In an unexpected but welcome move, NBC has officially confirmed that the One Chicago franchise—comprised of Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.—has been extended for additional seasons ahead of its Fall 2025 return. The announcement comes as a pleasant surprise to fans and industry insiders alike, as many had been speculating about the long-term future of the Wednesday night powerhouse lineup.
NBC Entertainment’s President, Frances Berwick, shared in a press release:
“The One Chicago franchise remains a vital part of our programming and continues to deliver compelling stories and characters that resonate with millions of viewers. We’re thrilled to extend all three series and continue our creative partnership with Wolf Entertainment.” This marks a significant show of faith not only in the series’ creative teams but also in the fan base that has supported these shows for over a decade. It’s rare for a network to greenlight multiple seasons of three shows simultaneously—especially ahead of a new fall season—but this franchise has long defied expectations.
According to sources close to production, each of the three shows—Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—has been renewed for two additional seasons, securing their place on NBC’s primetime lineup through at least 2027. This multi-season extension provides stability for writers, producers, and cast members, allowing for deeper, long-arc storytelling.
Despite stiff competition from streaming platforms and newer dramas, One Chicago continues to dominate live viewership and next-day streaming on Peacock. Chicago Fire remains the highest-rated of the three, frequently landing in the top 10 for network television. Chicago Med and Chicago P.D. aren’t far behind, consistently drawing in millions of weekly viewers.
NBC sees One Chicago as not just a ratings success, but as a franchise with powerful fan engagement, especially on platforms like Twitter, Reddit, and Instagram. Weekly episodes spark discussion, trending hashtags, and even TikTok tributes, keeping the shows culturally relevant in real time. With the extension confirmed, fans can rest easier knowing that many of their favorite characters will likely remain in play for the foreseeable future. Here’s what we know so far:
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Jason Beghe is set to continue leading Chicago P.D. as Hank Voight.
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Taylor Kinney, who returned in Season 12 after a brief hiatus, is expected to remain on Chicago Fire through the new contract period.
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On Chicago Med, long-running cast members like S. Epatha Merkerson and Oliver Platt are likely to stick around, though some contracts are still being finalized.
However, not everything is smooth sailing. Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton) has already confirmed that she will be departing Chicago P.D. in Season 13, and Chicago Fire is expected to introduce new characters to fill the gaps left by recent exits like Kara Killmer’s Sylvie Brett.
Fans of epic crossover events have reason to celebrate: the multi-season extension creates a perfect foundation for future One Chicago crossover episodes—something that has been limited in recent years due to scheduling constraints and pandemic-era production hurdles.
With more seasons guaranteed and production teams now having a wider planning window, we can expect ambitious multi-show storylines, high-stakes emergencies, and emotional character reunions that span all three series.
This extension also suggests that NBC and Dick Wolf have a longer-term vision for the franchise beyond simply maintaining the status quo. There are already murmurs of potential spinoffs, such as a legal drama set in the One Chicago world or a series centered on paramedic life, which could bring fresh angles while keeping the franchise interconnected. The showrunners now have the luxury of building long arcs—whether it’s a slow-burn romance, a character redemption arc, or a looming city-wide threat that ties all three shows together.
Fan communities exploded with excitement after the news broke. Twitter was filled with celebratory GIFs, emotional tributes, and predictions for what the next few seasons will bring. Many fans expressed relief, as there had been uncertainty around whether contract negotiations or shifting programming strategies might lead to a premature end for any of the shows.
Reddit threads lit up with speculative theories—Will Voight finally face a reckoning? Will Stella and Severide start a family? Will Chicago Med see a leadership shake-up? The best part is, fans now have the time to find out.
