The One Chicago universe is officially returning with new seasons of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D., much to the joy of loyal viewers who have spent years invested in the lives of the city’s bravest and boldest. While NBC’s announcement of the renewal was met with widespread excitement, it comes with bittersweet news as several beloved cast members from across the three shows won’t be returning. These departures aren’t just routine casting shifts—they signify the end of eras, character arcs that have deeply resonated with fans, and the inevitable evolution of a television franchise that continues to grow and adapt. As new seasons take shape, the absence of these actors will be felt both emotionally and narratively, reshaping the foundation of a fictional world that has become part of many viewers’ weekly rituals.
Meanwhile, Chicago Med is no stranger to change, having experienced numerous cast rotations over the years. However, the exit of Dominic Rains, who played Dr. Crockett Marcel, marks another significant loss. Crockett’s journey from a charming, cocky surgeon to a more layered and morally conflicted physician added depth to the show’s narrative, especially as he navigated personal tragedies and ethical challenges. His absence will shift the dynamic in the OR, forcing other characters to take on new roles and emotional responsibilities. Similarly, the future of Dr. Hannah Asher, portrayed by Jessy Schram, appears uncertain. While she may not be leaving entirely, reports suggest her role will be reduced, suggesting a narrative winding down of her recovery and reintegration arc. These exits, combined with past departures like Dr. Choi (Brian Tee), signal that Chicago Med is once again reinventing its cast lineup—likely to bring in fresh perspectives, perhaps new residents or specialists, to carry the next generation of stories.
Adding to the tension is speculation surrounding Marina Squerciati, who plays Officer Kim Burgess. Though unconfirmed, rumors suggest that Season 12 could be her final outing. Burgess, a fan-favorite, has endured some of the most harrowing storylines on the show—from being kidnapped and shot to navigating motherhood and trauma recovery. Her potential exit would represent not just the loss of a skilled officer, but the heart of the team. As these characters prepare to leave or reduce their screen time, questions arise about who will step up in Intelligence. Characters like Atwater, Torres, and even newcomers may find themselves in more central roles, and while change often brings opportunity, it also challenges long-standing viewer loyalties.
Despite these losses, the One Chicago franchise remains a powerhouse. NBC’s continued investment in all three shows signals not only network confidence but also a belief in the creative teams’ ability to evolve. This next chapter for One Chicago offers a chance to reset and reimagine, to build new character dynamics and fresh storylines that reflect current themes and realities. While long-time fans may initially feel the sting of these exits, they can take comfort in knowing that the shows have always been about more than individual characters—they’re about the city of Chicago, the institutions that keep it going, and the spirit of resilience that defines both the real and fictional heroes who serve it.
Each series faces the challenge of honoring past characters while forging new paths. For Chicago Fire, that might mean highlighting new recruits or deepening existing arcs for characters like Violet and Mouch. For Chicago Med, the hospital might welcome new doctors who challenge the status quo or bring diverse medical backgrounds to the ER. And for Chicago P.D., perhaps the most personal of the three shows, it’s an opportunity to explore new power dynamics within the Intelligence Unit, giving more depth to characters like Torres or even introducing a fresh detective with their own moral complexity. Crossovers between the three series could help soften the transitions and remind viewers that no matter the changes, the interconnected spirit of One Chicago remains intact.
