The Windy City’s Shakeup: A Comprehensive Look at the One Chicago Fall 2025 Seasons
The wait is finally over, and the highly anticipated return of the One Chicago universe is just around the corner. On October 1, NBC will once again dedicate its entire Wednesday night lineup to the city’s finest, with all-new seasons of Chicago Med (Season 11), Chicago Fire (Season 14), and Chicago P.D. (Season 13). The fall 2025 preview teases a monumental season filled with major character returns, emotional departures, and complicated new relationships that promise to redefine the very fabric of the franchise.
The showrunners are not holding back, launching right into the fallout from last season’s cliffhangers and introducing fresh faces that will shake up the status quo. From a dramatic paternity reveal to a professional unit on the verge of collapse, here’s a detailed breakdown of what’s to come.
Chicago Med: A Tense Paternity Mystery and a Major Return
Chicago Med is kicking off its 11th season with the biggest personal mystery it’s had in years: the identity of Dr. Hannah Asher’s baby’s father. The season 10 finale left viewers on the edge of their seats, and the new trailer confirms the drama will be front and center. The prime suspects are Dr. Mitch Ripley, Asher’s ex, and Dr. Dean Archer, a close colleague. The premiere is set to dive directly into this “very complicated” situation.
However, the biggest news from Gaffney Chicago Medical Center is the mix of both a major return and a difficult exit.
First, the exits: Beloved original cast member Marlyne Barrett, who has portrayed Charge Nurse Maggie Lockwood for ten seasons, will be taking a leave of absence for personal reasons. Maggie has been the heart and soul of the emergency department, a rock for her colleagues and a fierce patient advocate. Her departure will leave a significant void in the hospital’s day-to-day operations and a gaping hole in the emotional fabric of the show.
Now, for the returns: Fans of Dr. Will Halstead, played by Nick Gehlfuss, can rejoice. It has been confirmed that Gehlfuss will reprise his role in a special guest arc. Halstead’s departure in season 8 left many questions unanswered, and his return promises to bring a fresh perspective to the hospital’s current crises. His comeback is a testament to the show’s commitment to its long-term storytelling and its deep respect for its core characters.
Chicago P.D.: A Fractured Team and a Fresh Face
The Intelligence Unit is not in a good place. Chicago P.D.‘s 13th season will pick up on the devastating cliffhanger from the season 12 finale, which saw the entire unit shut down and its members reassigned. The trailer shows the team struggling to navigate this new, uncertain reality. Sergeant Hank Voight (Jason Beghe) is on a mission to get his team’s badges back, but the emotional and professional toll is evident.
The show will introduce a new character, Officer Eva Imani, played by Arienne Mandi. Imani is described as a former military contractor who thrives in dangerous situations, a “fearless outsider” who keeps her cards close to her chest. She is a new addition to the Intelligence Unit, and her presence will undoubtedly create new dynamics and challenges for a group that is already on shaky ground. As one character puts it in the trailer, the team, formerly known for its close-knit dynamic, now has “a real Brady Bunch vibe,” a clear indication of their fragmented state.
The season will be a test of the team’s resilience and a battle for their professional identity. With Voight’s grim warning that there will be “consequences to my team being benched: lives lost,” the stakes are higher than ever.
Chicago Fire: New Beginnings and Shocking Goodbyes
Firehouse 51 is a place of constant change, and the 14th season of Chicago Fire is no different. The fall preview confirms a mix of both joyful new beginnings and heartbreaking exits.
The most exciting news for fans is the confirmation of Stella Kidd’s and Kelly Severide’s pregnancy. After a long journey and a rollercoaster of a relationship, the couple, affectionately known as “Stellaride,” will embark on a new chapter of parenthood. This development promises to add a new layer of personal stakes to the high-pressure world of firefighting.
However, the firehouse is also facing significant changes. The season will see the departure of two beloved members: Daniel Kyri as Darren Ritter and Jake Lockett as Sam Carver. Both actors are leaving the series, and their exits will be addressed in the early episodes. This leaves a significant hole in the roster of Truck 81 and will force the team to re-evaluate their dynamic.
In their place, the show will introduce a new firefighter, Sal Vasquez, played by Brandon Larracuente. Vasquez is a character with a rich, and somewhat buried, family history in the world of first responders. His arrival promises to be a “real challenge” for Lieutenant Kidd and the rest of the crew as they try to get to know this “seemingly unknowable” new guy.
Furthermore, the new season will continue to explore the tense relationship between Chief Dom Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) and City Hall, particularly with the arrival of a new, politically powerful character played by Annabeth Gish. This storyline will directly address the real-world issue of budget cuts affecting fire departments, adding a layer of authenticity and high-stakes drama to the show’s core narrative.
A Universe in Flux
The fall 2025 preview for the One Chicago universe is a clear statement: this is a season of unprecedented change. The shows are not afraid to shake up their core casts, introduce new and complicated characters, and tackle timely, relevant issues. The result is a promise of a new era for the franchise, one that is less reliant on its past and more focused on building a new future.
For fans, the journey will be a mix of emotions. The excitement of new beginnings for Stellaride and the return of a fan-favorite character on Med will be tempered by the sadness of saying goodbye to long-standing cast members. The professional struggles of the Intelligence Unit and the new political pressures on Firehouse 51 will add a sense of real-world urgency to the weekly cases.
Ultimately, this season promises to be a testament to the resilience of the characters and the enduring strength of the One Chicago brand. It’s a reminder that even in the face of immense change, the heroes of the Windy City will always have each other’s backs.
