As the curtains close on another season of NBC’s One Chicago trio — Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. — fans are left reeling, reflecting, and most importantly, ranking. Each series delivered its own brand of heartbreak, triumph, and shock in its finale, leaving audiences with more questions than answers. But among the explosive rescues, emotional diagnoses, and gut-wrenching betrayals, one question burns brighter than a fire at Firehouse 51: Which One Chicago finale was the best this year?
Whether you’re drawn to the high-stakes intensity of Chicago Fire, the pulse-pounding drama of Chicago P.D., or the emotional complexity of Chicago Med, each show brought its A-game in different ways. Let’s break down all three finales — their best moments, biggest shocks, and lingering questions — and decide which one truly stood out in the 2025 season.
Chicago Fire Season 12 ended not with a literal explosion, but an emotional one. After a turbulent year filled with change, loss, and rebuilding, the finale delivered a story that tugged at the heart more than it dazzled with action. Standout Moment: The emotional farewell to Chief Wallace Boden, who officially transitioned out of his day-to-day duties. Watching 51 salute their longtime leader was a moment fans will never forget. What Hit Hardest: The realization that beloved characters like Ritter and Carver were no longer part of the regular team. The firehouse looked and felt different — and that’s exactly what the finale wanted to remind us. Fire is ever-changing.
Lingering Questions: Will the new additions, like Jack Damon and Lyla Novak, earn their place at 51? And will Stella and Severide’s personal arc finally lead to the family future they keep dancing around? Finale Verdict: Emotional, character-driven, and a respectful nod to legacy. Not the flashiest finale, but perhaps the most mature and grounded of the three. Chicago Med Season 10 wrapped with a deeply human episode that blended the emotional weight of personal loss with the tension of medical uncertainty. In many ways, it was a return to what Med does best: telling stories that feel both intimate and universal.
Standout Moment: Dr. Crockett Marcel’s painful decision to walk away after losing a patient and questioning his place at Gaffney. It was subtle but packed with emotional resonance — a quiet exit that said everything without needing a grand gesture. What Hit Hardest: Hannah Asher’s uncertainty about her future, especially as she steps into a potential leadership role. Watching her balance addiction recovery with the pressures of hospital life has been a highlight of the season.
Lingering Questions: Who will fill the gaps left by departing staff? Will Dr. Charles continue to be the emotional core of the show, or will newer characters rise to take center stage? Finale Verdict: Understated, emotional, and powerful in its quiet moments. The Med finale might not have had the most shocking twist, but it left a deep impression on longtime viewers. If Chicago Fire burned slowly and Chicago Med healed gently, Chicago P.D. went out like a grenade in the middle of the precinct. Season 12 ended in pure chaos — with two Intelligence Unit members fired, relationships shattered, and Voight questioning his ability to lead.
Standout Moment: The official dismissal of two IU members — a decision that sent shockwaves through the fandom and fundamentally altered the makeup of the team. What Hit Hardest: Watching Voight, usually unshakable, completely unmoored by the team’s collapse. His silent breakdown as he watched the office empty was one of Jason Beghe’s best performances to date. Lingering Questions: Who will replace the fired officers? Is the Intelligence Unit heading toward self-destruction — or renewal? And what does this mean for the always-tenuous bond between Voight and his crew?
