NBC’s powerhouse One Chicago franchise is preparing for a massive return in Fall 2025, and with it comes the full cast reveal for Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. For fans who have stayed loyal to the franchise over the years, the updated lineups bring a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and surprise. Each show presents returning fan favorites, long-anticipated exits, and new characters who promise to shift the dynamics in major ways. This season marks a pivotal point in the franchise’s evolution, with NBC doubling down on both stability and reinvention. While some characters are saying goodbye, others are stepping up to fill the void—and some entirely new faces are entering with storylines poised to leave a lasting impact.

In Chicago Fire, Firehouse 51 enters a new chapter. Taylor Kinney returns as Kelly Severide after an extended absence, joined by Miranda Rae Mayo as Stella Kidd, David Eigenberg as Herrmann, Joe Minoso as Joe Cruz, Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter, and Hanako Greensmith as Violet Mikami. One major change is the official departure of Kara Killmer as Sylvie Brett, who said goodbye last season in an emotional finale. Her absence leaves a significant gap in the paramedic team, but Rome Flynn joins the cast as Elijah Banks, a passionate yet impulsive paramedic who doesn’t always play by the rules. Tiana Okoye also comes aboard as firefighter-in-training Nia Brooks, a determined newcomer who’s ready to prove herself in one of the toughest firehouses in Chicago. While Firehouse 51 continues to be grounded in loyalty and camaraderie, the new additions bring fresh tension and new possibilities, making this one of the most dynamic seasons yet.

Over at Chicago P.D., Intelligence Unit faces what may be its most emotionally charged season. Jason Beghe reprises his role as the hardened and complex Hank Voight, joined by returning cast members Patrick John Flueger as Adam Ruzek, LaRoyce Hawkins as Kevin Atwater, Benjamin Levy Aguilar as Dante Torres, and Amy Morton as Trudy Platt. The biggest storyline, however, centers around Tracy Spiridakos’s Hailey Upton, who is confirmed to leave the series at the end of this season. Her character will reportedly undergo a deep, slow-burn arc that explores personal loss, closure, and what it means to truly move on. To fill the gap, Zoe Winters enters as Detective Harper Vale, a profiler whose methodical and psychological approach to crime-solving immediately clashes with Voight’s instinctual, often aggressive style. The friction between them is expected to create explosive scenes and complex debates about justice, ethics, and leadership. Additionally, Charles Michael Davis will appear in a recurring role as Sgt. Mason Drake, a tactical advisor with ties to Voight’s past, adding mystery and potential tension to the existing team dynamic.

Meanwhile, Chicago Med continues its efforts to balance hospital drama with personal depth. Veterans S. Epatha Merkerson as Sharon Goodwin, Oliver Platt as Dr. Charles, Dominic Rains as Dr. Crockett Marcel, Steven Weber as Dr. Dean Archer, Jessy Schram as Dr. Hannah Asher, and Luke Mitchell as Dr. Mitch Ripley are all set to return. This season also marks the promotion of Roland Buck III to series regular as Dr. Noah Sexton, signaling renewed focus on familial and ethical challenges within the ER. New faces include Grace Song as Dr. Ava Lin, a cardiothoracic surgeon with a mysterious past and emotionally guarded personality, and Jordan Fisher as Elias “Eli” Kim, a surgical intern whose innovative but unorthodox methods disrupt the hospital’s traditional ways. Dr. Lin’s storyline is rumored to involve a legal and ethical gray area from her former hospital, while Eli Kim’s carefree approach might mask deeper insecurities, setting the stage for compelling growth arcs.

Collectively, these cast changes represent more than just logistical updates—they are a deliberate step toward reshaping the One Chicago landscape for a new era. NBC is clearly investing in long-term storytelling, with character transitions designed to breathe new life into each series while maintaining the emotional depth and realism that fans expect. The departures of beloved characters like Sylvie Brett and the impending exit of Hailey Upton reflect the franchise’s willingness to evolve naturally, giving space for old characters to receive meaningful conclusions and for new ones to step into their own light. What remains constant, however, is the franchise’s core commitment to showcasing the human experience behind the uniform—be it a lab coat, a badge, or bunker gear.

Storylines across all three shows are expected to intersect more this season, reflecting real-world issues such as mental health burnout among first responders, systemic challenges within city institutions, and the personal cost of public service. Showrunners have hinted at crossovers being used less for spectacle and more for advancing emotional and moral dilemmas that span departments. For instance, a major case could begin in the ER, lead to an arson investigation at Firehouse 51, and conclude with an arrest by Voight’s unit. These interwoven plots deepen the sense that the city itself is a character—and that everyone’s actions ripple beyond their own world.

As viewers prepare for the new season, one thing is clear: the heart of One Chicago still beats strong. The return of iconic leads like Severide and Voight offers continuity, while newcomers like Elijah Banks, Harper Vale, and Ava Lin represent the franchise’s desire to innovate and stay relevant in a fast-changing TV landscape. The emotional stakes have never been higher, and this cast lineup ensures that Fall 2025 will be filled with the drama, action, and connection that fans have come to love. Whether you’re in it for the fast-paced emergencies, the undercover sting operations, or the quiet, soul-searching conversations in a hospital hallway, this season promises to deliver on every front.

In the end, One Chicago continues to thrive not just because of its explosive action or gritty realism, but because of its ability to evolve without losing its soul. As old characters move on and new ones arrive, the franchise remains a mirror of the city it portrays: resilient, diverse, complicated, and always human. So mark your calendars—because when the fall TV season begins, Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med are ready to remind you why Wednesday nights still belong to Chicago.