There’s both exciting and slightly worrying news for fans of NBC’s long-running One Chicago franchise, which includes Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D..
Let’s start with the positive side of things: all three hit dramas are widely expected to be renewed once again in the coming weeks. While these shows continue to perform strongly in ratings and remain some of NBC’s most consistent primetime successes, the current television landscape has proven that even popular series are no longer guaranteed safety purely based on viewership alone. In recent years, networks have surprised audiences by canceling successful shows for financial reasons rather than performance — a reminder that behind-the-scenes economics often matter more than fan demand.
Fortunately, early expectations suggest that the One Chicago lineup will return for new seasons — with Chicago Fire potentially heading into Season 15, Chicago Med into Season 12, and Chicago P.D. into Season 14. However, this renewal may come with a major catch.
Reports indicate that the anticipated renewals are likely to be accompanied by another round of budget cuts, which could significantly impact multiple aspects of production. These financial adjustments may affect how many episodes series regulars appear in throughout the season, the total number of episodes ordered by the network, and even the long-term stability of certain cast members.
Fans of the franchise are already familiar with the consequences of cost-cutting measures. In recent seasons, several main characters have missed multiple episodes as a way to reduce production expenses. Should deeper budget reductions be implemented moving forward, it’s possible that absences may become more frequent — or even be written into the narrative through injuries, suspensions, undercover assignments, or temporary leave from duty.
Perhaps the most concerning possibility tied to these financial changes is the risk of further cast shakeups. The current seasons of all three shows have already seen notable departures, particularly within Chicago Fire, which experienced multiple exits this year alone. With NBC continuing to look for ways to manage production costs across its scripted lineup, additional departures across the franchise could occur in the months ahead.
As for episode counts, previous concerns suggested that upcoming seasons might be shortened to around 20 episodes. While recent seasons still managed to maintain 21-episode orders, any future reductions would likely be minimal — and even a slightly shorter season would remain longer than many broadcast dramas currently airing today.
In short, while the future of One Chicago appears secure for now, it may come at the cost of tighter budgets, fewer appearances from beloved characters, and potentially more casting changes — a trade-off that could reshape the franchise in subtle but significant ways moving forward.