Why There’s No New One Chicago Tonight (Jan. 15) & When Will New Episodes Of Fire, PD, & Med Release ?

NBC has a reason for not airing new episodes of the One Chicago franchise tonight. This frustrating hiatus comes just one week after the three One Chicago shows returned from its month-long midseason hiatus. Chicago Fire left off on an especially exciting note, with Cruz (Joe Miñoso) seemingly backed into a corner after being forced to help rob Firehouse 51. This storyline left the question open of whether Cruz is leaving Chicago Fire. The other two One Chicago shows also had exciting winter premieres.

Chicago Med focused on the aftermath of Goodwin’s (S Epatha Merkerson) attack, with family and friends waiting to hear whether she had survived after she was rushed into emergency surgery. Archer (Steven Weber) decided at the last minute to do a complicated procedure Goodwin’s daughter hadn’t consented to. Meanwhile, Chicago PD had its first story focused on Cook (Toya Turner), demonstrating why she is a strong asset to the team and setting up a personal conflict for her.

Why There’s No New One Chicago Tonight (January 15, 2024)

Primetime Programming Is Pre-Empted Because of President Biden’s Final Speech

This less-than-ideal break so soon after One Chicago‘s return was not pre-planned. However, outgoing President Joe Biden scheduled a farewell speech for January 15 at 8 PM ET, and naturally, NBC is broadcasting the speech. Currently, the network only plans to cover this political item for 15 minutes; however, NBC is running old episodes of each One Chicago show after the special event ends. Thus, viewers can catch up on episode 3 of each One Chicago show after.

NBC could have run new episodes of Chicago Fire and Chicago PD tonight, as other networks are running original programming after the speech. However, the network prefers to have all three shows remain in sync, which means that if one installment cannot air a new episode, the other two also air reruns. Furthermore, since there is a crossover episode scheduled for January 29 involving all three shows, it’s pivotal that all three projects remain in sync with their programming.

When Will New Episodes Of Fire, PD, & Med Release?

The Hiatus Is Only Expected To Last One Week

Admittedly, it’s frustrating that One Chicago is pre-empted only one week after its return. However, this break will be short — new episodes of Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, and Chicago Med will air on January 22, 2025. Barring any other unexpected political or other current events, NBC and Wolf Entertainment’s Windy City franchise will resume its regular schedule next week.

NBC has not released any statement about how this delay will affect the One Chicago crossover that is currently scheduled for January 29. Hopefully, the episodes before the crossover will be standalone stories that don’t contain much, if any, setup for the crossover. If this is the case, the crossover will be able to proceed as scheduled. It’s worth noting that there is also a chance that the schedule will be moved back one week and the crossover will air on February 5, 2025, instead.

What To Expect From The Upcoming Chicago Fire, PD, & Med Episodes?

The Shows Will Pick Up Exciting Storylines Where They Left Off

Chicago Med has an exciting storyline planned for Asher (Jessy Schram) when the series returns. Asher’s’ estranged sister will finally make an appearance, but she will want a favor that the Gaffney Med doctor can’t give. According to the promo, Asher’s sister asks her to give a diagnosis that will change a medical situation. It will be interesting to see how far Asher is willing to go to try to preserve the precarious relationship with her sister now that they’ve reconnected after years of disconnect.

Chicago Fire‘s storyline will also be interesting, especially considering where the series left off with Cruz. Chicago Fire‘s Joe Miñoso told Screen Rant that Cruz will attempt to cover up what he did rather than coming clean. This means he will remain in the series for the foreseeable future, but the lies he will tell in the next episode will likely get him into serious trouble, and it’s not clear how much danger he’ll be in. It may also be difficult for him to focus on new fires he is supposed to be putting out while worried about getting caught.

The final One Chicago show will focus on Ruzek (John Paul Flueger) and Burgess (Marina Squerciati). Chicago PD hasn’t had many stories revolving around them this season even though they are set to get married, but they will finally work an emotional case together: a murder involving an unidentified young girl. This case may bring up their fears for Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams). It also remains to be seen whether the case will bring them closer together or if they will butt heads over how to approach it.