Fans of NBC’s Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med were eagerly tuning in for new episodes this week, only to find that their favorite shows were missing from the schedule. While cliffhangers were recently resolved, and storylines ramped up with compelling developments—like Joe Cruz’s struggles on Chicago Fire or Sharon Goodwin’s fate on Chicago Med—the anticipated return of fresh episodes was unexpectedly delayed.
But what caused the sudden pause in programming? Here’s the real reason behind the One Chicago lineup’s brief hiatus and what it means for the shows’ highly anticipated crossover event.
Why Were Chicago Fire, P.D., and Med Pulled from the Schedule?
The unexpected preemption of One Chicago on January 15 was not due to natural disasters, like the Los Angeles wildfires, as some viewers speculated. Instead, NBC decided to prioritize the broadcast of President Joe Biden’s farewell speech.
Set to air at 8:00 p.m. ET—right in the middle of One Chicago’s usual programming—the speech created a scheduling conflict. NBC opted not to delay the three-hour block by fifteen minutes. Instead, they chose to air reruns from all three shows’ current seasons.
Here’s how the rerun schedule unfolded:
- Chicago Med: Season 10, Episode 3
- Chicago Fire: Season 13, Episode 3
- Chicago P.D.: Season 12, Episode 3
This shift means new episodes, initially slated for January 15, will now air on January 22.
How Does This Impact the One Chicago Crossover Event?
The scheduling change raised concerns about the upcoming three-show crossover event, initially set for January 29. Fortunately, NBC has confirmed that the crossover will remain on its original date.
It appears NBC adjusted the hiatus to this week rather than next to accommodate both President Biden’s speech and the crossover. Fans can rest assured that the long-awaited crossover, titled “In the Trenches: Part 1, 2 & 3,” will air without any further delays.
What to Expect from the Upcoming Episodes and Crossover
The episodes initially scheduled for January 15 were Episode 10 for all three shows:
- Chicago Med: “Broken Hearts”
- Chicago Fire: “Chaos Theory”
- Chicago P.D.: “Zoe”
These will now premiere on January 22, leading directly into the crossover the following week.
In a slight shift for the event, Chicago Fire will air first, followed by Chicago Med, and concluding with Chicago P.D.. This departure from the usual sequence underscores the critical role firefighters will play in the crossover’s high-stakes narrative.
NBC’s official synopsis for the event teases a thrilling and emotional ride:
“When a gas explosion rocks a high-rise, Chicago’s first responders come out in force to rescue hundreds of civilians. It’s the calamity beneath the surface, however, that sends our heroes on a race to save 40 people trapped deep underground, including two of their own.”
While the network hasn’t revealed which characters will face peril, Chicago Fire kicking off the event suggests some of Firehouse 51’s finest may be in grave danger.
One Chicago’s Resilience Through Change
Though delays and schedule changes can be frustrating, One Chicago’s return on January 22 promises to deliver the drama and excitement fans have come to expect. The anticipation for the crossover remains high, with viewers eager to see their favorite characters join forces to tackle the intense challenges ahead.
