NBC has officially greenlit the return of its powerhouse trio—Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—for the 2025–2026 television season. While this news thrilled devoted fans of the One Chicago universe, it also came with a footnote: cost-trimming measures will be implemented across all three series. The move, although strategic, signals a shift in how legacy shows are managed in today’s evolving entertainment industry.
With the renewal, NBC reinforces its investment in the One Chicago brand, a cornerstone of its primetime lineup for more than a decade. But as the network balances financial constraints with fan expectations, many are wondering how this will impact the shows they love. Since launching with Chicago Fire in 2012, followed by Chicago P.D. in 2014 and Chicago Med in 2015, the franchise created by Dick Wolf has built a sprawling, interconnected world. Each show stands on its own, yet they intertwine seamlessly through shared characters, crossovers, and common themes rooted in Chicago’s public services.
These series not only draw consistent ratings but have also built a multigenerational fanbase. Wednesday nights on NBC are synonymous with the One Chicago brand, and that formula has remained one of the most successful in network TV history. So it’s no surprise that NBC wants to keep the shows alive—but in a way that reflects the current state of the television business.
NBC, like most traditional networks, is responding to industry-wide financial pressures. Rising production costs, shrinking advertising dollars, and increased competition from streaming platforms have pushed broadcasters to rethink how shows are produced. As a result, while all three Chicago shows are returning, they will do so under more budget-conscious terms.
Among the expected changes:
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Shorter Seasons: Traditional 22-episode seasons may be reduced to 18 or fewer episodes per show. This not only reduces costs but allows for more streamlined storytelling.
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Pay Cuts and Role Adjustments: Veteran actors and long-time crew members may face contract renegotiations. Some stars might shift from series regulars to recurring status.
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Simplified Production: Large-scale action sequences and location shoots may be scaled back in favor of more intimate, character-driven plots filmed primarily on soundstages.
Budget cuts often mean big changes in casting. Already, Chicago P.D. fans are preparing to say goodbye to Tracy Spiridakos, who portrays Officer Kim Burgess. Her departure leaves a major void, especially with her character’s long-running romantic arc with Adam Ruzek. Similarly, Chicago Fire saw the exit of Kara Killmer (Sylvie Brett) in Season 12. While Taylor Kinney (Severide) returned after a hiatus, his long-term status remains uncertain. For Chicago Med, which has already experienced frequent cast turnover, these cuts may result in new faces replacing familiar ones. While such exits can be bittersweet, they also present an opportunity for fresh dynamics and storylines. If done right, introducing new characters can revitalize aging series while maintaining the emotional weight that long-time fans expect.
