The highly anticipated One Chicago crossover event is set to shake up the franchise’s usual schedule on January 29, 2025. While Chicago Med typically airs first on Wednesday nights, NBC has made a strategic decision to switch things up, allowing Chicago Fire to kick off the action. But why the change?
This marks the first full-fledged One Chicago crossover in five years, as the franchise temporarily halted large-scale events after the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming three-hour special, titled “In the Trenches,” will see characters from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago PD working together to handle a devastating gas explosion at a government building.
Why Chicago Fire Is Taking Over Med’s Timeslot
For one night only, the usual One Chicago lineup is shifting. Instead of Chicago Med leading the evening, Chicago Fire will air first at 8 PM ET, followed by Chicago Med at 9 PM ET, and Chicago PD maintaining its usual 10 PM ET slot. Regular programming will resume on February 5.
This isn’t the first time NBC has made a scheduling change for a crossover event. The previous full One Chicago crossover in 2019 also had Chicago Fire airing before Chicago Med. Additionally, crossovers between Chicago Fire and Chicago PD have occasionally switched the usual sequence to better align with the unfolding story.
The Story Begins with Firehouse 51
The decision to start the 2025 crossover with Chicago Fire is all about narrative flow. The episode will open with Firehouse 51 responding to the initial emergency—a catastrophic gas explosion. Since Chicago Fire naturally deals with first responders answering distress calls, it makes sense for the show to kick off the action.
From there, as victims are rescued, Chicago Med will take over, showing the doctors at Gaffney Medical Center working tirelessly to save lives. Finally, Chicago PD will handle the investigation, tracking down those responsible for the disaster.
If Chicago Med were to air first, the episode would likely have to rely on flashbacks to explain how victims arrived at the hospital, making the storytelling more complicated. Keeping the sequence in real-time provides a smoother, more immersive viewing experience.
A Classic One Chicago Formula
This crossover’s structure mirrors many past events, where Firehouse 51 answers an urgent call, leading to medical emergencies at Gaffney and police investigations by the Intelligence Unit. This seamless transition between departments is a hallmark of the franchise, making the crossovers feel natural and engaging.
While Chicago Fire doesn’t always take the lead in the franchise’s weekly schedule, it almost always does during these high-stakes crossovers. This ensures that the action-packed emergencies are tackled in the correct order—first responders rescue, doctors treat, and detectives investigate.
With the One Chicago crossover finally making its return, fans can expect an intense, emotionally charged event that brings all three shows together in a way that hasn’t been seen since 2019.
