As 2024 draws to a close, fans of Chicago Fire have a major reason to celebrate. NBC’s iconic drama has ended the year as the network’s most-watched original series, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in television even in its 13th season.
Despite being a veteran show, Chicago Fire continues to dominate viewership charts. This season, the series has averaged 7.8 million total viewers, making it NBC’s top-rated non-sports program and the fourth most-watched drama across all broadcast television. While the viewership is down slightly from last season (an 8% dip), retaining the title of NBC’s most-watched original series is a testament to the enduring appeal of the first responder drama.
But Chicago Fire isn’t just a standalone success. It leads NBC’s “One Chicago” lineup, with Chicago Med and Chicago PD rounding out the network’s Top 3 most-watched non-sports shows. Season 10 of Chicago Med is averaging 7.4 million viewers, while Chicago PD Season 12 follows closely with 6.9 million. Notably, the audience gap between Chicago Med and Chicago Fire is the smallest it has been in four years, signaling renewed strength in the medical drama’s 10th season.
This winning streak extends beyond NBC. All three One Chicago shows have secured spots in the Top 10 most-watched and top-rated dramas of the season across all networks. Such achievements underscore the staying power of these series, which continue to deliver compelling storylines and consistently high ratings.
A Bright Future for the One Chicago Franchise
The ongoing success of the One Chicago lineup bodes well for its renewal prospects in 2025. Although NBC hasn’t made any official announcements yet, the numbers speak for themselves. The trio remains an undeniable asset for the network, and their status as NBC’s top-performing non-sports programs all but guarantees their return.
The highly anticipated crossover event in January is expected to give ratings an additional boost, setting the stage for potential season-high numbers. Moreover, Wolf Entertainment, the production company behind the franchise, is renowned for its cost-efficient operations, making the renewal of these shows a financially sound decision for NBC.
The only question that remains is whether NBC will opt for a single-season renewal or take a bigger gamble with a multi-season commitment. While the network has used both approaches in the past, the overwhelming success of the franchise makes its future at NBC appear secure.
As Chicago Fire leads the charge into another year, the series, alongside its sister shows, continues to prove that even after more than a decade on air, the One Chicago universe remains an unstoppable force in television.
