Introduction: Are the Three Primetime Giants Coming Back?
For nearly a decade, Wednesday nights have been a weekly adrenaline rush for fans of American TV dramas, all thanks to NBC’s powerhouse franchise: One Chicago. The trio — Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. — isn’t just a staple of NBC’s primetime lineup, they’re also cash cows that have consistently delivered strong ratings and fierce fan loyalty.
Now, as the 2024–2025 season wraps up, one question is setting the internet ablaze:
Will NBC renew all three One Chicago series for the 2025–2026 season?
In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know, from behind-the-scenes clues to ratings performance and what NBC’s next move might be. If you’re a diehard fan of One Chicago, keep reading — because this is the update you’ve been waiting for!
1. One Chicago at a Glance – NBC’s Most Profitable TV Universe
1.1. What is One Chicago?
“One Chicago” refers to the shared universe of three highly successful TV series:
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Chicago Fire (launched in 2012): Follows the personal and professional lives of firefighters at the Chicago Fire Department.
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Chicago P.D. (launched in 2014): Focuses on an elite unit of the Chicago Police Department as they tackle high-stakes criminal cases.
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Chicago Med (launched in 2015): Centers around the chaotic emergency department of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
The three shows are deeply interconnected, often featuring crossovers that weave characters and storylines together, creating a consistent and compelling viewing experience.
1.2. Impressive Achievements and Milestones
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All three shows rank among NBC’s top 10 primetime series.
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They dominate NBC’s Wednesday night programming block.
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Each series has run for over 10 seasons, producing hundreds of episodes.
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Consistent nominations and wins at awards like the People’s Choice Awards, Imagen Awards, and more.
2. The 2024–2025 Season: The Calm Before the Renewal?
2.1. Current Production and Airing Status
All three One Chicago shows are wrapping up their 2024–2025 seasons:
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Chicago Med Season 9 concluded on March 26, 2025.
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Chicago P.D. Season 11 ended on April 1, 2025.
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Chicago Fire Season 12 finished airing on April 10, 2025.
It’s worth noting that production this season was impacted by the 2023 WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, which shortened the episode count. However, the shows continued to deliver high-quality storytelling, keeping fans engaged.
2.2. NBC’s Silence – Why No Official Announcement Yet?
As of mid-April 2025, NBC has not yet announced official renewals for the One Chicago series. But don’t panic — this doesn’t necessarily mean bad news. Historically, NBC announces renewals for major series in late spring, after gathering ratings data, viewer feedback, and solidifying the fall schedule.
3. Why NBC Will Likely Keep One Chicago Alive
3.1. Strong and Steady Viewership
Despite their longevity, all three series still draw in impressive numbers. According to Nielsen, One Chicago episodes average over 6 million live viewers, with even more watching via streaming platforms and DVR.
3.2. An Unshakable Fanbase
One Chicago fans are loyal and loud. Across Reddit, X (formerly Twitter), and Facebook, communities buzz with fan theories, live reactions, and campaign efforts to support the franchise. For NBC, this kind of engagement is marketing gold.
3.3. Massive Commercial Potential
NBC and its parent company, Universal Television, continue to profit through:
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International syndication rights
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Digital and physical media sales (DVD, streaming)
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Merchandise and collectibles
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Future spin-offs or franchise expansion
4. Signs Pointing to a Likely Renewal
4.1. Writers Already Brainstorming New Plots?
Rumors from behind the scenes suggest that the writing teams are already outlining ideas for future episodes — despite no formal green light. That’s a strong sign that NBC is at least leaning toward renewal.
4.2. Key Cast Contracts Still Active
Several main cast members — such as Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire), Marlyne Barrett (Chicago Med), and Jason Beghe (Chicago P.D.) — reportedly have contracts through at least 2026, giving NBC a strong foundation to continue without expensive renegotiations.
4.3. No Obvious Replacement in Sight
NBC has struggled to launch new dramas with the staying power of One Chicago. In the current climate, why fix what isn’t broken?
5. Possible Scenarios for the Franchise’s Future
| Scenario | Likelihood | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| All three series renewed | ★★★★★ | Most likely, fits NBC’s usual strategy. |
| Only 2 out of 3 renewed | ★★☆☆☆ | Possible if budget cuts are on the table. |
| Increased crossover episodes | ★★★☆☆ | Cost-effective and exciting for fans. |
| One series paused for a spin-off | ★★☆☆☆ | Risky but feasible if NBC wants to try something new. |
| Entire franchise ends | ★☆☆☆☆ | Highly unlikely unless there’s a major financial or leadership shakeup. |
6. What Fans Are Saying
Fans have taken to social media to express their anxiety, excitement, and predictions:
“I can’t imagine a fall season without One Chicago. NBC, please put us out of our misery and renew already!” – @MedPDandFireFan
“If Chicago P.D. ends on Season 11, that’s the most frustrating cliffhanger in TV history!” – Reddit user
Some fans have even launched online petitions to push for early renewal announcements.
7. Final Thoughts: The Future Looks Bright
Even without an official word from NBC yet, all signs point to a very strong chance that all three One Chicago series will return for the 2025–2026 season. With consistent performance, a loyal fanbase, and high commercial value, NBC would be taking a huge gamble by walking away.
📺 So, if you’re a fan of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med — take a deep breath and relax. Things are looking good. Expect a renewal announcement in the coming weeks… and get ready for another year of high-stakes action, drama, and heart-stopping rescues!
