After recent announcements confirming the departure of key cast members from Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D., fans of the franchise are now holding their breath — and wondering if Chicago Med could be the next to face a major shake-up. The One Chicago universe has seen sweeping changes in recent months, and speculation is swirling that NBC may be preparing for a broader reset across its beloved trifecta.
As Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire head into their 13th and 12th seasons respectively with new faces and unresolved storylines, all eyes now turn to Chicago Med, which has become the emotional anchor of the franchise with its focus on heart-stopping medical drama and deeply human storytelling. But is the hospital really a safe haven — or are fan-favorite doctors and nurses next on the chopping block?
Let’s break down the recent turbulence and assess why four specific Chicago Med characters might be in danger next.
Why Chicago Med May Be Next
Let’s face it: Chicago Med has had its fair share of exits in recent years. From the departure of original cast member Torrey DeVitto (Dr. Natalie Manning) to Brian Tee’s (Dr. Ethan Choi) emotional goodbye, change is not unfamiliar to Gaffney Chicago Medical Center.
Still, the show has maintained a sense of stability in the last two seasons — but that could change quickly, especially if the franchise is looking to streamline or refresh.
Here are four characters who might be vulnerable next:
1. Dr. Crockett Marcel (Dominic Rains)
Once a mysterious new face in the ER, Crockett Marcel has since become a fan-favorite with his swagger, Southern charm, and emotional depth. But he’s also a character who’s undergone major development — and sometimes that’s a signal that the writers are preparing for a possible exit.
Crockett’s storyline has included high-stakes surgeries, moral dilemmas, and romantic entanglements. Most recently, his emotional arc dealing with the death of his daughter revealed a softer, more vulnerable side. Now that much of his backstory has been explored, and with no clear new direction, some fans worry that Marcel could be written off to make room for a new surgical face — or as part of a larger creative overhaul.
2. Maggie Lockwood (Marlyne Barrett)
Maggie is one of the longest-standing characters in Chicago Med, and her no-nonsense presence has kept the ER grounded since day one. But with actress Marlyne Barrett bravely sharing her real-life battle with cancer, there’s been concern about her long-term availability on the show.
While Barrett has expressed a strong commitment to continuing her role, fans are understandably nervous. Writers may be tempted to give Maggie a graceful exit — or a temporary leave — depending on both Barrett’s health and the show’s evolving direction. No one wants to see her go, but the groundwork for a poignant send-off may already be there.
3. Dr. Charles (Oliver Platt)
Dr. Daniel Charles is the heart of Chicago Med’s psychiatry department — and arguably, the heart of the whole hospital. His calm, steady demeanor, paired with moments of vulnerability, has made him an anchor amidst the chaos.
But Oliver Platt, a veteran actor with a lengthy résumé, may be considering new creative opportunities. There’s no public confirmation of a departure, but after several seasons and with the show’s increasing focus on younger talent, fans are beginning to wonder if we may be nearing the end of Dr. Charles’ arc.
If he were to leave, it would be a significant emotional blow — but also an opportunity for the show to shake things up with a younger, edgier psychiatrist taking over the helm.
4. Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson)
As the administrative leader of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, Sharon Goodwin brings wisdom and empathy in every episode. But her role has been largely static in recent seasons, often serving more as a sounding board for other characters than having her own dynamic plotline.
S. Epatha Merkerson is a television icon (remember Law & Order?), and like Platt, she could easily pivot to other projects. A shake-up in hospital leadership would send ripple effects through the entire cast — and while painful, it could provide the kind of dramatic weight NBC may be seeking to reignite the franchise.
The Bigger Picture: What This Means for One Chicago
The writing is on the wall: the One Chicago universe is evolving. The exits from Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. are not isolated events — they reflect a broader recalibration that could affect Chicago Med next.
Whether these changes are driven by budget, creative reinvention, or real-life circumstances, fans should brace themselves. NBC has a track record of making bold, sometimes surprising decisions with its ensemble dramas. The good news? With risk comes opportunity — for new characters, fresh stories, and renewed fan investment.
