The One Chicago universe’s long-awaited crossover, In the Trenches, united Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD in a thrilling three-hour event. The explosive storyline began

with a devastating gas explosion at a government building, prompting first responders from all three series to team up in a race against time. The action intensified when

Chicago Fire’s Stella Kidd and Chicago PD’s Adam Ruzek found themselves trapped on an underground train, raising the stakes even higher.

While the crossover delivered intense drama and high-stakes action, it disappointed fans by sidelining Chicago Med, despite its recent surge in popularity. Once considered the secondary show in the franchise, Chicago Med has overtaken Chicago Fire in ratings, making its minimal presence in the crossover a frustrating oversight.

Chicago Med’s Rising Popularity Deserved More Screen Time

Historically, Chicago Fire has led the One Chicago franchise in viewership, with Chicago Med and Chicago PD trailing behind. However, the latest ratings tell a different story. During the 2024–2025 season, Chicago Med has emerged as the most-watched show in the franchise, averaging 5.783 million viewers per episode. This puts it ahead of Chicago Fire (5.684 million) and far beyond Chicago PD (4.571 million), which has seen a decline in viewership.

Despite this success, Chicago Med played only a minor role in the crossover. The main storyline heavily focused on the rescue and police investigation, leaving the doctors and nurses with little to do beyond treating the injured. While medical personnel are essential in any emergency, their presence in In the Trenches felt like an afterthought rather than an integral part of the plot.

Chicago Med’s Characters Were Pushed to the Background

While Chicago Fire and Chicago PD characters led the action, Chicago Med’s key players were given little significance. The crossover revolved around the heroics of Kidd, Ruzek, and Trudy Platt, sidelining doctors like Frost, Weber, and Lenox. Instead of participating in pivotal moments, Chicago Med’s characters were relegated to background roles, patching up patients without making a real impact on the crisis.

Considering Chicago Med’s growing fanbase, this lack of involvement felt like a major missed opportunity. The show’s gripping medical cases and emotional character arcs have contributed to its rise in popularity. A more balanced approach could have given Chicago Med’s doctors a central role in the story, showcasing their expertise under pressure rather than limiting them to standard hospital scenes.

Final Thoughts

While In the Trenches delivered on action and suspense, it failed to do justice to Chicago Med’s significance within the franchise. With the show now leading in ratings, future crossovers should strive for better balance, ensuring that all three series contribute equally to the overarching narrative. The high-intensity medical cases on Chicago Med are just as gripping as fire rescues and police chases, proving that its characters deserve the spotlight in One Chicago’s biggest events.