Chicago fans, rejoice! NBC just confirmed that Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. aren’t just renewing—they’re bringing back some cherished characters next season. From inspiring medical voices to unashamedly smart detectives, these returns promise rich storylines, emotional payoffs, and fans feeling warm fuzzies once again.
Let’s dive into what we know, who’s returning, and why this 2025–26 update fuels the One Chicago universe.
Official Renewal Bulletin: One Chicago’s Legacy Grows
NBC Greenlights Fall 2025 Seasons
NBC announced earlier this month that both shows are officially renewed for the 2025–26 broadcast year. This confirms a return to Wednesday-night dominance on NBC
Season Count Confirmed
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Chicago Med heads into Season 11
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Chicago P.D. gears up for Season 13
Chicago Med: Beloved Doctors Return
Sarah Reese and Robin Charles Return
Showrunner Allen MacDonald revealed that original cast members Rachel DiPillo (Sarah Reese) and Mekia Cox (Robin Charles) are set to reprise their roles in the upcoming season
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Reese’s return played on last season, giving fans nostalgia and depth.
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Charles stepping in again adds emotional continuity and possible mentoring arcs
More Originals On the Way?
MacDonald hinted at more legacy characters returning—perhaps Will Halstead, April Sexton, or Connor Rhodes—to embrace the show’s storied past
Chicago P.D.: Familiar Faces Return
Although specifics are scarce, sources confirm most fan-favorite detectives and intelligence unit members will be back. Executive cast insurance came through multi‑year deals that automatically extend their presence .
Why These Comebacks Matter
Fan Nostalgia Breeds Loyalty
Bringing back original characters strengthens fan sentiment—and draws lapsed viewers back into the fold
Stronger Character Arcs
With Reese and Charles returning, Chicago Med can explore unresolved emotional threads—mentorship, medical breakthroughs, and leadership dynamics.
Shared Legacy Strengthens the Universe
Each One Chicago show builds on shared history. Having fan favorites reappear boosts crossovers, continuity, and universe cohesion.
Media Buzz & Fan Reactions
Social Media Erupts in Joy
Reddit threads and Twitter have flooded with excitement:
“Chicago Med bringing back Sarah Reese? Yes, please!”
“P.D.’s team better return full strength!”
Fans crave the balance between fresh narratives and soulful callbacks.
Media Outlets Confirm Positive Tone
Screen Rant and GameRant highlighted the significance of these returns, calling them major morale boosters for One Chicago fans
How Returns Tied to Network Strategy
Consistent Wednesday Night Block
NBC renewed all One Chicago titles (Fire, Med, P.D.) for the 2025–26 season to reinforce their strong Wednesday lineup
Cost-Cutting Doesn’t Mean Sacrifice
Despite budget trimming, brining back past characters is a smart investment—leverage nostalgia, satisfy fans, stay fiscally savvy .
What to Expect Next Season
Chicago Med
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Reappearance of Sarah Reese and Robin Charles
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Potential cameos from more original cast
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Character-driven episodes exploring legacy medical ethics and emotional closure
Chicago P.D.
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Masterful team chemistry with returning detectives
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Booming crossover potential with Fire & Med
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Deeper exploration of unresolved arcs, perhaps a former character’s trial or mentorship role
Quotes from Showrunners
Allen MacDonald (Med)
“Bringing back characters we love isn’t a step backward—it’s honoring everything that got us here.”
That emphasis on balance? It speaks volumes about storytelling ambition.
Fans Should Be Excited About…
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Emotional Depth – More heart, less filler.
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Stronger Team Bonds – Watching seasoned characters reconnect—priceless.
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Cross-Show Arcs – Better flow in midseason crossovers and world-building.
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Milestone Episodes – Season 11 marks a 200-episode threshold; expect celebrations.
Potential Storylines on the Horizon
Med
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Sarah Reese mentors a junior resident
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Robin Charles handles administrative shake-ups
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Flashbacks involving legacy team members
P.D.
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Former detectives return as consultants on cold cases
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Inter-agency support during crossover incidents
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Character arcs that pay homage to older intel unit plots
Final Thoughts
Next season is shaping up to be a love letter to One Chicago fans. With confirmed returns of key players like Sarah Reese and Robin Charles—and opportunities for more legacy characters—Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. are weaving nostalgia into fresh narratives. Expect deeper emotional threads, better crossovers, and longer-lasting audience engagement.
The bottom line? NBC isn’t just renewing shows—it’s renewing connections.
FAQs
1. Which fan‑favorite characters are confirmed to return?
Chicago Med: Sarah Reese (Rachel DiPillo) and Robin Charles (Mekia Cox).
Chicago P.D.: Exact names unconfirmed, but series regulars remain under contract
2. When will the 2025–26 season premiere?
All One Chicago series are expected to resume in fall 2025, likely late September
3. Could more original cast members return?
Yes—showrunners hinted at the possibility of bringing back even more favorites
4. How many episodes will next season have?
NBC hasn’t confirmed episode counts, but prior seasons run around 21–22 episodes.
5. Will there be crossovers next season?
Definitely. With these returns, midseason crossovers with Chicago Fire seem more likely—and more meaningful.
