21 One Chicago character returns confirmed in new Chicago Fire, Med, and PD key art md19

As the highly anticipated new seasons of the One Chicago franchise approach—Season 14 of Chicago Fire, Season 11 of Chicago Med, and Season 13 of Chicago P.D.—NBC has delivered a powerful piece of assurance to fans: the new promotional key art has confirmed the return of 21 main characters across the three shows. In a television landscape marked by budget cuts and frequent cast shake-ups, this massive confirmation provides a much-needed sense of stability and a clear look at the core ensembles anchoring the Dick Wolf universe for another year of high-stakes drama.

The key art, a crucial piece of promotional material that defines the main cast for the upcoming seasons, serves as the definitive roster. While the One Chicago universe has recently bid farewell to several familiar faces, this unveiling underscores the commitment to the long-standing fan favorites who form the backbone of Firehouse 51, Gaffney Chicago Medical Center, and the Intelligence Unit.


Chicago Fire (Season 14): The Eight at Firehouse 51

Chicago Fire is navigating one of its biggest cast overhauls in years, losing major players like Daniel Kyri’s Darren Ritter and Jake Lockett’s Sam Carver. However, the Season 14 key art strategically highlights the eight returning series regulars who will lead Firehouse 51 through its next chapter, ensuring the heart of the show remains intact.

The Confirmed Firehouse 51 Returns (8 Characters):

  1. Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney): The Squad 3 Lieutenant remains the central anchor of Fire, continuing his investigations and his marriage to Stella Kidd.
  2. Stella Kidd (Miranda Rae Mayo): Lieutenant Kidd is front and center, focusing on her leadership role on Truck 81 and the latest developments in her personal life.
  3. Christopher Herrmann (David Eigenberg): Herrmann’s presence confirms his return to the Engine, following his decision regarding the Captain’s exam.
  4. Joe Cruz (Joe Minoso): The Squad 3 veteran and Severide’s right-hand man continues his foundational role at 51.
  5. Randall “Mouch” McHolland (Christian Stolte): Mouch’s survival of his dramatic Season 13 cliffhanger is confirmed, securing the veteran’s spot on the roster.
  6. Violet Mikami (Hanako Greensmith): The PIC (Paramedic in Charge) on Ambulance 61 remains a vital part of the firehouse, despite the abrupt exit of her on-screen love interest, Sam Carver.
  7. Lyla Novak (Jocelyn Hudon): Having been promoted to a series regular, Novak officially solidifies her position as Violet’s new partner on Ambulance 61.
  8. Battalion Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney): Chief Pascal, who was introduced in Season 13, continues his leadership role at 51, promising continued dynamic shifts at the house.

Notable Absence: The key art’s deliberate focus on these eight confirms the previously announced departures. The notable exclusion of new cast additions, like Sal Vasquez (Brandon Larracuente), is a common practice for One Chicago promotional art, which often prioritizes established main cast members.


Chicago Med (Season 11): Seven Pillars of Gaffney

Gaffney Chicago Medical Center is also facing changes with the recent departure of an original series regular. The Chicago Med Season 11 key art, however, reassures fans by showcasing the seven main characters who will be navigating the crises of the Emergency Department and the hospital’s administration.

The Confirmed Gaffney Returns (7 Characters):

  1. Sharon Goodwin (S. Epatha Merkerson): The Head of Patient and Medical Services remains the unwavering moral compass of the show.
  2. Dr. Daniel Charles (Oliver Platt): The Chief of Psychiatry and a beloved original cast member continues to provide his insightful guidance.
  3. Dr. Dean Archer (Steven Weber): Archer’s ongoing tenure as the ED Chief is confirmed, as he continues to balance his complex professional and personal challenges.
  4. Dr. Hannah Asher (Jessy Schram): Dr. Asher remains a key figure in the ED, with her Season 10 pregnancy reveal setting up one of the major storylines for the upcoming season.
  5. Dr. Mitch Ripley (Luke Mitchell): The rising star doctor, whose past dramas have been central to recent plots, is a confirmed return.
  6. Dr. Caitlin Lenox (Sarah Ramos): Having joined the show in Season 10, Dr. Lenox’s inclusion in the key art confirms her elevated importance within the hospital’s narrative.
  7. Dr. John Frost (Darren Barnet): The newest surgical resident is confirmed to be deepening his role, suggesting more interactions and potential crossover romances, as recently rumored.

The Major Hole: The key art clearly confirms the absence of Maggie Lockwood (Marlyne Barrett), who will be taking a leave from the show. This signifies a major shift, as Maggie was one of the last remaining original cast members. Her story will be a focal point of the premiere, likely setting up a non-fatal exit that leaves the door open for her return.


Chicago P.D. (Season 13): The Six of Intelligence

The Intelligence Unit has maintained a relatively stable core ensemble compared to its sister shows, which is reflected in the Chicago P.D. Season 13 key art. The art confirms the return of six main actors, ensuring the gritty, character-driven focus of the police procedural will continue under the leadership of its legendary Sergeant.

The Confirmed Intelligence Returns (6 Characters):

  1. Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe): The leader of the Intelligence Unit remains the show’s undisputed center, navigating the moral complexities of policing in Chicago.
  2. Officer Kevin Atwater (LaRoyce Hawkins): Atwater’s confirmed return means his ongoing development as a principled and ethical officer will continue to be a main theme.
  3. Officer Adam Ruzek (Patrick John Flueger): Ruzek’s critical Season 12 injury cliffhanger is resolved by his inclusion in the key art, confirming his recovery and return to active duty.
  4. Officer Kim Burgess (Marina Squerciati): Burgess, a vital emotional core of the series, is back to continue her work with Intelligence and her family life with Ruzek and Makayla.
  5. Officer Dante Torres (Benjamin Levy Aguilar): Torres solidifies his place as the newest member of the core unit, ready to take on a larger role in the team’s operations.
  6. Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt (Amy Morton): Platt, the heart of the 21st District, is confirmed to continue her unique, supervisory role.

The Unit’s Evolution: Similar to the other shows, the promotional art does not feature new addition Officer Eva Imani (Arienne Mandi). Her arrival is set to fill the gap left by the recent departure of Toya Turner’s Kiana Cook, ensuring the Intelligence Unit remains fully staffed and ready to tackle the city’s toughest cases.


A United Front: What the 21 Returns Mean for One Chicago

The 21 confirmed returning characters across the three key art posters collectively send a message of creative stability and confidence from NBC and Wolf Entertainment. In the face of budget-related cuts that have impacted supporting cast members, the decision to prominently feature and retain the most deeply established characters speaks to the network’s understanding of the value of veteran stability in a long-running franchise.

Fans can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that their favorite relationships—from Stellaride on Fire to Burgess and Ruzek on P.D., and the professional dynamics between Goodwin and Dr. Charles on Med—are all set to continue. As the One Chicago shows move into their respective new seasons, the focus will undoubtedly be on these familiar faces as they welcome new colleagues and tackle the high-octane calls and intense personal arcs that have made Chicago Wednesday a television staple for over a decade. The new key art is not just a poster; it is a guarantee that the core of One Chicago is stronger than ever.

Rate this post