Despite a flurry of criticism surrounding NBC’s recent renewal decisions, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire are proving that popularity still burns hot — even under pressure. Following the announcement that both shows would return for another season, albeit amid controversial cast shake-ups and uncertain futures, both One Chicago hits have experienced a massive spike in streaming viewership across major platforms. According to industry analytics, streaming numbers for both shows jumped by over 30% in the weeks following the renewal news. While some of this interest can be attributed to standard end-of-season buzz, insiders point to the recent backlash — and fan curiosity — as major drivers of the sudden surge.

Earlier this year, NBC officially renewed Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med for the 2025–26 season. On paper, this looked like a victory lap for the long-running procedural trio. But beneath the surface, fans were already simmering with frustration. For Chicago P.D., the departure of another main cast member just before Season 13 sparked outrage, with fans feeling blindsided by yet another emotional goodbye. The fact that the renewal came without clarity about who would return only made matters worse.

Following the controversy, both Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire began to climb the charts on platforms like Peacock, Hulu, and Netflix (where international rights exist). According to Nielsen data, episodes of both shows re-entered the Top 10 most-watched television rankings, with binge-watching trends spanning all seasons — not just the most recent.

Many viewers who hadn’t watched in a while came back to “see what the fuss was about.” Others who were new to the One Chicago universe saw headlines and dove in for the first time. For longtime fans, the backlash sparked nostalgia — and a desire to rewatch earlier seasons before big changes hit in Season 13. The secret sauce behind Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire’s streaming resurgence is the strength of the fandom. These shows aren’t just weekly episodes — they’re comfort food. They’re community. They’re appointment viewing turned all-day marathons.

When change happens — whether it’s a departure, a renewal, or a major twist — fans process that change by re-engaging with the world they love. That means streaming old episodes, revisiting favorite character arcs, and remembering why they fell in love with the show in the first place. It also means rallying. In Facebook groups and on Reddit threads, fans are encouraging each other not to “boycott” the shows but to “watch smarter.” Many are advocating for NBC to hear their voices through numbers — proving they’ll watch, but demanding better storylines and more respectful exits for beloved characters.

While the renewal announcement was met with controversy, the subsequent streaming bump might be exactly what NBC hoped for. Television today isn’t just about live ratings — it’s about engagement, digital buzz, and long-term viewer retention. By renewing both shows amid high fan emotion, NBC has sparked exactly the kind of passionate reaction that keeps a franchise alive. Additionally, with the Writers Guild and SAG-AFTRA strikes still fresh in Hollywood’s memory, broadcasters are more interested than ever in shows with built-in loyalty and deep content libraries — and few series offer that better than One Chicago.

With Season 13 of Chicago P.D. and Season 13 of Chicago Fire on the way, all eyes are on how showrunners will respond to the backlash. Will they bring back fan favorites? Introduce compelling new characters? Or lean into high-stakes drama to keep viewers hooked? Showrunner Gwen Sigan recently teased in an interview that Chicago P.D. will be exploring “uncharted emotional ground” next season, while Chicago Fire plans to focus more on interpersonal relationships in the wake of the latest departures.

The lesson here is clear: even controversial decisions can’t extinguish the fire of a dedicated fandom. Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire may be facing creative crossroads, but their popularity has never been in question. As we head into new seasons full of change, heartbreak, and redemption, one thing remains certain — these shows aren’t just surviving controversy. They’re feeding off it, climbing higher, and proving that in the world of One Chicago, the fans always have the final word.