NBC is keeping its powerhouse franchise alive — but not without change. In a move that reassures millions of fans around the world, NBC has officially renewed Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med for the 2025–26 television season. However, this exciting announcement comes with a sobering caveat: the franchise will undergo significant cost-trimming measures, which could reshape the face of the One Chicago universe as we know it.
There’s no denying the impact of the One Chicago franchise. Each week, the three interconnected dramas draw in millions of viewers and dominate streaming charts across platforms like Peacock. For NBC, renewing all three shows simultaneously ensures stability and continued success during a turbulent time for broadcast TV. Network executives expressed pride in the decision. “The Chicago series are cornerstones of our primetime lineup,” an NBC spokesperson stated. “Their loyal fanbases and compelling storytelling continue to drive viewership across all platforms.”
This renewal means fans can expect more crossovers, more character development, and more of the heart-pounding drama that has defined the franchise since Chicago Fire debuted in 2012. As much as fans rejoiced over the news, the mention of “cost-trimming” raised eyebrows. According to inside sources, NBC and Universal Television are implementing several budgetary strategies to manage production costs amid changing economic pressures and the ever-growing influence of streaming platforms.
What exactly does “cost-trimming” entail?
- Shorter Seasons: Season episode counts could be reduced. While traditional seasons often include 22 episodes, the new norm might move closer to 18 or even 16 episodes, which has already happened in recent years post-COVID.
- Cast Restructuring: Some longtime cast members may be phased out or moved to recurring roles. This has already begun in subtle ways, with several stars leaving or taking reduced screen time in recent seasons.
- Limited Crossovers: While fans adore crossover events between Fire, P.D., and Med, these episodes are expensive to produce. Don’t be surprised if major crossovers become rare or only happen once per season.
- Fewer Location Shoots: To save money, expect more interior scenes and fewer elaborate action sequences, particularly in Chicago Fire, which often involves large-scale stunts and pyrotechnics
- Chicago Med may rely more heavily on core hospital sets and recurring characters rather than bringing in new guest stars for each episode. The writers could focus on serialized character journeys rather than episodic medical mysteries.
While some fans may initially balk at these changes, others see potential. “Sometimes, less is more,” one fan posted online. “If cost-trimming means tighter writing and more emotional depth, I’m all for it.”
The move toward trimming costs isn’t surprising given current industry trends. Network TV has been struggling to compete with the streaming giants, and ad revenue has plateaued. Combine that with rising production costs, ongoing union negotiations, and changing viewing habits — and cost-efficiency becomes not just smart but necessary. Additionally, NBCUniversal is investing more in its streaming platform, Peacock. This could mean a strategic shift where certain Chicago episodes — or even spin-offs — become streaming-exclusive in the future.
