Eastern Time for the start of Season 4 for the series FBI: International. Newcomer Jesse Lee Soffer takes on the role of the Fly Team leader in this episode. Stay tuned to TopMob as we bring you more from him soon. As usual, International follows FBI at 8 p.m. ET and is preceded by FBI: Most Wanted at 10 p.m. ET on Tuesdays.

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2024-10-10 02:09