In a surprising twist that’s sent shockwaves through the One Chicago fandom, both Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire are experiencing massive surges in streaming viewership — and it all comes in the wake of NBC’s controversial renewal decision. The renewal news was expected, but what blindsided many was the announcement that several long-standing cast members might not return for the full upcoming season. Coupled with budget cut rumors and behind-the-scenes shake-ups, the news left fans both anxious and glued to their screens.
When NBC officially renewed Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med, the initial reaction was excitement. But buried within the announcements were rumors of cast departures and creative shifts. While some fan-favorite characters are set to return, others have remained silent — and that silence speaks volumes. The network has not confirmed exactly who will leave, but speculation around names like Jason Beghe (Voight), Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), and even Jesse Spencer (Casey) returning full-time or not has added a layer of mystery to the renewal. On top of that, NBC is rumored to be enforcing strict cost-cutting measures, which could affect production, cast salaries, and episode counts.
When fans get nervous, they get nostalgic — and nothing drives binge-watching like the fear of change. The past month has seen Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire episodes climb to the top of streaming charts, particularly earlier seasons that featured original cast line-ups and key character arcs. Episodes featuring memorable moments — like Voight’s darkest decisions, Severide and Kidd’s romance, and the heartbreaking death of Shay — are suddenly surging. Some streaming platforms have reported double-digit percentage increases in viewership for episodes that aired five or more years ago. According to Peacock’s internal rankings, Chicago Fire jumped into the top 5 most-watched shows on the platform the week after the renewal announcement. Chicago P.D. wasn’t far behind, climbing to number 7 and continuing its rise into the next week.
While the renewal controversy might seem like a headache for the network, it’s also proving to be a strategic gamble that’s paying off in engagement and viewership. By creating uncertainty around the casts and teasing creative shakeups, NBC has accidentally reignited fan passion in ways that no mid-season marketing campaign could achieve. Instead of growing fatigued after 12+ seasons, viewers are tuning in with renewed focus — dissecting every storyline, clinging to every character, and debating what the future of One Chicago might look like. For NBC, this streaming boost not only keeps the shows relevant in a crowded media landscape, but also drives valuable data on what episodes and characters resonate most. That information could directly influence future casting and story choices.
Fans are now asking: could the spike in streaming viewership influence NBC to rethink some of its decisions? While it’s too early to tell, the numbers don’t lie — and they send a strong message. Characters like Severide and Voight still command incredible loyalty, and their episodes remain among the most watched. If NBC is weighing which stars to keep or cut, these analytics could tip the scales. Television history has shown that fan reactions, when loud enough, can impact production decisions. From saved shows to unexpected renewals, audiences wield more power than ever in the streaming age. If this trend continues, we might see a few cast “exits” quietly reversed before the next premiere.
With Season 13 of Chicago P.D. and Season 13 of Chicago Fire on the horizon, the stakes have never been higher. The behind-the-scenes drama might be grabbing headlines now, but ultimately, what matters most is what’s on screen. And if streaming patterns are any indication, fans want quality storytelling, beloved character arcs, and crossovers that count. The shows will likely lean into that for the upcoming seasons. Viewers can expect tighter writing, more emotionally driven plots, and possibly even closure for long-running character relationships — especially if exits are truly on the table.
In a landscape full of reboots and spin-offs, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. have built something rare: trust. Fans have invested more than a decade into these shows — and now, faced with change, they’re turning back to the beginning to remind themselves why they started watching in the first place. This spike in streaming is more than a numbers game. It’s a collective response to uncertainty. A way of saying, “This mattered. These characters matter. Don’t let them go.” Whether NBC listens remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the One Chicago universe is still burning bright — and the fans are keeping that flame alive.
