Every spring, One Chicago fans prepare themselves for heartbreak. NBC’s trio of Chicago dramas—Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—are famous for ending their seasons with cliffhangers, tragic twists, and gut-wrenching moments that leave viewers counting down the days until fall. The 2024–2025 season was no different, and if you’re anything like me, you probably reached for tissues more than once.
But the big question is: which finale broke us the most? Let’s dive in and rank the three finales by pure emotional devastation.
Chicago P.D. Season 12 – “Vows”
Chicago P.D. delivered its trademark intensity in a finale filled with action, betrayal, and moral questions. The shocking downfall of Deputy Chief Reid rocked the Intelligence Unit, forcing Voight into an impossible position. And for the first time in years, we saw Voight question whether someone under his watch was “cut out for this.”
It was powerful television, but in terms of heartbreak, “Vows” felt more like a tense chess match than a full-on tearjerker. It left us shaken, yes—but not quite sobbing.
Chicago Fire Season 14 – “Ashes to Ashes”
Chicago Fire finales are legendary for emotional punches, and “Ashes to Ashes” didn’t hold back. The squad faced one of its most dangerous blazes yet, and in true Fire style, not everyone made it out unscathed. The loss of a beloved character hit fans hard, while Casey and Brett’s uncertain future added another layer of emotional weight.
By the time the final sirens faded, Firehouse 51 wasn’t just battling flames—it was battling grief. If you didn’t cry, you definitely felt that knot in your chest.
Chicago Med Season 10 – “Code Black”
No One Chicago finale hurt as much as Med’s. The hospital went into crisis during a catastrophic emergency, pushing doctors and nurses to their limits. Amid the chaos, a shocking death blindsided fans, followed by a heartbreaking goodbye that no one was ready for.
What made “Code Black” so devastating wasn’t just the loss—it was the quiet, human moments that followed. The tears of the staff, the silence in the aftermath, and the weight of grief were felt through the screen. This was the finale that had fans crying long after the credits rolled.
All three finales proved why One Chicago continues to be must-watch TV. Chicago P.D. kept us tense, Fire ripped our hearts with loss, and Med left us shattered. Together, they reminded us that in the world of One Chicago, no one is ever truly safe—and the tears are always guaranteed.
