The One Chicago franchise has dominated television for years, bringing us captivating stories of first responders, gritty police work, and heart-wrenching emotional drama. But what if we could dive deeper into the characters’ pasts? What if the stories of our favourite firefighters, paramedics, and detectives were explored through prequels? In this article, we’ll explore prequel ideas that could reignite the One Chicago franchise, bringing even more rich, emotional, and dramatic storytelling to the table.

Bowden Rising: The Making of Chief Bowden
Picture this: A young Wallace Bowden in the 1980s, fresh out of the academy and battling doubts about his ability to lead. This prequel could explore his early days as a firefighter, his struggles against prejudice, and his internal conflicts before he became the calm, resilient leader we know today. We could witness his bond with Benny Seide, the first sparks of his relationship with Shondaanda, and how these early moments shaped him into the strong, dependable Chief Bowden.

Benny Seide: The Brotherhood Begins
Benny Seide was a legend in his own right—wild, passionate, and a man who lived life to the fullest. This prequel, set in the 1970s, could show the raw and gritty world of Chicago’s fire department before the regulations, before the modern gear. We could explore Benny’s journey from idealistic rookie to flawed veteran, his evolution as a mentor to Kelly Severide, and his lasting legacy on Firehouse 51.

Hank Voight: Before the Badge Was Tarnished
Before Voight became the hardened, morally ambiguous cop we know today, there was a young officer driven by a desire for justice. This prequel could follow Voight during his early years on the force, shedding light on his first cases and how the seeds of his moral complications were planted. It would give fans a chance to see the man behind the badge, showing how he evolved from a rule-abiding officer to the complex and unpredictable detective we love.

Trudy Platt: Rookie to Desk Sergeant
Trudy Platt’s no-nonsense attitude and tough-as-nails persona have made her one of the most beloved characters on Chicago P.D. But what about her journey to becoming the legend she is today? A prequel focusing on young Trudy navigating the challenges of a male-dominated force would reveal her vulnerabilities, the tough cases that shaped her, and how she ultimately became the rock of the police department.

Leslie: Rising from Small Town Beginnings
Leslie was the epitome of compassion, a woman who made deep connections with those around her. A prequel about her small-town roots would explore the beginnings of her desire to become a paramedic and her journey into the chaotic, high-pressure world of Chicago’s EMS. We’d see the formative experiences that shaped her into the warrior for her community we came to know and love.

Gabriella Dawson: A Family Legacy Begins
Gabby Dawson’s legacy within the firehouse and her family’s role in Chicago’s first responder community is central to the One Chicago universe. This prequel would focus on Gabby’s early years, exploring the close-knit, hardworking Latino family she grew up in. We’d see how the values of service, loyalty, and hard work were instilled in Gabby and her brother, Antonio, and how their upbringing shaped them into the compassionate, driven individuals we admire today.

Al Olinsky: The Making of a Fearsome Detective
Olinsky was the veteran detective with a world of regret, often carrying the weight of his decisions on his shoulders. A prequel about a young Alinsky in a dangerous, crime-ridden Chicago would delve into how he became the seasoned, pragmatic detective we saw in Chicago P.D. This character study would add depth to Olinsky’s backstory and provide insight into the tough choices he made throughout his career.

Firehouse 51: The Brotherhood of Rescue Squad 4
Before Chief Bowden, Benny, and Peter Mills came together at Firehouse 51, they had their own complicated and intense backstories. A prequel about Rescue Squad 4 would explore the dynamics of this group in the 1990s, highlighting the bond between firefighters in a more corrupt and bureaucratic system. The series could also explore Bowden’s affair with Peter’s mother and how it shaped their complicated relationship.

Sharon Goodwin: A Rising Star in the Medical Field
Sharon Goodwin is a formidable force at Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, known for her unwavering determination to protect her patients. A prequel exploring Sharon’s early years as a nurse, climbing the ranks in the 1980s and 1990s, would give insight into the challenges she faced as a Black woman navigating hospital politics. The series could dive into how she built the courage to take on systemic racism and sexism, ultimately becoming the strong, compassionate leader we see today.

Why These Prequels Are a Game-Changer
These prequels would not only provide us with a deeper understanding of our favourite characters but would also add layers to the One Chicago franchise. Whether it’s exploring Bowden’s growth into the Chief we admire, seeing Olinsky’s transformation into a seasoned detective, or delving into Sharon Goodwin’s early struggles as a trailblazer in the medical field, these stories would inject the franchise with fresh energy while offering fans the rich, character-driven drama they love.

As Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med continue to evolve, these prequels would offer new perspectives on characters we already hold dear, while also introducing new, gripping stories that would elevate the entire One Chicago universe. With the franchise’s legacy already so strong, these additions could only take it to new heights.

So, which prequel are you most excited to see? Let us know, and stay tuned as we continue to speculate on what could be the next chapter for the One Chicago franchise!