One Chicago crossovers have been a major part of every season of Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med. The last crossover took place during the 2019-2020 season. At that time, all three series crossed over for the “Infection” storyline, which saw a major outbreak of deadly flesh-eating bacteria. During the same season, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. also had a crossover without Chicago Med. Since then, while characters from each series have made brief appearances outside of their One Chicago shows, there have been no official One Chicago crossovers. Previous One Chicago crossovers have also involved Law & Order: SVU.
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Chicago Fire showrunner Andrea Newman talked about the possibility of a One Chicago crossover this season, saying, “It’s something we’d love to do, and I’m sure there will be discussions about it at some point this season.” Newman previously spoke about the fact that outside factors have hindered the possibility of bringing back crossover events, saying, “The season was shortened because of the strike, and we really didn’t have a lot of time.”
Traditionally, crossovers have been an opportunity to bring together characters from each of the One Chicago series. While characters from all three series have often made brief appearances in shows they don’t belong to, a proper crossover allows the series to showcase their best sides. The mini-crossovers serve as a reminder that this universe is connected, and that these fictional first responders often work closely together, even if they don’t always share the screen. While these mini-crossovers can be fun on their own, they don’t have the scope of a full-blown crossover.
One Chicago crossovers are also an opportunity for first responders to work together in ways they normally wouldn’t. These stories are an opportunity to tell larger stories in the One Chicago universe, like the beginning of a potential pandemic or a murderous doctor who intentionally mistreats a patient. The crossovers are also turning points for characters across all three series. In the past, tragedies in these crossovers have brought the respective teams closer together. Some of the most dramatic moments in the One Chicago universe have occurred in crossovers.
The relationships within the One Chicago universe are also highlighted whenever the characters work together in crossover episodes. The team dynamics are on full display as the characters are forced to work to the best of their abilities. The larger narrative introduced in One Chicago crossover episodes allows the teams to use resources they would not normally have available. These crossover episodes are essential to wrapping up previously established storylines in each series. They also set up new trajectories for the characters in each series.
With the COVID-19 pandemic-related delays and the writers and actors strike now in the past, the One Chicago universe has returned to its regular network television schedule. This means there are now many opportunities to bring crossover events back. These crossover events are the ones that define the One Chicago seasons. This could bring together these teams, which have undergone significant changes recently. A new crossover could highlight the strengths of these new teams.
In this regard, previous One Chicago crossover events have revolved around existing relationships between characters. Since so much has changed in the One Chicago universe, any crossover story would have to explore new dynamics between these characters who have yet to interact with each other. This would be an opportunity for newer characters to prove themselves. Seeing new characters from each series interact with newer and established characters from other series could be beneficial to the universe as a whole.
