For fans of NBC’s powerhouse franchise One Chicago, 2025 just got a whole lot more exciting. In a surprise announcement that delighted viewers and industry insiders alike, NBC has confirmed that the upcoming seasons of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. will be longer than initially expected. At a time when shorter seasons and streaming shifts dominate TV headlines, this decision is both bold and refreshing—reaffirming the network’s commitment to traditional episodic storytelling and, more importantly, to the devoted fanbase that has turned One Chicago into a Wednesday night institution.
When NBC first revealed the fall return schedule for its One Chicago lineup, fans were thrilled to have a set premiere date. But many also braced for the usual 13 to 16-episode count that has become the norm in recent years due to production constraints, shifting budgets, and lingering effects of industry strikes. However, NBC has confirmed that each series will now get an extended 20-episode season—a major upgrade from what was initially forecast.
But even more important than logistics is the loyalty of the One Chicago audience. Week after week, these three series consistently rank among NBC’s highest-rated dramas, not only in live viewership but also in delayed and streaming viewing on Peacock. The passionate fan communities for each show—often overlapping—have proven themselves time and again. This move feels like a thank-you to viewers who’ve stuck by the franchise through character exits, cliffhangers, and crossovers. More episodes mean more time to explore the layered narratives that have defined the One Chicago universe since its inception. And make no mistake: the showrunners are ready. The extended season will allow Chicago Med to take a deeper dive into complex medical cases, as well as the personal journeys of its ensemble cast. Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt) will reportedly get a major arc involving a national mental health initiative, while Dr. Crockett Marcel (Dominic Rains) is set to confront a medical malpractice case that could change his trajectory at Gaffney Memorial forever.
Station 51 thrives on teamwork and long arcs of emotional payoff—and now it has the time. With the longer season, the writers can build a multi-episode storyline around a mysterious arsonist that may connect to a firefighter’s past. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) and Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) will also face leadership tests like never before, while Cruz, Gallo, and Violet get involved in a mentorship program that brings in a fresh wave of characters. The gritty, emotionally raw world of Chicago P.D. benefits enormously from longer storytelling arcs. Voight (Jason Beghe) will continue to navigate the ethical tightrope he walks as head of Intelligence, while the exit of Hailey Upton (Tracy Spiridakos) will reverberate through the squad in unexpected ways.
One of the biggest strengths of the One Chicago universe is its ability to create seamless, emotionally resonant crossovers. With each show now receiving more episodes, the potential for mini and mega crossovers multiplies. Sources close to production have hinted at at least two crossover events in the works—one mid-season and one likely tied to the season finale window. These crossovers won’t just be flashy spectacles; they’re being developed as deep character-driven stories that tie emotional threads from Med, Fire, and P.D. together in meaningful ways.
By doubling down on One Chicago, NBC is not just responding to fan enthusiasm—it’s reinforcing its identity. While streaming services race to pump out limited series and anthology formats, NBC is betting on long-running, character-driven dramas that build community over time. The success of One Chicago stands as a rebuke to the idea that audiences don’t want procedural storytelling anymore. On the contrary, fans crave it—especially when it’s done well, with heart, urgency, and characters who grow over time.
