The “One Chicago” Wednesday has been a television institution for over a decade, but a recent announcement from NBC regarding the 2026-2027 season has sent the fandom into a tailspin. In a move that few saw coming, the network has revealed a massive restructuring of the Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med lineup that is being described as the biggest gamble in the franchise’s history.
While the “Chicago” brand isn’t disappearing, the way we consume it is about to change forever, and “shock” is the only word to describe the reaction across social media.
The Big Move: Breaking Up the Trilogy?
For years, the three shows have aired back-to-back-to-back, creating a seamless three-hour block of television. However, NBC’s 2026 schedule indicates a significant departure from the “All-Chicago Wednesday” tradition.
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The Schedule Shift: Rumors suggest that NBC is considering moving one of the flagship shows to a different night or rotating the series to make room for new high-budget dramas. The idea of a Wednesday night without all three shows together has left fans feeling like an era is ending.
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Streaming Priority: Industry insiders hint that NBC/Peacock may be shifting one of the series to be a Peacock Exclusive in 2026. This would follow the trend set by other major procedurals, but for a fanbase used to broadcast accessibility, the “paywall” move is a major point of contention.
Major Cast Shake-Ups: The “Final” Goodbye?
The “shock” also stems from a series of cryptic teasers released by NBC during their upfront presentations. Several key contracts for long-term stars are reportedly up for renewal in 2026, and the network’s messaging has leaned heavily on themes of “New Beginnings” and “The Final Fire.”
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Speculation on Leads: With David Eigenberg (Herrmann) already having made his emotional exit, fans are terrified that Jason Beghe (Voight) or Taylor Kinney (Severide) might be next. NBC’s refusal to confirm the full returning cast for the late 2026 season has only fueled the fire.
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A New “Chicago” Spin-Off?: There are whispers that NBC is looking to “reboot” the franchise energy by introducing a fourth “Chicago” series—potentially Chicago Law (revisited) or Chicago Dispatch—while scaling back the episode counts of the original three.
The Fan Response: “End of an Era”
The hashtag #OneChicago2026 has been trending since the announcement, with fans expressing a mix of anger, sadness, and confusion. For many, these shows aren’t just entertainment; they are a weekly ritual.
“You can’t just break up the Wednesday block,” one viral post read. “It’s like breaking up a family. If NBC moves Chicago P.D. to Thursdays or puts it on Peacock only, they’re going to lose the soul of the franchise.”
What We Know for Sure
Despite the shock, NBC has been careful to state that the “Chicago” universe remains their most valuable asset. The changes are being framed as a way to “ensure the longevity” of the brands in a changing media landscape.
While the 2026 season will look different, the network is promising “the most ambitious crossover event ever” to kick off the new era, involving all three (or four) shows in a week-long narrative that will reportedly “change the city of Chicago forever.”
