While the federal agents of New York and the firefighters of Edgewater are navigating their own high-stakes dramas, the streets of the Windy City are about to get a whole lot hotter. NBC has officially confirmed that the “One Chicago” trifecta is returning next week, ending a tense winter hiatus with a bang.
On Wednesday, January 14, 2026, Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D. will resume their seasons, picking up from the cliffhangers that left fans reeling in late 2025.
What to Expect: The January 2026 Resurgence
The January return is set to be “explosive,” with NBC teasing major shifts across all three shows. Much like the current themes in FBI and Fire Country, the Chicago universe is leaning heavily into institutional shake-ups and personal peril.
Chicago Med (8:00 PM ET)
The medical drama returns to deal with the fallout of the emergency room’s leadership crisis. Following the midseason departure of several key staff members, Archer and Asher must find a way to keep Gaffney Chicago Medical Center from collapsing under the weight of new hospital regulations. Rumors of a major newcomer joining the trauma team are already sparking debate among fans.
Chicago Fire (9:00 PM ET)
The flagship series returns to resolve the cliffhanger involving Firehouse 51’s new leadership. With Pascal’s past finally catching up to him, Kidd and Severide find themselves caught in a professional crossfire. The premiere, titled “The Rising Smoke,” suggests that a massive structural fire will force the team to put aside their internal differences—or risk losing one of their own.
Chicago P.D. (10:00 PM ET)
Intelligence is heading into its darkest territory yet. Voight’s recent brushes with the law have left him more isolated than ever, and Burgess and Ruzek are facing a “make-or-break” moment in their relationship. The January premiere will focus on a high-stakes undercover operation that goes south, putting a veteran detective in the line of fire.
The “January Jolt” vs. The Olympic Hiatus
While “One Chicago” is returning next week to provide a solid month of new content, fans should be aware that the schedule will shift again in February. Just like the CBS lineup (Fire Country and FBI), NBC will pause its scripted dramas during the 2026 Winter Olympics.
The Strategy: NBC is front-loading these January episodes to create a “Jolt” of momentum, ensuring that the cliffhangers resolved next week will lead into even bigger mysteries that will conclude later in the spring.
Why Fans Are Buzzing
The January 14 return marks a significant moment for Dick Wolf fans. With FBI dealing with “shocking returns” and One Chicago delivering “explosive” premieres, the crossover of themes is undeniable:
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The Death of Mentors: Much like the mourning of Vince Leone in Fire Country, Chicago Fire continues to navigate the post-Boden era.
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The Threat to Partners: Just as OA’s life is on the line in FBI, Chicago P.D. is hinting at a major exit for a series regular.
