NBC’s One Chicago universe has become one of the most beloved franchises on television. From the high-stakes rescues in Chicago Fire, to the gripping emotional cases in Chicago Med, to the morally complex investigations of Chicago P.D., this trio of shows has earned its place in the hearts of millions of fans. So naturally, many have wondered: where’s the next spinoff?
Surprisingly, NBC has made no move to introduce a new One Chicago series. But instead of seeing that as a missed opportunity, fans should view it as a smart and strategic choice. Here’s why the decision not to launch another spinoff might actually be the best thing for the franchise—and for its loyal viewers.
First and foremost, sticking with three shows allows One Chicago to maintain quality over quantity. It’s tempting to expand a successful brand, but each series demands enormous resources—from writing to casting to production. Right now, the existing shows are operating at top form, with tight storylines, compelling character arcs, and well-executed crossovers. Adding a fourth show could easily stretch the creative team thin and risk watering down what already works so well.
More importantly, NBC is avoiding the all-too-familiar trap of franchise fatigue. We’ve seen it happen across genres: when a network pushes out too many related shows, viewers eventually tune out. By keeping the current lineup tight and focused, One Chicago stays special. Fans know that each episode, each crossover, and each character development matters. That weekly Wednesday block still feels like a must-watch event—not just another drop in a sea of procedurals.
What makes One Chicago even more unique is how seamlessly its three shows are already interconnected. The crossovers between Fire, Med, and P.D. are more than just clever marketing—they create a shared universe that feels alive. When characters show up unexpectedly on each other’s turf, it deepens the world and reinforces the idea that they’re all part of the same Chicago. This dynamic makes it feel like fans are already getting the experience of a fourth show—without the network needing to launch a new title.
Another major advantage of sticking with the current trio is the chance to continue developing the characters we already love. Whether it’s following Stella Kidd’s leadership journey, watching Upton wrestle with her emotions, or exploring Crockett’s moral dilemmas in the ER, the franchise is filled with rich, layered storytelling. Instead of forcing viewers to invest in a whole new group of characters, NBC is letting us go deeper with the ones we’ve been growing with for years.
And let’s not forget the industry’s recent reality. After months of Hollywood strikes and major shifts in how TV is produced and consumed, networks are being more careful with their investments. Launching a brand-new show is riskier than ever, especially when production costs are high and viewership habits are constantly changing. NBC choosing to focus on its strongest, most stable properties is a sign of smart long-term thinking—not a lack of ideas.
Does this mean there will never be another One Chicago spinoff? Not necessarily. NBC and Dick Wolf have always been open to exploring new creative directions. If a truly fresh and compelling concept comes along—one that doesn’t cannibalize the existing shows—it could still happen. But for now, it’s clear the priority is nurturing what’s already there and delivering the best stories possible.
In the end, the decision not to expand the One Chicago universe further is a rare example of restraint in a TV landscape that often favors excess. And that’s something fans should appreciate. It means NBC is committed to quality, to character, and to keeping One Chicago as powerful and emotionally resonant as it’s always been.
