The world of the One Chicago franchise—comprising Chicago Fire, Chicago P.D., and Chicago Med—is built on the concept of high-stakes, seamless crossovers. On-screen, Lieutenants, Detectives, and Doctors frequently brush shoulders during massive city-wide crises. Off-screen, however, the actors who play these beloved characters share a bond that is just as strong and far more delightful: a true, genuine friendship that often blossoms into the cutest of real-life “crossover” events.
A recent “Ladies Day Out” featuring some of the most influential female stars of the franchise took the internet by storm, offering a sweet glimpse into the tight-knit community that exists behind the scenes at Cinespace Chicago Film Studios. The casual lunch date, affectionately documented on social media, included Chicago Fire’s Miranda Rae Mayo (Lieutenant Stella Kidd), Chicago P.D.’s Marina Squerciati (Officer Kim Burgess), and former P.D. star Tracy Spiridakos (Detective Hailey Upton).
This beautiful display of solidarity and camaraderie didn’t just delight fans; it reinforced the genuine, supportive structure that anchors the long-running success of the entire One Chicago universe.
🔥 The Cast: Kidd, Burgess, and Upton Reunited
The star power alone of this particular gathering confirmed its viral potential. These three actresses represent the emotional and professional backbone of the franchise’s ongoing narrative.
The Firehouse and the Force
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Miranda Rae Mayo (Stella Kidd): As Lieutenant of Truck 81 and co-founder of the Girls on Fire program, Kidd represents empowerment and professional ambition on Chicago Fire. Her relationship with her husband, Severide, and her role as a leader make her a central figure in the Firehouse 51 family.
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Marina Squerciati (Kim Burgess): On Chicago P.D., Burgess is the compassionate heart of the Intelligence Unit, balancing motherhood with the high-stakes demands of a detective. Her journey from patrol officer to a trusted unit member resonates deeply with fans.
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Tracy Spiridakos (Hailey Upton): Although Upton recently departed Chicago P.D., her reunion with her former colleagues highlighted the lasting bonds forged over years of filming. Upton’s tough, driven persona was a fan favorite, and her off-screen friendship with Squerciati (Burgess) is legendary.
The image shared—a selfie featuring the three actresses smiling and relaxed—was a perfect, lighthearted contrast to the often grim and stressful situations their on-screen counterparts face.
🤝 The Real-Life Crossover Magic
While on-screen crossovers are carefully scripted and often involve massive, destructive events, these real-life gatherings are rooted in shared experience and mutual respect.
The Shared Experience of One Chicago
Working on a demanding procedural like the One Chicago shows involves a rigorous, year-round shooting schedule in the often brutal Chicago weather. This shared commitment to the same production schedule and location creates a unique bond:
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Mutual Support: The actresses often discuss the challenges of balancing the long hours with personal life. These “Ladies Days Out” are vital opportunities to decompress, share advice, and offer mutual encouragement—especially for stars like Squerciati who have navigated motherhood during the show’s run.
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Franchise Unity: These gatherings break down the subtle, divisional barriers that exist between the sets. They confirm that despite the “Fire” vs. “P.D.” divide on television, the community is truly one large, supportive family. An emergency may take Burgess to Firehouse 51, but friendship takes her to lunch with Stella Kidd.
The Fan Connection
For the One Chicago fandom, these images are powerful because they validate the deep, familial feelings the audience has invested in the characters. Seeing the actresses interact off-screen reinforces the idea of a stable, happy production environment, which is reassuring, particularly when facing high-stakes cliffhangers or character departures (like Upton’s exit).
🏡 The Importance of the Core Female Characters
The three actresses who gathered are not secondary players; they are central figures whose storylines have defined the franchise’s direction over the last few seasons.
Leadership and Mentorship
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Kidd’s Ambition: Stella Kidd’s arc has focused heavily on her transition into a leadership role as Lieutenant. She represents the new generation of female leadership within the CFD, balancing her personal life with the heavy demands of command.
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Burgess’s Resilience: Kim Burgess’s storyline has been one of immense personal growth and resilience—from surviving severe trauma to adopting her daughter, Makayla. She exemplifies emotional strength in the face of impossible odds.
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Upton’s Integrity: While gone, Upton’s time on P.D. was defined by her fiercely protective nature and her struggle with moral lines, making her one of the most complex female detectives on TV.
Their off-screen friendship symbolizes the powerful female alliances that the One Chicago shows have successfully fostered, providing strong role models for professional women in demanding fields. The idea that these women support each other in real life only strengthens their on-screen narratives.
🔑 Conclusion: More Than Just Colleagues
The real-life “crossover” featuring Miranda Rae Mayo, Marina Squerciati, and Tracy Spiridakos proves that the warmth and camaraderie felt at Firehouse 51 and the Intelligence Unit extend far beyond the script.
This “Ladies Day Out” was more than just a casual lunch; it was a potent reminder of the genuine friendships that form the bedrock of the entire One Chicago success story. In a franchise defined by its high-intensity drama and emotional weight, these moments of authentic, unscripted connection are golden. They offer fans a comforting glimpse behind the curtain, confirming that the actors are truly colleagues, friends, and a supportive family—a real-life unity that continues to fuel the ongoing, powerful narrative of Chicago’s finest.
