The flames are still burning and the badges are still flashing, but not without a few bumps in the road. As NBC officially renewed its powerhouse trio—Chicago Med, Chicago Fire, and Chicago P.D.—fans of Dick Wolf’s iconic One Chicago universe are celebrating and side-eyeing all at once. Why? The answer lies in two words: budget cuts.
🔥 Still Smokin’: Streaming Numbers Soar
Despite the rumblings over creative changes and contract drama, Chicago Fire and Chicago P.D. are seeing a massive uptick in streaming numbers, proving just how loyal the fanbase truly is. From Netflix queues to Peacock binge sessions, audiences are diving back into the Windy City chaos, perhaps preparing for what’s expected to be a rollercoaster next season.
🚔 A Shaky Finish for ‘Chicago P.D.’ Season 12
Chicago P.D. wrapped its 12th season with all the gritty Voight-led intensity fans have come to expect. But this time, the finale didn’t quite land the emotional punch it promised. Despite wrapping up the Deputy Chief Reid storyline, many fans were left underwhelmed, especially with a long-hyped moment that didn’t shine as brightly as anticipated.
Still, with Jason Beghe’s Voight continuing to be the moral grey line of the series, and with Intelligence fractured but not broken, Season 13 is poised to explore a team reevaluating its very mission. “I think a lot of them are going to be looking at the job differently,” teased showrunner Gwen Sigan. Especially for Burgess, who walked a fine line between loyalty and risk in the finale.
🚒 What’s Next for Firehouse 51?
The heat is on—literally and figuratively—in Chicago Fire as the beloved firehouse faces major internal shakeups. With Alberto Rosende (Gallo) and Rome Flynn (Lockett) exiting and whispers of Christian Stolte (Mouch) and David Eigenberg (Herrmann) facing forced retirement, the cast is bracing for major transformation.
Showrunner Andrea Newman warns fans to expect big changes in Season 13:
“We’re going to have a lot of turnover and a lot of craziness going on in the CFD from the top… everything’s going to get shaken up next season.”
Expect new recruits, unexpected promotions, and a few teary farewells.
🎭 Behind the Scenes: Contracts & Cuts
While NBC’s renewal announcement sparked joy, it came bundled with a dose of hard reality: cost-cutting mandates across the board. Sources close to production suggest that veteran cast members in both Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire are renegotiating roles that may involve reduced screen time or recurring guest status, a move designed to stretch the show’s longevity without breaking the bank.
But don’t expect these changes to dim the spotlight just yet. If anything, the growing streaming figures suggest that One Chicago is weathering the storm—and its next chapter could be its most unpredictable yet.
💬 Final Alarm
Despite the behind-the-scenes uncertainty, fans are tuning in more than ever, showing that Windy City loyalty runs deep. Whether it’s Voight’s steely glare or Herrmann’s bark-from-the-heart, Chicago P.D. and Chicago Fire continue to be must-watch television—even if the stationhouse is starting to look a little different.
One thing’s for sure: the drama isn’t slowing down. And neither are the fans.
