As the summer heats up, fans of NBC’s powerhouse One Chicago franchise are growing increasingly anxious for one key detail: the official premiere dates for Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.. While the network has yet to drop the exact dates for the fall schedule, there’s finally some good news that should tide fans over—the upcoming seasons will be longer than expected.
Yes, you read that right. After a shortened 2023-2024 television season due to the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, NBC is bouncing back in a big way. All three One Chicago series are reportedly set to return this fall with full-length seasons, bringing more drama, more action, and more time with your favorite characters.
A Return to Form After a Rocky Year
Last season, the One Chicago lineup was hit hard by industry-wide delays. With episodes trimmed down to just 13 installments per series, many character arcs were rushed or left unresolved, and crossover opportunities were minimal. Fans were understanding—but understandably disappointed.
Now, with production timelines back on track and filming already underway in Chicago, NBC is ready to make it up to loyal viewers.
According to sources close to production, Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. are each set to deliver at least 18 to 22 episodes this season—matching the franchise’s pre-strike glory days. For longtime fans, this is a huge deal. More episodes mean deeper stories, stronger character development, and the return of those high-stakes, all-hands-on-deck crossover events we’ve been missing.
Still No Premiere Date? Here’s What We Know
Despite the exciting episode count news, NBC has yet to officially announce the premiere dates for the fall season. But based on past patterns, there’s a strong chance One Chicago will return in late September or early October 2025.
NBC traditionally launches its fall lineup during the last two weeks of September, with One Chicago Wednesday acting as a tentpole evening for the network. If that trend continues, fans can expect to see new episodes by Wednesday, September 24 or Wednesday, October 1.
The network is likely finalizing its promotional strategy, especially as the upcoming seasons promise major cast shakeups, new storylines, and possibly the introduction of a fourth One Chicago series (yes, that’s also in the works).
What’s Coming in the New Seasons?
While official episode synopses are still under wraps, we already know that all three shows are heading into their next chapters with big changes.
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Chicago Fire: After Season 12 saw the departure of multiple key characters—including Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett and Alberto Rosende’s Blake Gallo—the firehouse will need to regroup and rebuild. Plus, rumors of Matt Casey (Jesse Spencer) returning in a more regular capacity continue to swirl.
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Chicago Med: The ED is evolving once again, with new doctors stepping in and ongoing questions surrounding the futures of long-timers like Dr. Archer and Dr. Halstead. Expect new medical cases, romantic complications, and a deeper dive into ethical gray areas.
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Chicago P.D.: Following Hailey Upton’s emotional exit and a shocking Season 12 finale, Intelligence will be in flux. Voight is more isolated than ever, and with a mysterious new recruit on the horizon, Season 13 is shaping up to be one of the show’s most transformative yet.
More Time Means More Crossovers?
With a longer season confirmed, fans are already wondering: Will the crossover events return? While no official crossover has been announced yet, the expanded episode count makes it more likely than ever.
Gwen Sigan (Chicago P.D. showrunner) and Andrea Newman (Chicago Fire showrunner) have both teased that the creative teams are interested in revisiting the kind of high-octane crossovers that once defined One Chicago Wednesdays. Whether it’s a city-wide disaster, a multi-department case, or a personal storyline that spans all three shows, there’s renewed hope that the One Chicago universe will feel more interconnected this year.
While the wait for exact premiere dates continues, fans can finally exhale knowing that their favorite shows are getting the time they need to tell complete, impactful stories. In an era of shrinking episode orders and rushed finales, Chicago Fire, Med, and P.D. are bucking the trend—and that’s worth celebrating. So clear your fall calendar, dust off your squad gear, and prepare for the biggest One Chicago season yet. The city’s bravest, smartest, and toughest heroes are coming back—with more drama, more heart, and more episodes than we dared hope for.
