If you’re even a little obsessed with high-stakes drama, first responders, and gripping character arcs, then you’ve probably binged NBC’s One Chicago franchise. This interconnected universe includes Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med, each with its own pulse-pounding stories and a cast of unforgettable characters.
But lately, fans have been buzzing with one pressing question: what’s going on with the stars of these shows, especially Taylor Kinney?
Well, the mystery is finally over.
NBC Finally Speaks: The Fate of One Chicago’s Core Stars
After a long stretch of uncertainty, NBC has confirmed the status of its leading actors, whose contracts were rumored to have expired at the end of the latest season. So, is it a clean sweep renewal, or are we saying emotional goodbyes?
Let’s dive into the details.
Taylor Kinney Is Officially Back as Kelly Severide
Let’s cut to the chase — Taylor Kinney is returning to Chicago Fire. After taking a brief leave during Season 11 for personal reasons, fans were left guessing whether he’d return to put on the firefighter uniform again.
NBC has now confirmed he’s back full-time for Season 13.
That’s right — Kelly Severide isn’t going anywhere.
Contract Expirations Were Real — Here’s What Happened
Yes, the contracts for many of the One Chicago leads did officially expire at the end of the 2023–2024 season. This included:
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Taylor Kinney
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Jason Beghe (Hank Voight, Chicago P.D.)
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Eamonn Walker (Wallace Boden, Chicago Fire)
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S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin, Chicago Med)
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Oliver Platt (Dr. Daniel Charles, Chicago Med)
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LaRoyce Hawkins (Kevin Atwater, Chicago P.D.)
That’s a powerhouse lineup. So yeah, fans were understandably anxious.
NBC Renewed the Entire Franchise — But Cast Deals Took Time
NBC made the bold move to renew all three One Chicago shows for the 2024–2025 season. That was the good news.
The tricky part? Getting the key actors to sign new deals. According to insider sources, negotiations were extensive — but ultimately, most of the main cast will return.
Who’s Coming Back for Sure?
So far, here’s who is confirmed to return for the upcoming seasons:
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Taylor Kinney (Chicago Fire)
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Jason Beghe (Chicago P.D.)
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LaRoyce Hawkins (Chicago P.D.)
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S. Epatha Merkerson (Chicago Med)
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Oliver Platt (Chicago Med)
Negotiations with Eamonn Walker were reportedly more complex, as he’s transitioning to a recurring role rather than remaining a series regular.
Eamonn Walker Steps Back — But Isn’t Gone
Don’t worry, Chief Boden isn’t disappearing completely. Eamonn Walker, after more than a decade on Chicago Fire, is shifting to a recurring status.
Translation? He’ll still appear — just less frequently. Think of it as semi-retirement in TV terms.
What Sparked These Casting Shifts?
A few things were at play:
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Contract expirations
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Actor burnout after multiple seasons
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NBC’s need to refresh storylines
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Budget constraints
The combo led to an evaluation of who’s still invested in their roles and who might want a smaller workload.
Why Taylor Kinney’s Return Is So Significant
Taylor Kinney’s brief hiatus had fans wondering if Severide would quietly exit the show forever. But now that he’s re-signed, it signals NBC’s commitment to keeping Chicago Fire’s emotional anchor intact.
Severide’s character is pivotal — not just for plot, but for fan engagement. His chemistry with Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo) and his deep bond with Boden add a lot of emotional weight.
What About New Faces in the Franchise?
NBC hasn’t announced major new cast members yet, but insiders suggest we’ll see fresh faces this season. Think new doctors, firefighters, and cops stepping in to shake things up.
This gives the shows room to evolve while keeping the heart of the franchise intact.
Fans React: Relief, Tears, and a Lot of Tweets
Let’s just say Twitter (or X?) blew up after the announcements. Fans were thrilled to hear about Kinney’s return but a little heartbroken over Walker stepping back.
Quotes like:
“CHIEF BODEN ISN’T GONE FOREVER. I’LL TAKE IT 😭🔥”
“SEVERIDE BACK BABYYYY LET’S GO”
…were everywhere.
Why This News Matters for Longtime Viewers
The One Chicago universe isn’t just a franchise. For many, it’s comfort TV. Losing core characters can feel like losing family. That’s why NBC handled these announcements with care — and made sure to secure as much of the original cast as possible.
What’s Next for the One Chicago Universe?
With most of the stars locked in and new story arcs in the pipeline, Season 13 (Fire), Season 11 (Med), and Season 12 (P.D.) are shaping up to be high-stakes, emotional, and maybe a little unpredictable.
Expect:
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Fresh rivalries
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Tough moral decisions
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Dramatic rescues
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And of course… romantic tension
You didn’t think we’d skip that, right?
Streaming Availability and Premiere Dates
NBC hasn’t released exact premiere dates, but the shows will likely return in fall 2025. Episodes will stream on Peacock the day after airing, so if you miss it live, you’re covered.
Final Thoughts: Stability Meets Change in One Chicago
While not every actor is returning as a full-time regular, NBC has struck a smart balance. Fans get their faves — like Taylor Kinney and Jason Beghe — while also opening the door for new stories and characters.
The message is clear: One Chicago isn’t slowing down — it’s evolving.
