NBC Renews One Chicago Franchise for 2026-27 Season

NBC has officially renewed its popular One Chicago franchise, which includes *Chicago Fire*, *Chicago P.D.*, and *Chicago Med*, for the 2026-27 television season. This renewal marks the continuation of the franchise, with *Chicago Fire* returning for its 15th season, *Chicago P.D.* for its 14th, and *Chicago Med* for its 12th season. All three series are set to air on NBC's Wednesday night lineup, where they have consistently performed well.

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The One Chicago franchise, created by Dick Wolf and produced by Universal Television in association with Wolf Entertainment, has been a staple of NBC's programming for over a decade. The series focus on the lives of first responders in Chicago, showcasing the challenges faced by firefighters, police officers, and medical personnel. The recent renewal follows a successful crossover event on March 4, which saw all three shows achieve season highs in viewership.

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The crossover event not only boosted ratings but also highlighted the interconnectedness of the series, as characters from each show interacted. This event reportedly increased social video views by 75% compared to the previous year's crossover. The success of this event likely influenced NBC's decision to renew the series earlier than in previous years, where budget discussions had delayed renewals.

'Chicago Med,' 'Fire' and 'P.D.' Renewed — Which NBC Shows Could Be Canceled?

NBC has characterized the One Chicago franchise as “the most dominant scripted franchise across all of television.” The network's early renewal decision suggests confidence in the franchise's continued popularity and performance. Additionally, the network is expected to finalize the number of episodes for the upcoming season, which remains undetermined at this time.

'Chicago Med,' 'Fire' and 'P.D.' Renewed — Which NBC Shows Could Be Canceled?

Despite the positive outlook, there are concerns regarding potential budget cuts that previously affected the series. Last season, the number of episodes for each show was reduced from 22 to 21, and several cast members departed. As the franchise moves forward, securing veteran cast members, such as *Chicago Med* lead S. Epatha Merkerson, will be crucial to maintaining the series' integrity and viewer engagement.

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Looking ahead, the One Chicago franchise will continue to navigate contract negotiations with its cast members, as several contracts are up for renewal. The network's upfront presentation to TV ad buyers in May will also provide further insights into NBC's strategic direction for its scripted programming, including the future of the One Chicago series.

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• “the most dominant scripted franchise across all of television” — NBC Official Statement

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• “Watch on Deadline If the early pickup is any indication, the trims may not be as substantial this year.” — Industry Analyst

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The renewal of the One Chicago series underscores NBC's commitment to its successful programming and the franchise's enduring appeal among audiences.

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