Fans of NBC’s long-running One Chicago franchise will have to wait a little longer for new stories from Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D.. The network has confirmed that none of the three series will return with fresh episodes until 2026, sparking equal parts frustration and curiosity from loyal viewers. While hiatuses aren’t unusual for major network dramas, the timing and length of this gap have raised questions about what’s really happening behind the scenes — and what the delay means for the future of the franchise.
Several factors are driving the unusually long pause, beginning with production logistics. All three One Chicago series film primarily in Chicago during harsh-weather seasons, and the network’s updated scheduling calendar forced a shift in production timelines. Rather than rush scripts or compress filming windows, NBC and Wolf Entertainment opted for a more controlled schedule that preserves quality and consistency across the interconnected universe.
Another major element is creative recalibration. After over a decade on the air, each series is undergoing one of its biggest transitions in years. Multiple cast departures, new additions, and evolving storylines require significant restructuring in the writers’ rooms. According to insiders, the shows are using this extended break to rebuild long-term arcs, refine character trajectories, and design season structures that feel fresh rather than reactive. Instead of patching changes week-to-week, the teams are crafting multi-season blueprints intended to stabilize the franchise’s direction through the late 2020s.
Budgeting priorities also play a role. With rising costs across the television landscape, networks are being more strategic about when and how they release their most expensive scripted shows. The One Chicago franchise — known for its action sequences, large ensembles, and location-heavy production — requires careful financial planning. A 2026 rollout allows NBC to sync its advertising and streaming strategies, ensuring the shows return with strong promotional support rather than during a crowded programming cycle.
For fans, the delay raises natural concerns about cliffhangers left dangling at the end of the latest seasons. Chicago Fire ended with unresolved leadership tensions and a personal revelation that could reshape Firehouse 51. Chicago Med closed out a year marked by medical ethics battles and shifting staff loyalties. Meanwhile, Chicago P.D. left viewers questioning the future of the Intelligence Unit as Voight’s internal struggles reached a breaking point. While the hiatus heightens anticipation, it also gives the writers time to craft stronger, more cohesive resolutions when the series finally return.
There is also a strategic silver lining: the break positions One Chicago for a dramatic relaunch. NBC plans to roll out the three series in a more unified manner, strengthening crossover potential and thematic alignment. Instead of fragmented schedules and uneven episode counts, fans can expect a more synchronized viewing experience — something longtime viewers have been requesting for years.
Ultimately, the delay until 2026 is less a setback and more a reset. It reflects the network’s desire to protect one of its most valuable television universes while giving the creative teams the breathing room needed to evolve the franchise. And if the early hints are any indication, One Chicago’s return may be bolder, sharper, and more emotionally charged than anything that has come before.
