The backlash began when NBC confirmed the renewal of both Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire but with notable caveats. For Chicago P.D., the show would continue without Jesse Lee Soffer’s Jay Halstead and possibly Tracy Spiridakos’ Hailey Upton, leaving fans questioning whether the show could survive without one of its most beloved on-screen couples. Meanwhile, Chicago Fire faced criticism over the apparent sidelining of long-time characters and rumors that fan favorites like Taylor Kinney’s Kelly Severide could be phased out due to scheduling conflicts and cost-cutting efforts. Add to that reports of a reduced episode order and a tightening budget, and it’s easy to see why some loyal viewers were ready to jump ship.
But while controversy simmered, another phenomenon was quietly unfolding. Platforms like Peacock, Hulu, and Amazon Prime Video reported significant increases in Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire viewership. On Peacock alone, Chicago Fire broke into the top 5 most-streamed legacy shows for three consecutive weeks, while Chicago P.D. saw a 40% increase in binge-watching activity compared to the same period last year. Part of it may be nostalgia. With rumors swirling about major cast exits and creative changes, fans are going back to the earlier seasons to relive the “golden years” of each show. Rewatching Burgess and Ruzek’s complicated love story, Dawson’s intense rescues, or Voight’s morally gray leadership has become a comfort binge for many.
Netflix’s addition of earlier seasons in select countries has helped reignite global interest, especially among fans who might have missed the original network broadcasts. In fact, Chicago P.D. recently entered Netflix UK’s top 10 list—a rare feat for a procedural drama that’s been on air for more than a decade. With viewership climbing, NBC executives have taken note. Though initial renewal announcements were met with frustration, insiders now suggest that fan reaction and streaming success may influence how the next seasons are shaped. Some sources indicate that the network is reevaluating potential cast departures and weighing whether some characters might be written back into storylines mid-season.
Several cast members have responded to the streaming surge with heartfelt posts. LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater) thanked fans on Instagram for “riding with us through every twist, turn, and tough goodbye.” Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess) reposted fan art of her character and commented on the overwhelming outpouring of support. Taylor Kinney, who has kept a relatively low profile since his hiatus from Chicago Fire, briefly broke his silence to thank fans for their “continued loyalty,” fueling speculation that a full-time return may still be possible.
The spike in streaming numbers may not just be a temporary nostalgia trip—it could signal a new chapter for Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire. With millions of fans rewatching episodes and calling for stronger character arcs and long-term story payoffs, NBC may be forced to rethink how it approaches its legacy dramas. This success also highlights a key shift in how we consume TV. Traditional live ratings may be declining, but the value of a passionate, engaged streaming audience is rising. The emotional investment fans have in the One Chicago universe goes far beyond Nielsen ratings—it’s reflected in social media trends, rewatch culture, and global fandom.
Against all odds—and amid doubts about its future—Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire are more relevant than ever. The controversy around their renewals could have led to audience fatigue. Instead, it reignited a firestorm of love and loyalty. From Voight’s gritty interrogations to Severide’s heroic rescues, these shows have proven that no amount of shake-ups can extinguish the deep-rooted bond they’ve built with fans. As both series head into their next seasons, they carry not just the weight of expectation but the support of millions who refuse to let go. In a streaming-dominated era, where legacy dramas often fade quietly, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire are roaring louder than ever.
