NBC’s beloved “One Chicago” universe — the home of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. — is expanding yet again. But this time, it’s not another spinoff or crossover event. Instead, fans are getting something even more personal: the One Chicago Podcast. Launching this fall, the podcast promises to be a game-changer for viewers who crave more than what’s shown on screen. It offers an intimate and unfiltered look behind the scenes of the franchise that has defined Wednesday night television for over a decade.
The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With Chicago P.D. entering its 13th season, Chicago Med continuing to explore compelling medical dilemmas, and Chicago Fire blazing into its twelfth year, the fanbase is more devoted — and more curious — than ever. The One Chicago Podcast aims to meet that hunger with exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and real-time reactions from the cast, writers, producers, and even background crew members. Podcasts have quickly become a cornerstone of fan engagement across TV franchises. With hits like Office Ladies (for The Office) and Fake Doctors, Real Friends (for Scrubs), it was only a matter of time before the One Chicago universe followed suit. According to NBC, this podcast isn’t just an add-on; it’s “an extension of the world we’ve built, allowing fans to hear the heartbeat of the show from the people who live it every day.”
Each week, the One Chicago Podcast will drop a new episode coinciding with the shows’ airtime. Fans can expect dynamic segments including:
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Cast Conversations: Hear from stars like Jason Beghe, Kara Killmer, Nick Gehlfuss, and Marina Squerciati as they dive deep into their characters, reveal on-set anecdotes, and share how certain scenes came to life.
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Writers’ Room Roundtable: A rare opportunity to meet the creative minds behind the scripts. How does a crossover get written? Which cases are inspired by real events? These are the questions the podcast will tackle.
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Fan Questions Spotlight: Select fan questions submitted online will be featured and answered on air, making the community part of the storytelling journey.
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Set Secrets & Easter Eggs: From Voight’s infamous interrogation room to the firehouse kitchen where so many heartfelt moments unfold, nothing is off limits. Expect deep dives into set design, costumes, and even background music choices.
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Legacy Episodes: Older episodes from across the three shows will be revisited and unpacked, often with commentary from the actors and crew who made them.
NBC has confirmed that the podcast will feature rotating hosts from within the franchise. Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess on Chicago P.D.) is one of the inaugural hosts, bringing her wit, insight, and deep love for the show to the table. In the trailer, she jokes, “It’s like a cast party, but you’re invited. And there’s no bad pizza.” Other expected guest hosts include Joe Minoso (Chicago Fire’s Cruz), Dominic Rains (Chicago Med’s Dr. Crockett Marcel), and LaRoyce Hawkins (Atwater on Chicago P.D.), among others. The rotating format is intentional, allowing each series to have its moment and keeping the content fresh and multifaceted.
While much of the podcast will be lighthearted and celebratory, the team has also promised episodes that deal with the heavier themes tackled by the shows. Expect thoughtful discussions around trauma, police reform, medical ethics, and the emotional toll of first-responder jobs — all through the lens of both the actors portraying these roles and the experts they’ve worked with over the years. NBC is even partnering with local Chicago-based nonprofits and first-responder organizations to amplify important causes through the podcast. It’s not just about the shows — it’s about the city and the people who inspire the stories.
One of the most exciting things about the One Chicago Podcast is how it brings fans closer to the production process. Often, viewers see only the final product: the polished scene, the dramatic music, the crisp editing. But what about the 4 a.m. call times, the improvised lines that made it into the final cut, or the pranks pulled between takes? This podcast opens a door to all of that. For longtime fans who’ve invested years in the fates of Casey, Halstead, Severide, Manning, Voight, and countless others, it’s a chance to peek behind the curtain. For newer viewers, it offers a quick way to get immersed in the culture of One Chicago — one story at a time.
What sets One Chicago apart from many other franchises is the sense of community it fosters — both on and off-screen. The podcast takes this to the next level by creating a shared space for listeners to engage, comment, and feel heard. NBC is also planning live podcast events tied to season premieres and finales, where fans can join Q&A sessions, hear the podcast recorded live, and interact with cast members. In the age of digital fandom, this kind of direct engagement is pure gold.
The One Chicago Podcast will be available on all major platforms, including Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and NBC’s own digital channels. The first episode drops just ahead of the new season premieres in fall 2025, and NBC is teasing a “very special guest” to kick things off. For fans who’ve spent years following every twist and turn of Chicago’s bravest, smartest, and most heroic characters, this podcast is not just another promo tool. It’s a love letter. One filled with laughter, insight, candor — and yes, probably a few tears too.
