The One Chicago franchise—comprising Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—has long been a cornerstone of NBC’s primetime lineup. Known for its intense action, deep emotional arcs, and, critically, the stability of its ensemble casts, the franchise faced a period of rare uncertainty over the last few seasons. High-profile departures and contract negotiations often left the future of beloved characters hanging in the balance.
However, the latest news out of Wolf Entertainment is a monumental win for fans and the franchise’s long-term health: all remaining principal leads across all three One Chicago shows are confirmed to return next season. The most significant piece of this puzzle came with the successful negotiation of new contracts for a core trio of Chicago Fire stars, guaranteeing the heart and soul of Firehouse 51 remains intact.
This unprecedented level of cast continuity across the entire One Chicago universe signals a robust future and an end to the “will they or won’t they” drama surrounding key veteran actors.
Firehouse 51 Stays Intact: The Crucial Trio
While Chicago Fire has weathered the high-profile exits of Eamonn Walker (Chief Boden) and Jesse Spencer (Captain Casey) in recent years, the renewal of contracts for the current top-tier talent was paramount to maintaining the show’s equilibrium.
The successful deals were inked for three foundational members of the cast:
1. Taylor Kinney (Lieutenant Kelly Severide)
Kinney’s presence as Lieutenant Kelly Severide, the charismatic leader of Squad 3, is indispensable. Following a significant break from the show to deal with a personal matter, his Season 13 return was met with widespread relief. Severide’s recent storylines—including his marriage to Stella Kidd and new complications within his family life—have firmly re-established him as a central figure. Securing Kinney’s long-term commitment is the biggest step in ensuring the show’s continued top-tier dramatic tension and romantic plotlines. His new deal guarantees that the “Stellaride” storyline, a fan-favorite cornerstone, will continue to develop without interruption.
2. Miranda Rae Mayo (Lieutenant Stella Kidd)
Lieutenant Stella Kidd has grown exponentially, not just stepping up as Severide’s partner, but forging her own path as the influential Lieutenant of Truck 81 and co-founder of the “Girls on Fire” program. Miranda Rae Mayo has become one of the franchise’s most potent female leads. Her new contract secures the future of Truck 81’s leadership and ensures the show retains a powerful, empowering female voice at the core of Firehouse 51. Kidd is the linchpin that connects the new guard to the old, making Mayo’s return critical for narrative cohesion.
3. David Eigenberg (Lieutenant Christopher Herrmann)
No character better embodies the working-class soul of the CFD than Christopher Herrmann. As the veteran lieutenant and co-owner of Molly’s, David Eigenberg provides the vital comedic timing and gruff, paternal mentorship that defines the firehouse family. His presence anchors the Engine Company and acts as the bridge to the show’s earliest seasons. After a recent storyline that saw him grapple with his demotion, Eigenberg’s confirmed return ensures Herrmann remains the warm, familiar, and sometimes frustrating heart of the entire crew, guaranteeing Firehouse 51 retains its unique brand of camaraderie.
The renewal of these contracts successfully stabilizes the leadership core of Chicago Fire and decisively ends speculation about any major character exits in the immediate future, giving the writers a green light for ambitious, long-term storytelling.
The One Chicago Continuity Sweep
The secure future of Chicago Fire is mirrored across the entire One Chicago family. For the upcoming season, every remaining principal lead is confirmed to return, creating a rare moment of across-the-board stability for the entire shared universe.
Chicago P.D.: Holding the Line
Chicago P.D., known for its grit and intense character studies, had recently navigated the departures of key players like Jesse Lee Soffer (Jay Halstead). Now, the stability of the Intelligence Unit is guaranteed.
- Jason Beghe (Sergeant Hank Voight): The show’s unwavering, if morally ambiguous, anchor remains at the helm of Intelligence.
- Marina Squerciati (Officer Kim Burgess): Confirmed to return, securing one-half of the beloved “Burzek” relationship.
- Patrick John Flueger (Officer Adam Ruzek): His return is key following his dramatic recovery, cementing the unit’s core personnel.
- LaRoyce Hawkins (Officer Kevin Atwater) and Amy Morton (Desk Sergeant Trudy Platt): Their foundational presence ensures the team structure is sound.
Chicago Med: Vital Sign Stable
Despite recent seasons being plagued by a revolving door of doctors, Chicago Med has also secured its essential personnel. The stability of the Emergency Department is now firmly established, allowing the show to focus on medical drama rather than character attrition.
- S. Epatha Merkerson (Sharon Goodwin): The authoritative head of the hospital and the show’s moral center.
- Oliver Platt (Dr. Daniel Charles): The crucial voice of psychiatric expertise and continuity.
- Marlyne Barrett (Maggie Lockwood): The heart of the ED, confirmed to return, providing emotional stability.
- Nick Gehlfuss (Dr. Will Halstead): Though his character has been through many tumultuous arcs, his presence as one of the show’s primary doctors remains vital.
This widespread continuity gives the One Chicago franchise maximum freedom to execute future crossover events, knowing that all main characters will be available to participate, something fans always demand.
The Strategic Importance of Stability in a Long-Running Franchise
For a veteran franchise like One Chicago, which is well into its second decade on television, contract renewals are more than just formalities; they are strategic decisions with massive financial and creative implications.
1. Investing in Established Fan Loyalty
The core strength of the franchise lies in its character relationships. Fans tune in week after week not just for the fires or the crimes, but to watch Severide and Kidd’s marriage, Herrmann and Mouch’s banter, or Voight’s protection of his unit. By securing the returns of the top talent, NBC is investing in the proven emotional connection the audience has with these actors. This guarantees the show retains its loyal viewership and maximizes value for advertisers.
2. Creative Freedom for Showrunners
When showrunners and writers know precisely which characters will be available, they can confidently plan season-long story arcs and cliffhangers. The recent cast stability allows the creative teams to focus on complex, multi-layered storytelling—like Severide and Kidd’s next steps as a married couple, or Herrmann’s new dynamic at Engine 51—without the constant looming threat of having to hastily write out a major character. This leads to better, more cohesive television.
3. Economic and Production Efficiency
Recasting a lead role is costly and disruptive, requiring significant investment in screen tests, contract negotiations, and the marketing of a new face. By retaining established leads, the production streamlines its budget and avoids the risk of introducing new characters who may not resonate with the audience. In a competitive television landscape, efficiency and stability are huge strategic advantages.
In conclusion, the mass return of the One Chicago leads, particularly the successful negotiation of the Chicago Fire trio, marks a triumphant moment for the franchise. It reassures the dedicated fanbase, provides essential creative stability, and firmly establishes the long-term future of the three most successful procedural dramas on television. The fire remains lit, the sirens are wailing, and the entire team is ready for the next shift.
