Chicago Med is dropping hints for a major character from the show's early seasons to make a return in season 8. Dr. Natalie Manning was a pediatrician at Gaffney Medical Center and one of the show’s original main cast members. Her presence in the ED has been missed since her season 7 exit, especially by her close friend Will Halstead.

That said, Chicago Med season 8 looks to be paving the way for Dr. Manning’s potential return. Natalie was one of Gaffney’s best doctors, but her stubbornness and unorthodox methods were ultimately what caused her downfall. Dr. Manning was fired at the end of Chicago Med season 6 after stealing heart medication for her mother. While the nature of her exit may make her rejoining the hospital staff seem unlikely, certain clues indicate she'll be back regardless.

Chicago Med Season 8 Dropped Several Clues Teasing Natalie's Return

Torrey Devito as Dr. Natalie Manning in Chicago Med

Natalie has been brought up in passing several times since her exit, but season 8 has been name-dropping her much more than usual. With the season coming to an end, Chicago Med could be setting up Natalie for a huge finale cameo. Perhaps the biggest setup for her return came in the form of a conversation between Will and Dr. Hannah Asher in Chicago Med. In Chicago Med season 8, episode 17, Hannah told Will that she always felt like he wasn’t over Natalie, prompting him to admit that this is probably true.

If the mention of Natalie seemed like a one-off, she was brought up again in episode 21. Not only does Will keep a drawing of himself that Owen made for him, but he confirms to Dr. Grace Song that he and Natalie keep in touch. Though he insists that their relationship is platonic, the confirmation that the two are still good friends could easily be used to facilitate a guest appearance. Whether it’s a full-blown return or just a cameo, the show likely wouldn’t keep bringing up Natalie if there wasn't a plan to pay it off somehow.

Why A Chicago Med Manstead Reunion Makes Sense

Dr. Natalie Manning and Dr. Will Halstead in Chicago Med

Chicago Med has already brought back former cast members like Yaya Dacosta as nurse April Sexton, proving that old characters always have a place on the show. With Will seemingly shutting down any chance at a relationship with Dr. Song and Will's love life now wide open in Chicago Med, it seems like the right time for a Dr. Natalie Manning return. Even if it’s not for a romantic reunion, Will could use the advice and comfort of his close friend with everything going on in the hospital.

Dr. Natalie Manning’s Chicago Med exit was a big and sudden shock to many, but her presence is still felt on the show. Season 8 has included some significant Natalie name-drops past the casual mentions in the ED, and it all seems to be pointing toward her return. The presence of a familiar face on Chicago Med could do Gaffney Medical Center some good in their current predicament.