Although all three One Chicago shows continue to perform well for NBC, Chicago Med has emerged as a quiet frontrunner this season. As Season 10 unfolds, the medical drama has pulled slightly ahead in ratings—outpacing longtime fan-favorite Chicago Fire for the first time in recent memory. While Fire remains a network staple, the shift in viewership is revealing, pointing to deeper trends shaping both shows’ trajectories.
Here are five key reasons why Chicago Med is gaining the upper hand over Chicago Fire in the battle for NBC’s primetime dominance.
5. Major Character Departures Have Weakened Chicago Fire
While character turnover is common in the One Chicago universe, Chicago Fire has endured some particularly tough losses in recent years. Fan-favorite leads like Matt Casey and Sylvie Brett exited after long tenures, with Casey only making periodic appearances leading up to Brett’s farewell. Their chemistry and emotional depth grounded the series for over a decade—and their absence has left a noticeable void.
Even more impactful was Chief Boden’s emotional departure at the end of Season 12. As Firehouse 51’s moral compass and longtime leader, Boden’s exit left the station in a transitional state under the leadership of Chief Dom Pascal. Meanwhile, familiar faces like Kelly Severide and Stella Kidd have had sporadic absences, while Herrmann and Mouch are navigating new roles. All these shifts have disrupted the tight-knit energy that once defined the show.
4. Chicago Med’s Fall Finale Delivered a Gripping Cliffhanger
Season 10 of Chicago Med has brought high-stakes drama back to the ER. The standout storyline this season involves Sharon Goodwin, the hospital’s medical director, who became the target of a stalker in a tense and emotional arc. The midseason finale delivered a shocking climax: Goodwin is attacked, only to be saved at the last moment by Dr. Dean Archer, who had been on the verge of quitting due to internal conflict with Dr. Caitlin Lennox.
This unexpected hero moment adds depth to Archer’s character and raises the stakes for his future at the hospital. With Goodwin now pleading for him to stay, fans are left eager to see whether he’ll recommit or walk away. This kind of high-tension storytelling has helped Chicago Med connect deeply with viewers this season.
3. Med’s Tenth Season Is Its Most Compelling Yet
Marking its 10th year on the air, Chicago Med is firing on all cylinders. While early episodes of the season trailed Fire in ratings, everything changed around episode five (airing on Halloween), when Med overtook Fire and hasn’t looked back since.
Why the shift? The show has masterfully blended long-running characters with new ones. Dr. Daniel Charles continues to bring psychological depth to every episode, as his clashes with nurse Jackie Nelson and a surprise reunion with Dr. Sarah Reese inject emotional tension into the psychiatric wing. Dr. Hannah Asher’s struggles with difficult pregnancies and a complicated relationship with Dr. Mitch Ripley further enhance the drama, while newcomer Dr. John Frost brings charisma and mystery with his former life as a child star.
It’s a perfect blend of fresh energy and legacy character development—and it’s paying off in viewership.
2. Severide’s Reduced Role Is Hurting Chicago Fire
A longtime pillar of Chicago Fire, Kelly Severide has had a diminished presence in Season 13. While his storyline started strong—especially in a promising partnership with Chief Pascal on an arson case—his absence from the fall finale raised questions about his future on the show.
As one of the show’s most versatile and beloved figures, Severide’s pull comes not only from his skill on the field but also from his relationships, especially with Stella. Without his regular presence, the emotional center of Firehouse 51 feels off-balance, and fans are left unsure of where the character—and the series—is heading.
1. Firefighting Drama Has Taken a Backseat in Chicago Fire
Though Chicago Fire is built on thrilling rescues and dramatic emergencies, Season 13 has leaned heavily into personal conflicts rather than high-stakes fire calls. Cases have become more routine, and some major arcs—like Pascal’s Miami backstory, Sam Carver and Violet’s breakup, and Herrmann and Mouch’s promotions—are character-focused rather than action-driven.
Meanwhile, storylines like Lizzie Novak’s family past and Joe Cruz’s early gang connections have only been hinted at but not explored in depth. With fewer standout fire or rescue cases anchoring the action, some fans feel the show has lost its adrenaline-fueled edge.
Final Thoughts
While Chicago Fire remains a key part of the One Chicago lineup, it’s clear that Chicago Med has gained a critical edge this season. With tighter character arcs, escalating tension, and high-stakes storytelling, Med has reminded viewers just how powerful hospital drama can be. Whether Fire will rebound in the back half of the season remains to be seen—but for now, Chicago Med is the show to beat.
