NBC has officially renewed its highly successful One Chicago franchise, comprising Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med, for additional seasons. Ahead of the network’s 2025-26 schedule announcement, Chicago Fire is set to enter its 14th season, Chicago P.D. will embark on its 13th, and Chicago Med will continue into its 11th season. The renewal was celebrated with a social media announcement featuring cast members from Chicago Fire.
The One Chicago series has consistently performed well, leading NBC’s scripted ratings alongside Peacock’s viewership. In fact, the current seasons of Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. have amassed nearly 46 million total viewers across NBC and Peacock, showing a year-over-year increase in streaming numbers.
As with any renewal for long-running shows, budget considerations were involved. The network and Universal Television, which produces these series, deliberated on cost reductions that are standard for older programs. Previous reports noted that cast members were asked to accept fewer guaranteed episodes, which may lead to approximately 2-4 episodes being reduced from some actors’ participation in the upcoming season. Additionally, some cast members may have to forgo their annual raises to help manage production costs.
While the overall episode count for next season remains uncertain, it is likely to be shorter than the current season, a trend observed across broadcast television aiming to conserve budgets. Talks are also underway to secure contracts for some veteran cast members whose agreements expire this season, including Taylor Kinney from Chicago Fire.
The integrated storytelling approach of the One Chicago series has proven to be a major draw for audiences, with crossover events boosting viewership significantly—highlighted by a recent crossover episode achieving record ratings for each show.
In summary, with the renewal news, NBC reaffirms its commitment to the One Chicago franchise, which not only attracts a large audience but also enhances the network’s competitive standing on Wednesday nights. This reinforces the show’s importance in the broadcast landscape and its potential for continued success.