
A Rare Look Behind the One Chicago Universe
The One Chicago franchise has captivated audiences with its intense drama, high-stakes rescues, and gripping medical cases. But have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of these fan-favorite shows?
13 News recently got an exclusive backstage pass to Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D., uncovering secrets from the set, exclusive cast interviews, and how these shows create their jaw-dropping action.
Let’s dive into the behind-the-scenes magic that brings these hit series to life!
How Chicago Med, Fire & P.D. Deliver Authentic Drama
The Attention to Detail in Every Episode
One Chicago is known for its realistic storytelling, and that doesn’t happen by accident. Every episode is meticulously planned, ensuring that medical procedures, firefighting techniques, and police protocols are portrayed as accurately as possible.
Real Experts on Set
To make sure every scene feels as real as possible, the production team brings in real doctors, paramedics, firefighters, and police officers to consult on scripts and coach actors.
Chicago Med: Bringing Medical Drama to Life
A Working Hospital on Set
Unlike other medical dramas, Chicago Med’s set is an actual, fully functional hospital replica. From real medical equipment to authentic patient rooms, everything is designed to mimic the real thing.
The Actors Train Like Real Doctors
Before stepping into their roles, actors undergo intensive medical training to ensure their movements look professional, from stitching wounds to performing CPR.
How They Create Gruesome Injuries
Ever wonder how the show pulls off those shocking, hyper-realistic injuries? The special effects team uses prosthetics, CGI, and even real medical supplies to make every wound look disturbingly real.
Chicago Fire: The Heat Behind the Action
Firefighter Training for the Cast
To make their performances more authentic, the actors go through real firefighter training, learning how to handle fire hoses, wear oxygen tanks, and navigate smoke-filled buildings.
Real Fires, Real Danger
Unlike other TV shows that rely on CGI, Chicago Fire actually sets real fires during filming. A team of professional pyrotechnics experts carefully controls the flames, ensuring safety while keeping the action as real as possible.
The Firehouse is a Real Chicago Landmark
The show’s firehouse, Firehouse 51, isn’t just a set—it’s a real working Chicago fire station! The station’s real-life firefighters sometimes appear as extras in the background.
Chicago P.D.: How They Bring Crime to Life
Real Cops, Real Tactics
The actors on Chicago P.D. aren’t just pretending to be cops—they’re trained by real Chicago police officers who teach them how to handle weapons, conduct interrogations, and execute arrests.
Filming in Real Chicago Locations
Unlike most crime dramas filmed on studio sets, Chicago P.D. is shot on location in the actual streets of Chicago. This gives the show an authentic, gritty feel that fans love.
The Squad Room is More Than a Set
The intelligence unit’s squad room is filled with real police gear, crime scene photos, and active case boards, making it feel like a real police department.
Exclusive Behind-the-Scenes Stories from the Cast
Cast Camaraderie Off-Screen
Despite all the drama on-screen, the cast members are incredibly close in real life. They often pull pranks on each other and spend time together outside of filming.
The Challenges of Filming Intense Scenes
From dramatic rescues to high-speed chases, some scenes take days to film due to their complexity.
Funny Set Bloopers
Even the most intense shows have their lighthearted moments. The cast has shared plenty of hilarious bloopers, including missed lines and unexpected laughter during serious scenes.
How the One Chicago Shows Connect
The Secret to a Seamless Crossover
Coordinating crossovers between three shows is no easy feat. Writers and directors from all three series work together to ensure storylines match up perfectly.
The Actors Switch Between Shows
Because all three shows are filmed in Chicago, it’s common to see actors jump between sets on the same day.
The Future of One Chicago Crossovers
Producers have teased that even bigger crossovers are coming in the future—so fans better get ready!
Why One Chicago Fans Keep Coming Back
A Perfect Mix of Action and Emotion
Unlike other procedural dramas, One Chicago balances heart-pounding action with deeply emotional storylines that keep fans invested.
Strong, Relatable Characters
Whether it’s a fearless firefighter, a dedicated doctor, or a determined detective, every character has depth and complexity.
A Loyal and Passionate Fanbase
One Chicago fans are some of the most dedicated in TV history—they live-tweet episodes, attend fan conventions, and passionately support their favorite characters.
Final Thoughts: Why One Chicago Stands Out
From realistic rescues and medical cases to high-stakes crime investigations, the One Chicago franchise delivers unmatched authenticity and excitement. The hard work that goes on behind the scenes is what makes these shows truly special.
So, next time you’re watching an intense episode of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, or Chicago P.D., remember—it takes an army of talented people to bring this world to life!
FAQs
1. Are the actors in One Chicago trained by real professionals?
Yes! Doctors, firefighters, and police officers work closely with the cast to ensure accuracy.
2. Is the firehouse in Chicago Fire real?
Yes, Firehouse 51 is an actual Chicago fire station, and real firefighters work there when the show isn’t filming.
3. How do they film the medical scenes in Chicago Med?
The production team uses real medical equipment, prosthetics, and CGI effects to create realistic surgeries and injuries.
4. Do the One Chicago shows really film in Chicago?
Yes! Unlike many TV shows filmed in Hollywood, all three series are shot on location in Chicago.
5. Will there be more One Chicago crossovers?
Absolutely! The producers have hinted that bigger and more intense crossovers are coming soon.