In a surprising move that few saw coming, NBC has officially extended its powerhouse One Chicago franchise ahead of its Fall 2025 return—renewing all three core shows (Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med) for additional seasons even before the current ones have aired. The announcement has sent shockwaves through the fandom and industry alike, reaffirming that One Chicago remains one of television’s most unshakable scripted universes.

While fans were gearing up for new fall episodes, NBC quietly dropped a bombshell in early June 2025: all three One Chicago series have been extended through the 2026–2027 television season. That’s a two-season renewal for Chicago Fire (Season 14 and 15), Chicago P.D. (Season 13 and 14), and Chicago Med (Season 11 and 12)—a move that effectively secures the franchise’s place on the network schedule for the next several years. Such long-term extensions are rare in today’s entertainment landscape, where many networks prefer to renew one season at a time. This bold commitment not only bucks that trend but also signals that NBC sees One Chicago as more than just reliable—it’s irreplaceable.

There are several reasons why NBC would lock in this extension months in advance:

1. Stellar Ratings Stability: While many network dramas have seen viewership decline in the streaming age, One Chicago has remained one of the top performers in its time slots. All three shows consistently dominate Wednesday nights and perform well in delayed viewing on Peacock.
2. Streaming Success: With NBCUniversal’s streaming platform Peacock hosting One Chicago, the franchise has become a cornerstone of its digital strategy. Binge-worthy and episodic in equal measure, the shows continue to attract both loyal viewers and newcomers.
3. Production Efficiency: Renewing early gives showrunners and cast members long-term stability, allowing for deeper storytelling arcs, character planning, and fewer contract disruptions. It’s also a signal to cast and crew that NBC is all in.
4. Franchise Synergy: With crossovers and universe-wide storylines continuing to be a huge draw, the early extension ensures that none of the shows will be prematurely cut off—allowing for interwoven plots to flourish without fear of cancellation.

Could we finally see more crossover love stories? Will beloved but departed characters make surprise returns? What new tragedies, triumphs, and transformations await the teams at Firehouse 51, Med, and the 21st District? The early renewal has created a new wave of excitement, breathing fresh life into a franchise that’s always managed to evolve without losing its core identity.

The early extension casts a long and exciting shadow over the upcoming 2025–2026 season. With renewal already secured, writers can take bigger risks, knowing they have time to play out complex plots. Expect more long-form storytelling, high-stakes character development, and possibly even cliffhangers that won’t be wrapped up in a single season.

NBC has also hinted that Fall 2025 will kick off with a massive three-hour crossover event—possibly the biggest in One Chicago history. Rumors point to a city-wide blackout that affects Med, Fire, and P.D. simultaneously, challenging each team in ways they’ve never faced before. With this extension, NBC is not just preserving One Chicago—it’s positioning it for a renaissance. The network’s faith in the franchise is now clear, and so is its desire to make the universe even more ambitious.

There are whispers of new experimental projects being discussed within NBCUniversal: a streaming-exclusive miniseries, a one-off movie event, and even potential for a spinoff centered on younger first responders entering the Chicago scene. Nothing is confirmed, but with the main three shows locked in through 2027, there’s plenty of creative space to experiment.

In a television era dominated by uncertainty and abrupt cancellations, NBC’s surprise One Chicago extension is a comforting reminder that quality, consistency, and fan loyalty still matter. This isn’t just a business decision—it’s a reward for the millions of viewers who’ve made Wednesday nights their One Chicago ritual. Whether you’re a die-hard from day one or a recent convert, this news means one thing: you’re going to be seeing a lot more of Chicago’s finest, bravest, and most brilliant for years to come.