After a five-year hiatus, the highly anticipated One Chicago crossover event is making a thrilling return in early 2025. NBC recently unveiled details about this epic television event that will unite characters from Chicago Fire, Chicago Med, and Chicago P.D. for what is promised to be “essentially a three-hour action movie.” Here’s everything you need to know to prepare for the drama, action, and emotional stakes of this massive TV moment.
What Is the Next One Chicago Crossover About?
NBC confirmed the return of the One Chicago crossover in December 2024, marking the first major event of its kind since October 2019. The storyline centers on a catastrophic gas explosion in a high-rise building, triggering a massive rescue effort by Chicago’s first responders. According to NBC’s press release:
“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.”
The stakes couldn’t be higher as the ripple effects of this disaster impact Firehouse 51, the Intelligence Unit, and Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. While NBC has yet to confirm which “two of their own” are trapped, fans are speculating based on unresolved storylines from the midseason finales of each show.
Where Each One Chicago Show Left Off
As One Chicago gears up for its crossover event, here’s a quick look at the key cliffhangers from each series:
- Chicago Fire: Firehouse 51 is in turmoil as the new Fire Department Chief, Dom Pascal, struggles to balance work and a crumbling marriage. Meanwhile, Joe Cruz discovers a bullet in his locker, tied to a gang with personal vendettas against him. Mouch and Herrmann eagerly await the results of their promotional exams.
- Chicago Med: The Gaffney Chicago Medical Center was left reeling as Director Goodwin faced a life-threatening encounter. After identifying her stalker as Cassidy, the vengeful wife of a patient she couldn’t save, Goodwin was held hostage at knifepoint while Dr. Archer witnessed the attack.
- Chicago P.D.: Officer Dante Torres is grappling with the death of his lover, Gloria Perez, who was killed in a shootout after returning to the drug trade. Torres now faces scrutiny from his colleagues and Chief Charlie Reid, who has been aware of Torres and Perez’s relationship all along.
When and How to Watch
The One Chicago crossover will air on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, kicking off at 8/7 Central. In a departure from the usual lineup, the night will begin with Chicago Fire, followed by Chicago Med at 9/8 Central, and concluding with Chicago P.D. at 10/9 Central. For those who miss the live broadcast, the episodes will be available to stream on Peacock the next day.
What Makes This Crossover Unique?
Producer Anastasia Puglisi described the upcoming event as an “incredibly ambitious task” akin to producing a blockbuster action film. Coordinating the writers, casts, and crews of three shows, along with support from the city of Chicago, creates a monumental challenge that promises cinematic storytelling on television.
The event draws inspiration from disaster films like The Towering Inferno, combining high-octane action with emotionally charged character arcs. With unresolved storylines converging and lives hanging in the balance, fans can expect a night of edge-of-your-seat drama and unforgettable moments.
