Actually, the wait is already over! One Chicago officially returned this week on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, marking the end of an unusually long winter hiatus that began back in mid-November.
After a nearly two-month break, NBC has reopened its Wednesday night “Night of Power” with all-new episodes that immediately jump back into the heart-pounding cliffhangers from the fall finales.
Wednesday Night Lineup (January 2026)
The schedule remains the same gold standard for NBC, running back-to-back stories of the city’s heroes:
| Show | Time (ET) | Current Season | Episode |
| Chicago Med | 8:00 PM | Season 11 | Episode 8: “Triple Threat” |
| Chicago Fire | 9:00 PM | Season 14 | Episode 8: “A Man Possessed” |
| Chicago P.D. | 10:00 PM | Season 13 | Episode 8: “Born Screaming” |
What to Expect in the Winter Premiere
The midseason return is picking up the pieces from several major plot threads:
Chicago Med: Crisis in the Dark
The team is dealing with the fallout from the massive power outage that rocked the hospital in the finale. Dr. Archer (Steven Weber) is facing new personal complications, while Dr. Lenox (Sarah Ramos) finds herself in a precarious situation that could have lasting consequences for her career at Gaffney.
Chicago Fire: Severide’s New Mission
Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney) is back in “fire cop” mode. After an act of arson strikes dangerously close to the Firehouse 51 family, Severide goes on a relentless hunt for the perpetrator. Meanwhile, Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney) and Mouch (Christian Stolte) are forced to get creative as looming budget cuts threaten the firehouse’s stability.
Chicago P.D.: Born Screaming
Intelligence is back on the streets of Chicago with an episode that promises to be one of the grittiest of the season. Following the emotional cliffhangers regarding Voight’s leadership and the team’s internal trust, “Born Screaming” sets a dark tone for the winter run.
A Tight Window for Fans
If you are planning your “Night of Power” viewing parties, keep in mind that the winter run will be fast and furious this year. Because NBC is the home of the 2026 Winter Olympics (beginning February 6), the One Chicago shows are expected to air new episodes weekly throughout January before taking another break for the games.
Note for Cord-Cutters: If you missed the live broadcast on January 7, all three premieres are currently available to stream on Peacock.
