In a significant development for fans of NBC’s “Chicago Med,” the show has confirmed the return of its three remaining original stars for the upcoming tenth season. S. Epatha Merkerson, Oliver Platt, and Marlyne Barrett have all signed new deals to continue their roles in the long-running medical drama, extending their tenure to a full decade.
Merkerson will reprise her role as Sharon Goodwin, the chief administrator of Gaffney Chicago Medical Center. Platt is set to continue as Dr. Daniel Charles, chief of the psychiatry department, while Barrett will return as Maggie Lockwood, the charge nurse of the emergency department.
This news comes as a reassuring sign of stability for the show, which is undergoing significant changes behind the scenes. Longtime showrunners Diane Frolov and Andy Schneider are stepping down after nine years at the helm, with Allen MacDonald taking over the reins for Season 10.
The retention of these core cast members is particularly crucial following the recent announcement of Dominic Rains’ departure from the series after five seasons as Dr. Crockett Marcel. The fates of other main cast members, including Steven Webber (Dr. Dean Archer) and Jessy Schram (Dr. Hannah Asher), remain unclear at this time.
“Chicago Med” executive producer Dick Wolf expressed satisfaction with the deal, emphasizing the importance of maintaining continuity in the show’s ensemble. “These three actors have been integral to the success of ‘Chicago Med’ since day one,” Wolf stated. “Their characters are the heart and soul of the series, and we’re thrilled to have them on board as we enter our tenth season.”
The series, part of NBC’s popular “One Chicago” franchise, continues to be a strong performer for the network. It follows the day-to-day chaos of Chicago’s newest state-of-the-art trauma center and the lives of the medical professionals who keep it running.
Merkerson, Platt, and Barrett each bring impressive credentials to their roles. Merkerson, whose relationship with Wolf and NBC spans 30 years, is an Emmy, Golden Globe, and SAG Award winner. Platt, currently recurring on FX’s “The Bear,” has received five Emmy nominations throughout his career. Barrett, a fan favorite, has been with the show since its inception.
As “Chicago Med” prepares for its tenth season, fans can look forward to the familiar faces of Goodwin, Charles, and Lockwood guiding them through the dramatic twists and turns of Chicago’s busiest emergency department. The show is expected to return alongside its sister series “Chicago Fire” (Season 13) and “Chicago P.D.” (Season 12) in the upcoming television season.
