The “One Chicago” universe has long been a Wednesday night staple on NBC, drawing in millions of loyal viewers each week. So when NBC announced that Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med were all getting renewed, fans rejoiced. But there’s a curveball in the fine print that has everyone buzzing—and not necessarily in a good way.
Let’s break down what’s going on, what it means for your favorite shows, and why this renewal isn’t exactly business as usual.
🔥 What’s the Big News?
NBC has officially renewed all three of its hit Chicago series—Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—for another season. This means Season 13 for Chicago Fire, Season 11 for Chicago Med, and Season 12 for Chicago P.D.
Sounds great, right? Well… hold up.
⚠️ The Big Catch That Fans Didn’t See Coming
Here’s the twist: NBC is scaling back.
Yep, each of the shows will have a shortened episode count, shifting from their usual 22-episode format to just 13 episodes per season. That’s nearly 40% fewer episodes!
📉 Why NBC Is Cutting Down Episodes
Let’s be real: the entertainment industry is changing, fast.
NBC, like other networks, is tightening budgets. With streaming platforms eating up viewership and production costs skyrocketing, network TV is feeling the pinch. Instead of axing shows, NBC is opting for smaller seasons to cut costs but still keep fans engaged.
💸 Is This About Money? Spoiler: Yep.
Absolutely. Shorter seasons mean lower production costs, smaller crew sizes, and reduced actor commitments. With many studios facing post-strike budget reevaluations, cutting episode counts is a way to stay afloat without canceling fan-favorite series.
❤️ Fans React to the Renewal News
Mixed emotions is putting it lightly. Some fans are thrilled their favorite characters will return. Others? Not so much. Many feel shortchanged, worried that fewer episodes will mean rushed storylines and less character development.
🗣️ Social Media Is Buzzing
Twitter (X), Reddit, and Facebook are lighting up with reactions.
Some comments include:
“13 episodes?! That’s barely enough time to start a fire, let alone put one out!”
“Shorter seasons? Are we switching to Netflix now?”
“As long as we get more Voight in Chicago P.D., I’m in.”
🎬 How Will Shorter Seasons Affect Storytelling?
Less time on screen means tighter plots, fewer filler episodes, and more intense pacing. This could actually work in favor of the shows if done right. But it also raises concerns about rushed arcs and cliffhangers that don’t land.
🧠 The Pressure’s On for Writers and Showrunners
With only 13 episodes, every minute counts. Writers will have to deliver more in less time. That means condensing character arcs, intensifying conflicts, and possibly sacrificing subplots that normally flesh out the world.
📺 What This Means for the Chicago Franchise’s Future
This shift could signal the beginning of a new era for the franchise.
NBC may be testing the waters—if shorter seasons perform well, this format might become the norm. On the flip side, poor reception could put these shows at risk in future renewal talks.
👀 Will There Be Crossovers Anymore?
The classic One Chicago crossovers we all love might become rarer. With tighter schedules and fewer episodes, coordinating big, multi-show events becomes much harder. So don’t expect epic, three-hour crossover sagas every season.
👥 Cast Members React to the News
Some cast members have subtly acknowledged the change on social media. While no one’s spilled tea just yet, sources hint that negotiations and scheduling conflicts were part of the decision to shorten the seasons.
Actors appreciate fewer filming days—but fans? Not so much.
🧭 Could This Lead to Spin-Offs or Streaming Specials?
Absolutely possible. NBC might shift some storylines or characters to streaming platforms like Peacock. We might see limited series, standalone specials, or even documentary-style recaps.
📈 Ratings Talk—Are the Shows Still Popular?
Definitely. Despite industry shifts, the Chicago trio consistently ranks among NBC’s top shows in both live viewership and DVR catch-up stats. The fan base is massive and loyal, which is why NBC is hesitant to cancel any of them outright.
📆 When Will the New Seasons Air?
Expect the new seasons to drop in fall 2025, likely around the mid-to-late September slot. NBC hasn’t confirmed the premiere dates yet, but historically, One Chicago Wednesdays kick off around that time.
🏆 Will Quality Suffer? Or Improve?
It could go either way. With fewer episodes, each one needs to be a knockout. That means tighter scripts, better pacing, and no fluff. But it also increases pressure on production crews, writers, and actors to deliver high-caliber content under a tighter timeline.
💬 What You Can Do as a Fan
Want to keep the shows strong?
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Watch live (or on Peacock)
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Engage on social media
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Tell NBC what you think
Networks notice buzz. The louder the fan base, the better the odds of more seasons—or maybe even a return to longer episode runs.
✅ Conclusion: The Chicago Shows Are Back—But the Game Has Changed
There’s no denying it—Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med are fan favorites that define NBC’s primetime lineup. The good news is, they’re all renewed. The not-so-great news? You’ll be getting fewer episodes.
Is this the new normal? Maybe. But if the shows can keep their quality high and their stories tight, it could mark the start of an exciting, more streamlined era.
Still, one thing’s for sure—One Chicago fans are ride-or-die. And no matter how many episodes we get, we’ll be tuning in.
