After more than a five-year crossover drought, the threeOne Chicagoshows —Chicago Fire, Chicago PD,andChicago Med— will unite once again during the 2024–2025 TV season,and it couldn’t have come at a better time for all three series.TheOne Chicagouniversedebuted withChicago Firein 2012, and following its instant success, NBC quickly put together a franchise. Since the premiere ofChicago PD(and later the debut ofChicago Med), the three shows have crossed over on multiple occasions, whether it’s for a big event or a quick cameo.
According toTVLine, the creative minds behind theOne Chicagofranchise are developing a one-night, three-episode crossover event involvingChicago Med, Chicago Fire,andChicago PD. A date has not been announced as of the writing of this article, but a plotline has. Thestory for the firstOne Chicagocrossover in five yearswill begin withan office building explosion that sends the entire city into chaos.The firefighters, police officers, doctors, and other first responders will have to come together to save lives and discover who’s responsible.
Why Hasn’t A 3-Show One Chicago Crossover Happened Since 2019?
COVID-19 Was A Big Factor
With more than 680 episodes and 26 seasons under its belt,theOne Chicagofranchiseis undoubtedly one of the most successful ones on network TV. So, it makes sense why NBC would want to take full advantage of its power and release crossovers. However,following “Infection” in October 2019,Chicago Fire, Chicago PD,andChicago Medhaven’t had a three-part crossoverevent. There are many reasons for this five-year hiatus, but most of them circle back to the COVID-19 pandemic.
TheOne Chicagocharacters from different TV shows couldn’t interact, and every series did its own thing for a while.
COVID-19 shut down almost all film and TV productions in the spring of 2020. When they were able to come back, most casts and crews had to follow certain protocols to ensure everyone’s safety. Unfortunately, these restrictions meant that a three-part crossover betweenChicago Fire, Chicago PD,andChicago Medwasn’t logical. So, bringing the three shows together was pushed to the back-burner. TheOne Chicagocharacters from different TV showscouldn’t interact, and every series did its own thing for a while. Plus,the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes in 2023 further delayed any potential plans for crossovers.
Sam Carver’s Tragedy In Chicago Fire Season 13 Is The Best Thing To Happen To Him
Sam Carver is going through it in Chicago Fire season 13 on NBC, but his missteps are the best thing for his character in the long run.
Why One Chicago Needs Its 3-Show Crossover
Crossovers Have Become A Cornerstone Of The NBC Franchise
It makes sense why it has been five years since the last bigOne Chicagocrossover. However, that doesn’t make the frustration from the lack of them go away. It’s exciting for fans to see their favorite characters from different TV series interact with one another and work together in one major story. Before COVID-19,crossovers were a significant part of the franchise,and it hasn’t felt right ever sinceOne Chicagoentered this drought. Sure,the casts ofChicago Fire, Chicago PD,andChicago Medcan survive (not exactly thrive) on their own, but the shows undoubtedly benefit from crossovers.
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It goes without saying that the quality of each series has decreased in the past few years. They haven’t been unwatchable. However,Chicago Fire, Chicago PD,andChicago Medhave all experienced heartbreaking cast exitsand frustrating/repetitive/tedious storylines. Consequently,One Chicagoneeds a crossover now more than ever, and, thankfully, prayers have been answered.
One Chicago
Developed by Derek Haas and Michael Brandt, One Chicago is a multi-series television franchise that combines various public service/government organizations in Chicago, Illinois. Each series shares a timeline and universe, with multiple characters crossing over occasionally. The One Chicago universe began with Chicago Fire in 2012, with P.D., Med, and Justice comprising the remainder of one of NBC’s most successful primetime franchises.
