NBC’s One Chicago franchise has long been one of the network’s most consistent performers, delivering gripping, character-driven drama across Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D.. But as the television industry shifts and networks tighten their belts, even the most successful series aren’t immune to change. NBC has recently announced broad cost-cutting measures, and while they might seem like just another network strategy, they’re poised to have very real consequences on the shows millions of fans tune into each week.
The most immediate and visible change will likely be in season length. Traditionally, One Chicago shows run for about 22 episodes per season, offering long arcs and plenty of time for character development, intense rescues, hospital drama, and gritty police investigations. In 2025, however, that number is expected to drop to around 13–16 episodes. While this might seem like bad news on the surface, it could actually lead to more tightly written, impactful storytelling, as writers will be pushed to make every moment count. The longer seasons often required filler content; the new, trimmed structure may result in leaner, stronger narratives.
But the changes don’t stop there. Ensemble casts are a staple of each One Chicago show, and these sprawling teams come with equally large payrolls. NBC’s budget measures are expected to affect casting decisions across all three shows. We may see fewer regulars and more recurring characters, with certain fan-favorite actors appearing in limited arcs instead of full seasons. This isn’t necessarily about popularity or performance—it’s about logistics and budgets. Recurring roles are less expensive for the network, and with tighter purse strings, tough calls will need to be made.
Take Chicago P.D., for example. Over the past couple of seasons, characters like Upton and Ruzek have had reduced screen time or were written out temporarily, allowing space for the story to evolve and budgets to adjust. That pattern may become more prominent. On Chicago Med, where doctors and nurses frequently come and go, the transition could feel more natural. However, fans of Chicago Fire may struggle with changes to Squad 3 or Engine 51, especially if any core characters depart or are featured less.
Another significant area impacted by cost-cutting is action. These series are known for explosive sequences—building collapses, high-speed pursuits, fiery rescues, and shootouts that rival action films. These moments are incredibly expensive to produce, requiring stunt teams, special effects, permits for on-location shooting, and extensive coordination. While we can still expect danger and tension, the frequency and scale of these scenes may shrink. Instead, we may see more “bottle episodes”—contained stories that take place in a single location, focusing more on character interaction than spectacle. These episodes are cheaper to produce and can be just as emotionally compelling.
Production is also being streamlined behind the scenes. NBC is reportedly coordinating production schedules more tightly across the One Chicago universe, allowing for cross-show efficiency. This could actually increase crossover opportunities, as it will be easier to film scenes that blend storylines between Fire, Med, and P.D. while minimizing production costs. More integrated storytelling might emerge as a natural result of these efficiency efforts.
At the same time, NBC is expected to rely more heavily on data to drive decisions. Ratings, social media engagement, and audience feedback will become increasingly important in determining which characters and storylines survive. If a particular character sees a dip in popularity or engagement, they might be written out more quickly than before. Conversely, beloved legacy characters could be brought back in guest appearances to boost viewership. There have already been rumors of former characters returning for one-off storylines or milestone episodes—less expensive than full-time contracts but emotionally satisfying for longtime fans.
