All Three One Chicago Series Officially Renewed, Extending NBC’s Wednesday Night Powerhouse
NBC has officially reaffirmed its commitment to its powerhouse television franchise, One Chicago. The network announced that all three of its Chicago-based dramas — Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D.
, and Chicago Med — have been renewed for the 2025–2026 television season. This renewal ensures that the block of programming, which dominates Wednesday nights on NBC, will continue to anchor the network’s primetime lineup.
The announcement brings Chicago Fire into its 14th season, Chicago P.D. into its 13th, and Chicago Med into its 11th. Few television franchises have achieved such longevity and consistency, but
One Chicago has proven to be a ratings juggernaut and a cultural touchstone. Since their respective debuts, the series have cultivated passionate fan bases while also drawing critical acclaim for their compelling storytelling and character-driven drama.
Paul Telegdy, NBC Entertainment Chairman, praised the creative teams behind the shows, noting that the franchise continues to push boundaries. “The One Chicago universe remains one of the cornerstones of our programming. It’s rare to find dramas that are not only this successful but also continue to grow in audience engagement after more than a decade. We are proud to bring these series back for another season.”
The success of the franchise lies in its ability to balance thrilling procedural plots with the personal lives of its ensemble casts. From the high-stakes rescues of Chicago Fire, to the tense police investigations in
Chicago P.D., to the fast-paced medical emergencies on Chicago Med, each series offers viewers a different perspective on public service in America’s third-largest city. Together, they form a television universe that feels interconnected while still standing strong on their own.
Wednesday nights on NBC have effectively become “One Chicago Night,” where the shows air back-to-back. This programming block has consistently placed NBC among the top-rated networks on the evening, rivaling other powerhouse dramas across broadcast television. Streaming and syndication have only expanded the reach of the shows, with international audiences tuning in on platforms such as Peacock.
The renewal news comes at a time when fans have been speculating about potential cast changes and major story arcs for upcoming seasons. While NBC has not yet revealed detailed plotlines, audiences can expect the franchise to continue exploring timely social issues, personal dilemmas, and the sacrifices made by first responders. The network has also hinted at potential crossovers, a fan-favorite tradition that brings together characters from all three shows in ambitious storylines.
For NBC, the One Chicago franchise is more than just television; it is a brand. Merchandise, streaming deals, and international distribution have turned the series into one of the most profitable assets in the network’s catalog. By locking in new seasons for all three shows, NBC signals its confidence that the franchise will remain a dominant force in the years ahead.
As the 2025–2026 season approaches, fans can mark their calendars for another year of heart-pounding rescues, gripping investigations, and life-saving medical cases. One thing is certain: Chicago’s bravest, boldest, and most compassionate will continue to hold center stage on NBC.
Adam Ruzek’s Sudden Absence From Chicago P.D. Finally Has an Explanation
Adam Ruzek actor John Patrick Flueger is taking a leave of absence from the NBC drama.
Longtime cast member John Patrick Flueger is taking a break from the Dick Wolf drama, Deadline reports. The actor’s unexpected time off is forcing the show’s writers to rework scripts to explain the absence of his character, Officer Adam Ruzek, in upcoming season 13 episodes.
John Patrick Fluger takes break from ‘Chicago P.D.’
What prompted Flueger to step away from filming? Sources told Deadline that he is dealing with a number of personal issues, including an incident of alcohol use on the set of the NBC procedural.
This is not the first time that the One Chicago shows have had to accommodate a cast member’s temporary exit. In early 2023, Kelly Severide actor Taylor Kinney took time off from Chicago Fire for personal reasons. He later returned to the show.
How will the NBC show explain Adam Ruzek’s absence?
Fans will have to wait and see how Chicago P.D. explains why Ruzek is missing from the show. But there are a couple of potential avenues. A temporary reassignment or undercover gig are possible options, though the show will need to address how that affects Ruzek’s wife, fellow officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati) – whom he married in the season 12 finale – and their daughter Makayla (Ramona Edith Williams).
Like Flueger, Ruzek might also need to take time off for personal reasons. We learned last season that his father has Alzheimer’s, so it would not be unexpected for him to need to take a leave of absence from the Chicago PD to care for his dad.
Chicago P.D. Season 13 airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. ET/PT on NBC. Episodes stream the next day on Peacock.
