After months of speculation, NBC has officially renewed Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med for the 2025–2026 season—and with the renewals comes even better news: several core cast members across all three shows have inked new deals to return. As the One Chicago franchise prepares to light up Wednesday nights again this fall, the fan-favorite ensemble cast is reuniting with a mix of loyalty, new energy, and promises of storytelling evolution. With these contract extensions, the network solidifies its commitment to one of television’s most beloved TV universes while setting the stage for a season filled with emotion, action, and reinvention.
In recent years, contract negotiations have often led to cast shake-ups, surprise exits, or limited appearances. But this time, NBC was reportedly proactive in securing the leads fans can’t imagine the shows without. According to insiders, these deals weren’t just last-minute saves—they were strategic moves meant to stabilize the franchise and allow writers to plan long-term arcs. The result? Firehouse 51, the Intelligence Unit, and Gaffney Chicago Medical Center will all maintain the familiar faces that anchor the franchise.
Perhaps the biggest sigh of relief came with the confirmation that Taylor Kinney (Kelly Severide) has signed on for another full season. After taking a leave of absence during a previous season, fans were concerned the show might be losing its iconic lieutenant. But with Kinney’s new deal locked in, Severide returns to Firehouse 51 with unfinished business and new challenges ahead. He’ll be joined by Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd), who also renewed her contract, ensuring the continuation of one of the show’s most compelling relationships.
David Eigenberg (Herrmann), Joe Minoso (Cruz), Daniel Kyri (Ritter), and Hanako Greensmith (Violet Mikami) are all confirmed to return as well, rounding out a strong and emotionally rich team dynamic. While Kara Killmer’s departure as Sylvie Brett left a gap in the paramedic team, that absence will be filled with new energy via Rome Flynn, who joins the series as Elijah Banks. His unpredictable nature and dynamic chemistry with existing characters add a welcome jolt to the firehouse.
Chicago P.D. has always thrived on gritty realism, emotional weight, and character complexity, and that formula won’t be changing this fall. Jason Beghe (Hank Voight) has extended his contract, ensuring that the morally gray leader of the Intelligence Unit remains at the center of the action. Alongside him, Patrick John Flueger (Ruzek), LaRoyce Hawkins (Atwater), and Benjamin Levy Aguilar (Torres) have also signed new deals, solidifying a unit that’s ready to take on another intense chapter of Chicago crime.
However, the most talked-about deal involves Tracy Spiridakos, who will return as Hailey Upton for a limited run to wrap up her story. While her character is confirmed to exit the series midseason, Spiridakos’s temporary return allows the writers to craft a powerful, meaningful send-off rather than a rushed goodbye. Upton’s arc will reportedly deal with lingering grief, unresolved trauma, and a personal reckoning that will leave fans emotional—and possibly pave the way for new character leadership.
At Chicago Med, the heartbeat of the franchise continues with its blend of medical drama and ethical dilemmas. Longtime stars Oliver Platt (Dr. Charles) and S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin) have re-upped their contracts, bringing stability and wisdom to a hospital that’s no stranger to chaos. They’ll be joined by Dominic Rains (Dr. Marcel), Steven Weber (Dr. Archer), Jessy Schram (Dr. Asher), and Luke Mitchell (Dr. Mitch Ripley), all of whom are returning for the new season.
