The Chicago universe is alive and well—and NBC has officially confirmed which beloved characters are returning to Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med for the upcoming season. After months of speculation, anxious fans can finally breathe a sigh of relief: the One Chicago world isn’t losing its heartbeat just yet.
Despite swirling rumors and a dramatic Season 12 finale, Chicago P.D. is holding onto most of its core players. NBC has confirmed that Jason Beghe will reprise his role as Hank Voight, the morally complicated leader of the Intelligence Unit. Voight remains one of the franchise’s most iconic characters, and fans are eager to see how his storyline continues after a turbulent season filled with emotional and ethical landmines. Also returning is Marina Squerciati as Kim Burgess—at least for now. While rumors of her potential departure circulated earlier this year, the network confirmed she’ll be back when Season 13 begins. Burgess, whose personal and professional growth has been a central arc, remains a fan favorite, and her dynamic with Patrick John Flueger’s Adam Ruzek is still a vital part of the show’s heart.
Speaking of Ruzek, Flueger is confirmed to return, bringing back the wounded-but-resilient cop who spent much of last season battling the aftereffects of trauma. His evolution continues to be one of the most compelling on the show, and his chemistry with Squerciati remains a driving force. Also returning are LaRoyce Hawkins as Kevin Atwater and Tracy Spiridakos as Hailey Upton—though Spiridakos has confirmed that Season 13 will be her last. That means fans should prepare for an emotional farewell arc that could shift the structure of the team and bring long-standing issues to the surface.
Over at Chicago Fire, NBC’s flagship One Chicago series, the firehouse is far from empty. Taylor Kinney, who took a temporary leave during Season 11, is officially back as Lieutenant Kelly Severide. His return was one of the most eagerly awaited announcements, especially given how central Severide is to the Firehouse 51 family.
David Eigenberg (Christopher Herrmann), Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), Joe Minoso (Joe Cruz), and Christian Stolte (Randy “Mouch” McHolland) are all confirmed to return, ensuring that the foundation of Firehouse 51 remains strong. With Mouch’s life hanging in the balance at the end of last season, his return is especially reassuring to fans. Hanako Greensmith also returns as paramedic Violet Mikami, whose storylines have become increasingly central. She’s expected to take on even more leadership in the ambulance team, particularly in the absence of Brett, played by Kara Killmer, who exited earlier in Season 12.
Chicago Med may deal with emergencies by the hour, but at least one thing is now stable: its core cast. Nick Gehlfuss may have exited the show in an emotional goodbye last season, but fans can expect the continued presence of S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin, Oliver Platt as Dr. Daniel Charles, and Marlyne Barrett as Maggie Lockwood. These three characters are the glue that holds the hospital together, and their return ensures continuity during times of change. Dominic Rains will also be back as Dr. Crockett Marcel, continuing his journey through personal loss and professional challenge. Meanwhile, Jessy Schram returns as Dr. Hannah Asher, whose compassionate and fearless approach to medicine made her a standout in recent seasons.
NBC’s confirmation of returning cast members speaks to the staying power of the One Chicago franchise. While many TV universes have struggled to maintain momentum after a decade or more, the Chicago shows are proving that emotional storytelling, character consistency, and community-centered plots still resonate with audiences. The fact that key players across all three shows are returning allows NBC to preserve the tightly interwoven storytelling that fans love. Crossovers, shared cases, and emotional intersections between series can continue without feeling disjointed. However, with a few confirmed exits on the horizon—particularly Tracy Spiridakos from Chicago P.D. and Kara Killmer from Chicago Fire—there is still room for change. NBC’s announcement is also a reminder that no character is untouchable, and even longtime favorites could be nearing the end of their arcs.
The upcoming seasons of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. promise to deliver more of what fans love: intense drama, powerful performances, and characters that feel like family. With most of the core ensemble returning, NBC is clearly betting on familiarity to drive ratings and emotional investment. But make no mistake—this fall won’t just be about comfort. It will also be about change. And in the world of One Chicago, that means new challenges, shifting dynamics, and maybe even a few heartbreaks.
