The One Chicago universe has already secured its place as one of television’s most successful shared franchises. With Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med delivering gripping storylines, emotional arcs, and cross-show connections week after week, the franchise has become the crown jewel of procedural drama on network TV. But now, a bold new chapter is on the horizon. With whispers from producers, hints from cast members, and moves behind the scenes at NBC, it’s becoming increasingly clear: the One Chicago universe is preparing for a major expansion—one that stretches beyond the current trio and into fresh territory that could redefine what fans have come to expect.
For over a decade, One Chicago has built a rich, interconnected world anchored in the city’s first responders. From the burning buildings and camaraderie of Firehouse 51, to the high-stakes trauma bays of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, and the gritty investigations handled by Intelligence in Chicago P.D., viewers have watched a living, breathing city unfold on screen. But what’s next?
According to insiders close to the franchise, NBC is exploring new spinoff ideas that could go beyond traditional emergency services. One of the most discussed possibilities is a legal drama tentatively referred to as Chicago Justice 2.0. This wouldn’t be the first time the franchise dipped into the courtroom; the short-lived Chicago Justice aired for one season in 2017. However, the new iteration is said to have a darker, more serialized tone—more in line with The Lincoln Lawyer or Suits than your typical procedural. With themes exploring police accountability, systemic injustice, and legal ethics, it could provide a necessary counterbalance to the sometimes black-and-white world of crime solving.
But legal drama isn’t the only direction under discussion. Another concept gaining traction is a series centered on Chicago City Hall, focusing on local politics, governance, and the decisions that shape the lives of the people served by the medics, firefighters, and cops we’ve already come to know. Imagine a weekly drama about aldermen, mayors, and city departments—one that reflects the real-life tensions between politics and public service. It could be a natural fit for crossovers and moral dilemmas, and might even provide a home for familiar faces who’ve stepped out of their original shows.
In addition, there’s buzz around a potential Chicago Rescue spinoff, which would spotlight the city’s elite search-and-rescue unit. While we’ve seen these teams occasionally on Chicago Fire, a dedicated series would offer fans even higher-stakes rescues—from collapsed buildings and natural disasters to missing persons cases and water rescues in Lake Michigan. The concept could inject the franchise with blockbuster energy and even allow for some globe-trotting stories if the team is deployed for major disasters elsewhere.
