For over a decade, NBC’s One Chicago franchise has ruled Wednesday night television, captivating audiences with the intense medical emergencies of Chicago Med, the blazing heroics of Chicago Fire, and the gritty crime-fighting of Chicago P.D. Now, as Fall 2025 approaches, fans were expecting more of the same — but NBC has thrown a curveball that no one anticipated.

While NBC airs The Real Stories on broadcast, fans subscribed to Peacock will get something even more innovative: “One Chicago: In Their Shoes,” an interactive streaming special that allows viewers to follow multiple character POVs in a single high-stakes scenario. Think of it like a choose-your-own-adventure — but One Chicago style. The plot centers around a fictional blackout in the city of Chicago that simultaneously triggers medical emergencies, building fires, and mass looting. Viewers can select to follow Dr. Charles at Med, Severide at Firehouse 51, or Torres in Intelligence — switching between perspectives to experience the chaos from different angles.

Fans have long speculated about additional One Chicago spin-offs — including the ill-fated Chicago Justice, which was canceled after just one season. In recent interviews, franchise creator Dick Wolf has stated that any new project would have to “add something genuinely fresh to the brand,” rather than feel like more of the same. With streaming habits changing and audience attention spans shifting, NBC’s latest expansion offers something uniquely modern: a mix of documentary storytelling and interactive fiction that can engage both longtime fans and curious newcomers.

That’s the million-dollar question. While NBC hasn’t confirmed any traditional spin-offs for the 2025–2026 TV season, industry insiders believe these experimental One Chicago projects could serve as a testing ground. If the docudrama and interactive episode receive strong engagement, it could pave the way for other new formats, or even revival discussions for canceled shows like Chicago Justice.

Moreover, rumor has it that one character introduced in the interactive special might be getting significant screen time in upcoming episodes of Chicago P.D., sparking speculation that NBC may be testing fan response to a potential lead for a new future series. Yes, your favorites are involved. Chicago Fire’s Taylor Kinney (Severide), Chicago P.D.’s Jason Beghe (Voight), and Chicago Med’s S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin) are all slated to appear in both new projects — not as their characters per se, but as narrators, guides, and hosts offering commentary and insight.

Social media has exploded with mixed reactions to the announcement. While some fans are thrilled at the franchise’s evolution, others had been hoping for a more straightforward addition — like a new precinct or firehouse-focused series. But the general consensus is clear: people are intrigued. “One Chicago is pushing boundaries, and that’s what great TV should do,” tweeted one fan.

With a release window set for late October 2025, NBC is expected to drop new trailers and sneak peeks during the premiere week of its core shows. Merch tie-ins, exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, and even VR content are reportedly in development as well.

NBC’s One Chicago isn’t just surviving in a competitive TV landscape — it’s evolving. Rather than overextending the universe with another traditional spin-off, the franchise is boldly stepping into new formats that honor its legacy while redefining what a procedural drama can be. From a moving docudrama that celebrates real-life heroes to a groundbreaking interactive special that puts fans at the heart of the action, the future of One Chicago has never looked more exciting — or unpredictable.